'Change can happen.' Vlogbrothers maternal care project pays off. How soap, sock sales help
Indianapolis resident and best-selling author John Green and his brother Hank are making it safer to give birth.
Green on Tuesday announced that a Sierra Leone maternal and infant care center, for which they began fundraising in 2019, is scheduled to open in January.
In 2019, the social media stars pledged $6.5 million to support the building the Maternal Center of Excellence at the Koidu Government Hospital in Sierra Leone's Kono District.
Then, statistics indicated that one of every 17 women in Sierra Leone died in pregnancy or childbirth.
In launching the effort six years ago, Green said, 'systemic long-term problems demand systemic long-term solutions.'
Green announced on the Vlogbrothers YouTube channel Tuesday that the full $20 million needed to break ground on the project had been raised.
'Today … we get to see some of the ways that long-term sustained, open-ended attention and resources can mean long-term change for the better,' he said.
The facility will provide care to up to tens of thousands of people each year and radically reduce maternal and infant mortality in and around the district, Green said.
'The Fault in Our Stars' author Green said the brothers reached their goal with the help of supporters who became monthly donors to the project at pih.org/hankandjohn, others who came together to establish a matching fund, and those who contributed through the purchases of socks and soap at the Greens' online Good Store.
Since the start of the campaign, with efforts by the government and organizations such a Partners in Health (PIH), the maternal mortality rate in Sierra Leone has declined to one in 74, helped by increases in nursing students and residents studying there as the facility became a teaching hospital, as well as more community health workers, Green said.
PIH is an international nonprofit public health organization providing healthcare in the poorest areas of developing countries by building medical facilities and hiring and training local staff. PIH supports Wellbody Clinic and Koidu Government Hospital.
'This is a reminder that when we pay attention to a crisis and focus resources on that crisis, change can happen. The world can get better,' Green said.
Maternal death: A maternity wing closed. One month later, a young mom died when she couldn't get care.
Construction on the Maternal Center of Excellence will be completed in October, and it will open to patients in January 2026, starting with inpatient care before opening up to outpatients.
Most of the funds the Green brothers raised came from their Nerdfighteria fan community, but Green recognized the systematic and financial support of the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Health.
'Sierra Leone is a vastly safer place to give birth than it was in 2019 and while Nerdfighteria certainly isn't the main character of that story, we have played a role,' Green said. 'I think in many ways, we can cite this as the greatest accomplishment in the 18-year history of this strange and lovely little YouTube channel.'
'This teaching facility is going to become a reality, dramatically improving the kind of care available to babies and moms in eastern Sierra Leone,' he said.
Green encouraged continued donations through PIH and Good Store purchases to help maintain the facility.
'It needs to continue being a huge collaboration. We need your ongoing support for the MCO because its funding needs do not end with the completion of the building's construction. This will be a world-class training facility that strengthens and supports Sierra Leone's healthcare workforce.'
