Honoring Dr. Mark Cantrell: Bolivia Projects

Honor Mark’s memory by delivering healthcare in Bolivia. Donate here and select “Bolivia” with My gift is in memory of: Mark Cantrell

In August 2026, the Global Links community suffered an immense loss. Dr. Mark Cantrell—a visionary public health diplomat, dedicated partner, and cherished member of our extended family—tragically lost his life during the catastrophic floods and mudslides in Nepal.

Mark dedicated his life to a fundamental truth: everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, no matter where they live. From his leadership with PAHO/WHO and USAID to his academic work at the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University and collaborative maternal health projects with Global Links in Nicaragua, Mark championed the most vulnerable populations with humility, rigor, and vision.

He was preparing to return to Bolivia to continue this mission. Today, we ensure his work moves forward. To honor his legacy, Global Links is establishing the Mark Cantrell Memorial Health Resilience Initiative in Bolivia. Led on the ground by Mark’s widow, Karina Zelaya—our Bolivia team leader since 2012—this initiative directly equips remote, indigenous communities facing severe climate emergencies.

Your memorial gift today directly funds these Global Links Bolivia Program projects:
-Mobile Clinical Units: Providing critical primary care to cut-off rural settlements

-Rapid-Deployment Field -Hospitals: Ensuring life-saving triage when floods and landslides isolate Andean and Chiquitania communities

-Local Capacity Building: Equipping indigenous health leaders with the tools and training to build long-term disaster resilience