HITN and Esperanza US to Host Exclusive Screening Event in Philadelphia for Series Chronicling the Life-Changing Work of Mercy Ships

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Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. - HITN is proud to announce the premiere of Barcos de esperanza (The Surgery Ship), airing exclusively in Spanish every Monday at 9:00 PM ET/PT on HITN.

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Barcos de esperanza airing in Spanish Mondays 9:00 PM ET/PT on HITN

A co-presentation by HITN, South Florida PBS's Health Channel, and Mercy Ships, Barcos de esperanza is a captivating eight-part series that chronicles the extraordinary work of volunteers aboard Mercy Ships, a non-profit organization that operates floating hospitals in Africa. The program offers an intimate look at the dedicated doctors, nurses, and support staff who provide essential surgical care and medical training to those in desperate need, offering a renewed sense of hope and a brighter future.

To celebrate the Spanish-language premiere on HITN, the network has partnered with Esperanza, a cornerstone of Philadelphia’s Hispanic community, to host an exclusive screening event. This collaboration highlights HITN’s commitment to bringing stories of service, compassion, and global impact directly to Spanish-speaking audiences. Attendees at the Esperanza Arts Center will view the first episode in Spanish and participate in a discussion about the remarkable humanitarian work featured in the series.

For Spanish-speaking audiences in the U.S., the premiere of Barcos de esperanza carries a special resonance. Latino communities often face barriers to healthcare, and presenting these stories in Spanish makes the mission of Mercy Ships accessible and relatable. The series highlights how empathy, volunteerism, and collective action can drive meaningful change both abroad and at home, showing the profound impact healthcare can have on individuals and communities.

This screening event at Esperanza Arts Center exemplifies HITN’s commitment to connecting with the Hispanic community. By partnering with Esperanza, HITN is extending the series’ message of service and compassion into a tangible community experience. Together, HITN and Esperanza inspire viewers not only to witness transformative humanitarian work but also to consider how they can contribute their time and talents to strengthening their own communities.

"It is with immense pride that we premiere Barcos de esperanza on HITN, a truly remarkable series that celebrates the inspiring work of the people on Mercy Ships and the profound impact of their humanitarian efforts," said Michael D. Nieves, HITN’s President and CEO. “We are profoundly grateful to the Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., for opening the doors of the remarkable Esperanza Arts Center to celebrate this event. Philadelphia is a vital market for HITN, and we are excited to launch this groundbreaking series among such a dynamic, local Hispanic community.”

“Barcos de esperanza reminds us that faith and compassion can change lives. Esperanza is proud to bring that message to our city, as it echoes our own mission of bringing hope to communities in need. This series is more than a story; it is an invitation that calls each of us to ask: How can I use my gifts to bring strength to others?” said Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., Founder and CEO of Esperanza.

"We are honored to partner with HITN to bring these stories of hope and healing to Spanish-speaking audiences," said Caleb Read, VP of Advancement at Mercy Ships. "This series captures the spirit of service that drives our volunteers and shows how people from all over the world unite to create lasting change that extends far beyond our hospital ships."

Event Details

Tuesday, September 23, at 7:00 PM

Esperanza Arts Center (Teatro Esperanza – Ground Floor)

Screening & Q&A: 7:00–8:30 PM

Arrival: Please arrive no later than 6:45 PM.

Address: 4261 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140

GPS Address: 409 W Bristol Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140 (use Esperanza’s main entrance)

Details/RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/barcosdeesperanza

About HITN

HITN-TV is the leading Spanish-language media company that offers educational and cultural programming for the whole family. It reaches more than 35 million homes in the United States and Puerto Rico through DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, AT&T TV, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink, Prism, Altice, Liberty Cable, and Claro (Puerto Rico). Download the HITN GO app available on Apple, Android, Apple TV, and Roku^® with a subscription. For more information, visit www.HITN.org and follow @HITNtv on social platforms.

About Esperanza

Esperanza was founded in 1986 to serve “the least of these” (the underserved and marginalized) and to strengthen Hispanic communities and all who live within them. Over nearly four decades, Esperanza has grown into a $114 million organization with more than 800 employees serving approximately 35,000 people annually through K-14 education, community and economic development, the arts, and social change programs. Esperanza is building an “opportunity community” in Hunting Park – a place marked by decent and affordable housing, increasing prosperity, growing businesses, excellent schools, safe streets, creative spaces, and robust community life, where anyone at any income level can thrive. For more information, visit www.esperanza.us

About Mercy Ships

Mercy Ships operates hospital ships that deliver free surgeries and other healthcare services to those with little access to safe medical care. An international faith-based organization, Mercy Ships has focused entirely on partnering with African nations for the past three decades. Working with in-country partners, Mercy Ships also provides training to local healthcare professionals and supports the construction of in-country medical infrastructure to leave a lasting impact.

Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer professionals from over 60 countries serve on board the world’s two largest non-governmental hospital ships, the Africa Mercy^® and the Global Mercy™. Professionals such as surgeons, dentists, nurses, health trainers, cooks, and engineers dedicate their time and skills to accelerate access to safe surgical and anesthetic care. Mercy Ships was founded in 1978 and has offices in 16 countries as well as an Africa Service Center in Dakar, Senegal.

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HITN Premieres Spanish-Language Debut of “Barcos de esperanza” (Mercy Ships) and Partners with Esperanza US for a Special Screening Event in Philadelphia