John Green: Author connects deadly disease to Stetson hats, svelte figures and weighted vests
Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at cheryl.jackson@indystar.com or 317-444-6264. Follow her on X.com:@cherylvjackson or Bluesky: @cherylvjackson.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: John Green's 'greatest accomplishment' on YouTube will save lives
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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Dealing with thinning hair is extremely lonely at times. When everyone else seems to have luscious, thick hair, finding clumps of hair in your drain at the end of every shower can feel discouraging and trigger the question, 'Why me?' If it helps, it's much more common than you might believe—in fact, more than 50 percent of women encounter hair loss at some point in their lives. Now more than ever, there are a slew of medications and products on the market that can help combat thinning, like the best masks for hair growth and hair growth devices. However, hair growth serums are one of the best ways to make your hair grow faster and thicker. Hair growth serums incorporate active ingredients that encourage hair thickening. 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'They're all rich in antioxidants and can stimulate the scalp, increasing blood flow and promoting healthy growth,' explains trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, Helen Reveay. If minoxidil isn't for you, these formulas can act as an effective alternative. In our search for top options, we spoke to experts, trialed some formulas ourselves, and pored over customer reviews. Below, you can find the result—a list of the 10 best hair growth serums to restore your hair to its former glory. In this top-rated formula, a blend of caffeine and peptides work to boost circulation and promote healthy hair growth. This serum also features anti-inflammatory castor oil and arginine, which one study found helped limit hair loss and encourage hair growth when applied topically with zinc. Priced at just $13, it's also one of the most affordable hair growth serums available. Key ingredients: Caffeine, peptides, castor oil, arginine Hair Type: All Size: 1–2 fl. oz. How to use: Apply a few drops or as needed directly to the scalp. Use daily, ideally at bedtime, on clean, dry hair. Massage in thoroughly and do not rinse. Ulta rating: 4.1/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'I discovered this serum during the height of the pandemic. Hair loss was not new to me, but stress (and possibly a bout of Covid) led to so much shedding that I was seeing more and more of my scalp each day. As my part widened, I purchased the product in a panic, and I thankfully saw immediate results. The day after application, my remaining hair looked more voluminous, camouflaging how much of my scalp was now bare. Within weeks, even my mom noted how many baby hairs had sprouted all over my head. I fully credit this formula with nursing my scalp and hair back to health.' —Carol Lee, associate beauty e-commerce writer Exosomes are one of the buzziest ingredients in the skin care world these days. If you don't know what they are, they're basically molecules that deliver messages to cells, influencing their activity. In this serum, the featured exosomes help strengthen and thicken strands, encourage volume, and trigger hair growth for a thicker and longer mane. The formula also incorporates other ingredients used for hair growth, such as biotin and rosemary leaf extract. Key ingredients: Garlic vesicles, wheat peptide, niacinamide, glycerin, propanediol, rosemary leaf extract, BiotinoylTripeptide-1, panthenol, biotin Size: 2.03 fl. oz. How to use: Apply 1 ml of serum to scalp when hair is damp or dry. Massage into scalp. Do not rinse. Use daily. SickScience rating: 5/5 stars A SickScience reviewer says: 'We are very happy and impressed—the thin hair over the forehead of my husband looks more abundant and nicer!' When it comes to the all-time best hair growth products, few brands are more revered in the space than Rogaine. 'It offers over-the-counter solution and foam formulations with two percent or five percent minoxidil,' says Dr. Green. 'The product's FDA-approval, accessibility, and efficacy backed by clinical research—combined with its high user satisfaction—make it the most popular hair growth serum on the market.' Grab it in a three-month supply on Amazon, complete with free Prime shipping. Key ingredient: Minoxidil Size: 2 fl. oz, pack of 3 bottles How to use: Apply one millimeter two times daily on the scalp where there is hair loss. Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I had extensions put in for my wedding that damaged my hair at the crown and caused severe follicle damage. I've tried vitamins and masks with little success, but this product made a world of difference. My hair is growing back thicker and faster than it did before.' 'My absolute favorite hair growth serum is our Stem Cell serum,' says Reveay. 