PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc. (HITN) has announced the Spanish-language premiere of Barcos de Esperanza (The Surgery Ship), a compelling eight-part documentary series airing every Monday at 9:00 PM ET/PT exclusively on HITN.
A co-production between HITN, South Florida PBS’s Health Channel, and Mercy Ships, Barcos de Esperanza offers an intimate look into the lives of volunteers aboard Mercy Ships’ floating hospitals in Africa. These ships deliver life-changing surgical care and medical training to underserved communities, showcasing the power of compassion, faith, and global solidarity.
To mark the premiere, HITN partnered with Esperanza, a leading Hispanic nonprofit in Philadelphia, to host an exclusive screening and community discussion at the Esperanza Arts Center. The event featured the first episode in Spanish and brought together local leaders, healthcare advocates, and community members to reflect on the series’ themes of service and healing.
“This series is more than television—it’s a movement,” said Michael D. Nieves, HITN’s President and CEO. “We are proud to bring Barcos de Esperanza to Spanish-speaking audiences and grateful to Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr. and the Esperanza team for helping us launch this powerful story in Philadelphia, a city that embodies the spirit of community and resilience.”
HITN-TV is the leading Spanish-language media company offering educational and cultural programming to over 35 million homes in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Learn more at www.hitn.org and follow @HITNtv.
For Latino communities in the U.S., the series resonates deeply. Many face systemic barriers to healthcare, and Barcos de Esperanza not only highlights global medical missions but also inspires local action. By presenting these stories in Spanish, HITN ensures accessibility and cultural relevance, encouraging viewers to see themselves reflected in the narrative and consider how they can contribute to making a positive change.
“Esperanza is proud to host this event and amplify the message of hope and healing,” said Reverend Luis Cortés, Jr., Founder and CEO of Esperanza. “This series reminds us that each of us has the power to uplift others. It’s a call to action rooted in faith and compassion.”
Caleb Read, VP of Advancement at Mercy Ships, added, “We are honored to partner with HITN to share these stories. Barcos de Esperanza captures the spirit of our volunteers and the transformative impact of our work.”
Mercy Ships operates the world’s largest non-governmental hospital ships, providing free surgeries and medical training in Africa. Learn more at www.mercyships.org.
Event Recap: Barcos de Esperanza Screening at Esperanza Arts Center
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 23
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (Doors at 6:45 PM)
📍 Location: Esperanza Arts Center, 4261 N 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140
🔗 RSVP: tinyurl.com/barcosdeesperanza
Founded in 1986, Esperanza is a $114 million nonprofit serving over 35,000 people annually through education, economic development, and the arts. Visit www.esperanza.us for more.