World Dental Relief (WDR) P.O. Box 747 Broken Arrow, OK 74013-0747 Phone: 918-251-2612 Fax: 918-251-6326 E-mail: dentalreliefinc@aol.com Web: www.dentalrelief.com "Dental disease is the most rampant disease in the world, affecting 95% of the earth's population," WDR notes. Donated dental supplies are sent to their warehouse, and licensed professionals can get them for 15% of value for use in overseas mission activities. They also sell new portable equipment designed for remote areas. The founder, Dr. Ron Lamb, wrote a book about providing dental services in challenging overseas circumstances; you can order it. They have schedules of Christian dental mission trips to several overseas locations |
Dr. Joe Pinto Office: Suite 1025 1880 Valley Farm Road Pickering, ON (Ontario) L1V6B3 Phone: 905-837-9992 Fax: 905-837-9644 E-mail: dr.ejoepinto@sympatico.ca Originally from Goa, India, Dr. Pinto developed an inexpensive ($55.00) leg prosthesis designed to help thousands of Third World people walk more effectively. |
MAP International P.O. Box 215000 Brunswick, GA 31521 Phone: 800-225-8550 Fax: 912-265-6170 E-mail: map@map.org Web: www.map.org Under its original name (Medical Assistance Programs), this Christian organization began serving in 1954. Quoting from its excellent website, MAP is "one of the world's largest providers of medicines and supplies to mission hospitals, clinics, refugee centers and physicians serving the health needs of the world's poorest communities." In 2001, they distributed $128 million worth of donated or especially purchased low priced medicines and supplies throughout the world. Many physicians who have gone on short-term trips have ordered special medical kits that MAP can provide at a much lower cost than normally is available. |
Johnson and Johnson One Johnson and Johnson Plaza New Brunswick, NJ 08933 Health care professionals may get one "Family Pack" of over the counter items from them each year they go on a mission trip. Costing $25.00, they have an average value of over $600.00. For more information, ask for the Volunteer Coordinator's office. Phone: 732-524-1863. Fax: 732-524-5058. E-mail: wmalamon@corus.jnj.com |
Worm Project (WP) c/o Franconia Mennonite Conference 771 Route 113 Souderton, PA 18964 Phone: 215-723-5513 Fax: 215-723-1211 E-mail (Claude Good): claudeg@mrn.org "Combating world hunger through parasite removal," is their slogan. For only five cents, a Third World child or adult can get a pill to begin getting rid of most parasitic worms and prevent new ones for up to six months. This website shows several ways for church groups, including youth, to raise money toward that goal. If medical relief teams are going where parasitic worms are a problem, and where the preventative medicine is not easily available, they can contact the Worm Project before their trip to get the pills. To encourage wider distribution, WP is currently offering medical mission groups an initial gift of up to 5,000 free Albendazole chewable, mint-flavored pills. They must be shipped to a physician's office and used outside the U.S. and Canada. |
World Concern 19802 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036 Phone: 425-771-5700 Fax: 425-774-8772 E-mail: wcss@crista.org Website: worldconcern.org This large Christian organization sent goods to 48 countries in 2000especially to the 26 ones where they have offices. Patient care items and other consumables for overseas hospitals and clinics make up a large portion of their medical shipments. Other things include beds, smaller equipment (such as incubators), and sometimes medicines. For items to hand-carry on mission trips, the minimum cost is $25.00 and the maximum is 4% of the value of the goods. For large shipments, it usually is under 4%. They also send clothes, seeds, and other items. |
White Cross Medical Missions Corp. 2400 Holloway Road Louisville, KY 40299 Phone: 502-261-0700 Fax: 502-261-0701 E-mail: whitecrosslky@earthlink.net When some Christian businesspeople saw first-hand the inappropriateness of much of the x-ray equipment and supplies that were sent to overseas clinics and hospitals, they were appalled. Tremendous amounts of money and effort were wasted on sending things that were virtually useless. They responded by establishing their program to get quality equipment and supplies sent abroad, along with the appropriate directions and support, for a price much lower than standard. Their website includes regular updates for equipment parts and supplies. |
Vitamin Angel Alliance 1450 Orange Grove Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Phone: 805-565-9919 Fax: 805-565-9916 E-mail: info@vitaminangel.org Web: www.vitaminangel.org Since 1994, this non-profit, non-sectarian organization has fought malnutrition and childhood blindness around the world. Their specialty is providing vitamin Athe lack of which often leads to blindnessin 82 countries. It costs only five cents per child per year for the vitamin. See their website for lots of other interesting related information and links. |
World Medical Mission (WMM) C/O Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-262-1980 Fax: 828-266-1048 Web: www.samaritan.org (see WMM pages) E-mail: jmoore@samaritan.org Contact person: Jim Moore Part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Samaritan's Purse, WMM "helps provide mission hospitals with the resources they need to offer better heath care to their patients. Our ultimate goal is sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." In addition to recruiting physicians and other medical professionals to go on overseas volunteer programs, they are especially involved in getting appropriate used medical equipment, making sure that it is fully workable, and shipping it overseas to Christian hospitals and clinics at no charge. They have a staff of biomedical engineers and will send technical teams overseas. Again quoting WMM, "An estimated 70% of the equipment in Third World