The Mary Heersink Institute for Global Health focuses on service beyond national boundaries. The vision is to enable and enhance service capacity building grounded in equity and mutual respect.

UAB is distinguished in its numerous efforts to advance health and wellness, with faculty that has been addressing local and worldwide health challenges and issues of equity and access for a number of years. Interest in global health is growing, and the institute aspires to meet the demand of students, trainees, and faculty seeking access to global health service opportunities.

The institute is ensuring philanthropic outreach to individuals, foundations, and corporations to explore philanthropic opportunities. One of the institute's important goals is to establish a medical referral framework between global partners and UAB, including telehealth and diagnostic support. The institute aims to further current service opportunities, such as developing programs to address cancer care, neonatal and maternal health, and HIV prevention, as well as by promoting collaboration with partners for new opportunities.