In a new op-ed published in the Sunday edition of the Montgomery Advertiser, Dr. Randy Brinson draws on his firsthand experience in Venezuela to make a moral case for American humanitarian engagement with the children and families caught in the country's ongoing crisis.
Writing from his 2019 visit to Caracas, Valencia, and Barquisimeto — where he delivered toys, antibiotics, and first aid supplies to thousands of families — Dr. Brinson describes the heartbreaking reality of children begging for food just steps away from festive holiday celebrations.
Six years later, he argues, little has changed for millions of impoverished Venezuelan families. Recent events have created urgent new medical needs, including hundreds of burn victims and the destruction of medical warehouses containing dialysis equipment for thousands of patients.
A Call for Action
Dr. Brinson outlines a comprehensive plan for U.S. engagement, calling for humanitarian organizations like the World Food Program, World Vision, and Samaritan's Purse to partner with Venezuela's evangelical churches — which he describes as among the fastest growing and most trusted institutions in the country — to create food distribution networks.
He also advocates for visible American presence as healthcare providers, economic advisors, engineers, and agricultural experts, along with meaningful political reforms to prepare Venezuela for credible elections and a free future.
"These initiatives must be part of a comprehensive plan that allows Venezuela to experience a free and vibrant future. If we fail, the children of Venezuela will endure even more hardships and starvation."