'It harnesses the power of plant cell culture technology, utilizing two percent Swiss apple stem cells that are clinically proven to promote and extend the hair's natural growth phase while soothing and hydrating the scalp.' Moreover, the formula features aloe vera, bamboo, and pea extract that 'work together to reduce the production of free radicals responsible for the premature aging of hair follicles,' she adds. As an extra perk, a handful of reviewers mention they experienced a boost in volume when using this serum consistently. Key ingredients: Swiss apple stem cells, aloe vera, bamboo, pea extract Size: 2.19 fl. oz. How to use: Apply one to two pipettes on clean, damp, or dry hair along the hairline. Massage into your scalp evenly. Do not rinse. Use daily. Act + Acre rating: 4.7/5 stars An Act + Acre reviewer says: 'This product does what it says. I have been dealing with terrible itchy, flakey, irritated scalp for months and have been trying to improve my hair health to regrow postpartum hair loss. This product has already made an immediate improvement with just a month of use. I will continue to use these and feel the difference!' Reveay calls this another great option, as it 'contains Buddleja Davidii plant stem cells and dynagen, which help to reproduce hair follicle cells at the source and increase the hair's keratin and collagen levels,' she says. According to the haircare brand, the formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and devoid of harsh sulfates and parabens. Key ingredients: Buddleja Davidii plant stem cells, dynagen Size: 3.38 fl. oz. How to use: Apply directly to the scalp on wet or dry hair directly after washing and conditioning. Holistic Chair Tribe rating: 5/5 stars A Holistic Chair Tribe reviewer says: 'After dealing with hair loss for so many years, I was shocked to see results so fast with this amazing products. I totally recommend. I use with the Micro -stimulating hair bath for better results.' 'Saw palmetto is a botanical extract that has been used by Native Americans as medicine for hundreds of years,' says Dr. Green. 'It features antiandrogenic properties that have been shown to improve hair growth in those experiencing androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium (or temporary hair loss caused by stress).' Although commonly found in hair growth serums and supplements, Dr. Green says it's still important to note that 'extensive clinical studies are needed to prove its efficacy and safety in long-term use.' This top-rated formula features saw palmetto and a range of other natural oils, like moringa oil for hydration and rosemary oil to help stimulate hair growth further. Since this product is oil-based, it should be washed out of hair following application. Key ingredients: Saw palmetto, rosemary oil, moringa oil Hair Type: Dry, brittle, thinning Size: 1 fl. oz. How to use: Apply two to three drops to the scalp in affected areas and gently massage in. Leave on overnight or a minimum of 30 minutes before showering. Apply two to four times per week. Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I've tried so many things for hair thinning and shedding throughout the years, but had no significant results after months of use. This is the first product I've used that gives me hope. I just started using this product a few days ago, and I already notice at least a 75 percent reduction in shedding. The hairs at the crown of my head are already feeling thicker, and I had a long-standing sore sensation at the crown of my head that is starting to subside. This stuff is magic! I'm excited about the progress I'll see in a few weeks/months.' When you have naturally fine, thin hair, shedding is the last thing you want added to the equation. But this serum from popular vegan haircare brand Vegamour is made to help. The serum is powered by turmeric and red leaf clover, two anti-inflammatory ingredients that block DHT production that can lead to hair loss. It also contains mung bean, which features copper, which could potentially help enlarge the hair follicle and improve hair growth. In clinical studies, 52 percent of subjects who used this product experienced an increase in the appearance of hair density, while 76 percent saw less hair shedding. Key ingredients: Turmeric, red leaf clover, mung bean How to use: Part dry hair into sections and massage the serum into your scalp for one to two minutes. Leave on your scalp for five to 10 minutes then follow with shampoo and conditioner. Use once a week for best results. Vegamour rating: 4.4/5 stars A Vegamour reviewer says: 'I've gotten compliments from my hairdressers and co-workers after using this for almost two months now, so I know this miracle serum works! My hair is fine and tends to break, and I'm noticing baby fine hair growing back where I had patches. I was seriously contemplating purchasing a wig but decided to try this product first, and I'm glad I did.' Curly-haired girls, unite! Since curly locks tend to be dryer and more prone to breakage, you'll want to look for a hair growth serum that's particularly nourishing. This one from Pura D'or has a range of ingredients—such as apple stem cells, rosemary oil, and biotin—to stimulate the scalp, alongside argan oil and sacha inchi seed oil to deeply hydrate from root to tip and promote