According to Healthcare Without Harm, U.S. hospitals generate more than two million tons of medical waste each year. Much of that waste is unused medical supplies and equipment. While in the developing world, World Health Organization estimates that more than 10 million children under the age of five die due to inadequate medical care.
So what can be done?
MedShare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving healthcare and the environment through the efficient recovery and redistribution of the surplus of medical supplies and equipment to those most in need. We collect surplus medical supplies and equipment from hospitals, medical distribution companies and individuals, and then redistribute them to qualified healthcare facilities in the developing world. We also outfit medical missions and safety net clinics in both the U.S. and abroad.
Since 2009, many at St. Andrew have volunteered at MedShare and each Sunday we will have sign up sheets available, in the fellowship hall between services, for the months of March through September.
In January, this group sorted 4074 pounds of medical supplies and packed 494 boxes that will end up on shipments to hospitals and clinics all over the globe. The contents of these boxes will make an incredible difference.
Ways to further connect with MedShare include:
• Spread the word about MedShare. If you had a good time, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and write us a review on Yelp.
• Change the world by making a financial contribution towards our work. Each $1 donation helps us ship $7 in aid to hospitals in the developing world!
• Sign up to volunteer as an individual – you’re welcome to join us for a 3-hour morning or afternoon session on a weekday or Saturday. To sign-up as a group e-mail Terry Monday at tmonday@medshare.org to make arrangements.
• Join our e-mail list so that you can stay up on the latest happenings here at MedShare.
We need at least 10 people/session. No medical experience is necessary. Come and join the fun…also a great way to enjoy meeting others at St. Andrew! For more information, contact John Schiller johnschiller@comcast.net, Nancy Schiller neschilleer@comcast.net, Paul or Sally Chiriboga pssonoma@aol.com.
The MedShare Bridge
1 Gathering supplies:
- Gathered more than $83 million worth of life-saving medical supplies and equipment.
- Recieved medical products from hundreds of hospitals and corporations
- Collected over 10,000 pieces of equipment.
2 Matching needs:
- Sorted more than 2,200 tons of medical supplies.
- Provided approximately 1,000 different items per shipment.
- Built volunteer corps exceeding 1,000 per month.
3 Improving healthcare and the environment:
- Shipped more than 650 forty-foot containers to 86 countries.
- Saved in excess of 1 million cubic feet from area landfills
- Provided medical supplies for over 1,500 medical mission teams
Below is a letter received in thanks for volunteering at MedShare on August 27th that includes links on how to get involved or stay connected…
Hello St. Andrews Volunteers,
Thank you all for coming to volunteer at MedShare last Saturday. We greatly appreciate you partnering with MedShare to help provide medical supplies to needy hospitals in 88 countries.
Your group did a great job sorting and packing 156 boxes that will end up on shipments to hospitals and clinics all over the globe. The contents of these boxes will make an incredible difference.
I know that your group really made Tierney’s last day a great one!
Ways to further connect with MedShare include:
• Spread the word about MedShare. If you had a good time, like us on Facebook or write us a review on Yelp.• Sign up to volunteer as an individual – you’re welcome to join us for a 3-hour morning or afternoon session on a Tuesday , Thursday, or Saturday. To sign-up as a group e-mail Terry Monday at tmonday@medshare.org to make arrangements.
• Change the world by making a financial contribution towards our work. Each $1 donation helps us ship $7 in aid to hospitals in the developing world!• Join our e-mail list so that you can stay up on the latest happenings here at MedShare.
We hope to see you again soon.
Many thanks,
Gabby Brandt
Volunteer Coordinator
MedShare Western Region
2937 Alvarado St.
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-567-7070 ext. 106
www.MedShare.org
Bridging the Gap Between Surplus and Need
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