shine. Key ingredients: Apple stem cells, rosemary, biotin, argan oil, sacha inchi seed oil Size: 4 fl. oz. How to use: Apply daily on damp or dry hair. Lift hair in sections to spray directly onto scalp, and massage. Do not rinse. An Amazon reviewer says: 'This serum is growing back my edges! I have tried other products with little or no results. This took about three weeks to see progress with hair coming back where there was none. Now my hair line is filling in, and the hair is getting longer and thicker after a couple months of ever day use. The smell is nice and the serum leaves my hair soft with a nice sheen. Have ordered my second bottle don't want to be without this product!' Instead of using minoxidil, this hair serum includes ashwagandha exosomes, which 'can increase cell renewal and protect the scalp from environmental stress,' says Dr. Green. Additionally, it contains antioxidant-rich pea sprouts and green tea to protect against free radicals and sea buckthorn to revive and smooth damaged tresses. 'Daily and consistent use of this serum can help minimize breakage, nourish, and hydrate the scalp to maintain scalp health, and improve hair quality and thickness,' she adds. Key ingredients: Ashwagandha exosomes, green tea, pea extracts Size: 1.7 fl. oz. How to use: Section the hair with the dropper tip and apply the serum directly to your scalp, using enough serum to lightly cover the areas of concern. Massage with your fingertips. Do not rinse. Use daily. Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'This product does what it says. I have been dealing with terrible itchy, flakey, irritated scalp for months and am trying to improve my hair health to regrow postpartum hair loss. These products have already made an immediate improvement with just a month of use.' SpoiledChild's hair growth serum features three hardworking ingredients: biotin to strengthen strands, niacinamide to support hair health, and caffeine to stimulate the scalp. The formula absorbs quickly, so it doesn't leave a gunky residue that you can feel long after application. Reviewers love it for the fast results it provides as well as its ability to noticeably minimize shedding. Key ingredients: Biotin, niacinamide, caffeine How to use: Shake the bottle. Apply 6–8 sprays onto scalp when hair is damp or wet. Massage into skin for about one minute. Do not rinse. Use daily. SpoiledChild rating: 4.4/5 stars A SpoiledChild reviewer says:'I have always had pretty thin hair but noticed it had gotten thinner over the past years to [the] point where I looked like I was balding. It's only been 30 days since using this product, and I do feel like I'm seeing a difference! The back of my head, where it used to just look bald, looks like I have hair growing now, and I actually also have baby hairs coming out in the front.' 'So many factors can contribute to hair loss, such as age, stress levels, diet, illness, hormonal imbalances, or even product buildup,' says Reveay. 'It's key to distinguish what type of hair loss you are experiencing, as methods of treatment and prevention can vary widely. Hair loss transpires three to six months after a trigger has occurred, so think back and ask yourself questions like, 'Were you going through something stressful or experiencing changes in your diet?'' she adds. 'Always consult with your doctor and get blood work done to see what's going on.' While there are many different types of hair loss, Dr. Green says some of the most common include androgenetic alopecia, traction alopecia, telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. For one, consider options with finasteride, says Dr. Green. 'It's an FDA-approved oral medication for hair loss that works by inhibiting the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT—aka the male sex hormone that causes hair loss in both men and women. Recent studies have shown that topical finasteride is just as effective as oral finasteride. A major benefit of topical finasteride is that it is a localized treatment at a lower dosage, which decreases the risk of systemic side effects,' she adds. Also, it's important to steer clear of serums featuring ingredients that 'strip the scalp or act as an abrasive, such as alcohols, fragrances, silicones, or sulfates,' Reveay notes. 'Consistent use of hair growth serums, Rogaine, or topical minoxidil/finasteride is key in hair growth, and the results can take up to four to six months,' says Dr. Green. 'Results typically show the growth of new baby hairs, a decrease in hair shedding, and potential thickening of the hair.''Alternatively, a popular in-office treatment for promoting and maintaining scalp health is HydraFacial Keravive, which stimulates circulation, deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and nourishes the scalp,' adds Dr. Green. Helen Reveay is a hairstylist, certified trichologist, and the founder and creative director of Act+Acre. Dr. Michele Green is board-certified, cosmetic dermatologist based in NYC and the founder of MGSkinLabs. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, writers spoke with numerous trusted hair experts to learn the benefits of hair growth serums.