hospitals is 'out of order' due to missing parts, years of overuse, or a lack of trained technicians." This is one of their main areas of ministry. World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMR) 11745 Rosa Parks Boulevard Detroit, MI 48206-1270 Phone: 313-866-5333 Fax: 313-866-5588 E-mail: wmr@ic.net Web: (under construction): www.worldmedicalrelief.org Contact person: George Samson Since 1953, WMR has sent medicines and medical supplies to over 100 countries. The medicines usually cost between two and four cents on the dollar (unless they have to special-order some of them). Even then, the price is usually much less than wholesale. They also fill 20 and 40-foot containers with medical goods and equipment (excluding medicines) for shipment to various countries. A 40-foot container usually has around $450,000 or $500,000 worth of goods. They charge $6,500 (less than 2% of value). World Vision 34834 Weyerhauerser Way South P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Phone: 253-815-2299 Fax: 253-815-3423 E-mail: helpdesk@worldvision.org Web: worldvision.org As the world's largest Christian international relief and development agency, they're involved in over 100 countriesespecially after a disaster. Among their many programs, they receive donated medicines from pharmaceutical companies, and some goods from hospitals, and may be able to send them overseas at no charge (when funds permit). Requests for medical goods for specific places will be evaluated. People going on short-term trips may receive medicines and medical goods from them, and they also send large containers of medical supplies. World Wide Lab Improvement 10046 Shuman Street Portage, MI 49024 (near Kalamazoo) Phone: 616-323-8407 Fax: 616-323-2030 E-mail: mail@wwlab.org Web: www.wwlab.org Contact person: Ed Bos This is a Christian organization that helps equip medical labs and mission hospitals in developing countries. Microscopes, centrifuges, and chemistry analyzers are examples of what they provide. Often they can repair used equipment. Sometimes they can go to the location where the equipment is needed. In 2000, they served 86 mission hospitals and clinics in 37 countries. |
TECH (Technical Exchange for Christian Healthcare) PO Box 904 Mentor, OH 44060-0904 Phone/Fax: 440-354-4777 Web: www.techmd.org Contact person: Rick Wood, President His e-mail: rick@techmd.org The motto of this network of Christian medical organizations is "Improving the quality of healthcare equipment in the Developing Third World." The "members" and then "roster" section of their website has links to over 50 organizations that provide medical supplies and/or enable medical professionals to serve overseas. Some specialize in a specific thing, such as x-ray equipment; others are more broadly based |
REMEDY (Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World) 3-TMP, 333 Cedar Street P.O. Box 208051 New Haven, CT 06520-8051 Phone: 203-737-5356 Fax: 283-785-6664 E-mail: remedy@yale.edu Web: www.remedy.org This organization seeks to make available equipment and opened, but unused, hospital materials other than medicines. They have a computer network so that when a hospital in the developing world needs an item, they can search the resources of many American ones for it almost instantly. |
Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) 255 Carter Hall Lane Millwood, VA 22646 Phone: 540-837-2100 Fax: 540-837-1813 E-mail: webmaster@projecthope.org Web: projecthope.org One of the largest programs of its kind, HOPE sent over $70 million worth of donated products (mostly pharmaceuticals and other medical goods) to 44 countries in 2001. They have ongoing programs in many countries and can provide disaster relief whenever necessary. Usually they prefer shipping goods to places where HOPE personal can meet the arriving cargo. They emphasize primary and preventive health care programs with emphasis on teaching local people to help themselves. Much more information is available on their website. |
Northwest Medical Teams International P.O. Box 10 Portland, OR 97207 Phone: 800-959-4325 Fax: 503-624-1001 Web: www.nwmti.org Contact person: Tammy Curtz This Christian group has shipped over 343 million dollars worth of medical supplies and food in their 22 years to 100 recipient nations. Every year they send out over 100 volunteer teams (mostly medical). A major emphasis is serving in disaster areas. |
Medlend 35 Baywood Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402 Phone: 650-375-1800 Fax: 650-375-8094 E-mail: contactus@medlend.org Web: www.medlend.org Contact person: Henry Hamilton, M.D. This non-profit organization lends mobile medical equipment to assist other non-profits providing medical care in developing countries. Most equipment is small enough to go on passenger planes. Soon they hope to have enough for six operating rooms. |
Medical Supplies for Christ 7668 Little Mountain Road Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-9395 E-mail: m47s53serv.@aol.com They help make medical supplies and equipment available to mission groups seeking to evangelize for Christ throughout the world. Their main emphasis is on Haiti, but they are glad to help elsewhere. There is no set fee for their goods, but donations are requested and appreciated. |
Medical Ministries International P.O. Box 1339 Allen, TX 75013-0022 Phone: 972-727-5864 Fax: 972-727-7810 E-mail: mmitx@mmint.org Web: www.mmint.org Quoting from their website, "MMI is the world's largest short-term, volunteer, Christian medical mission with more than 2500 participants annually. Over 1500 are from the USA and Canada." They also recycle large quantities of surplus medicines and medical supplies for overseas use. One can order them through their warehouses in Miami, Florida and Hamilton, Ontario. MMI is planning 57 medical trips to 18 countries in 2002. See their website for information on them--plus other useful links. |
King Pharmaceuticals Benevolent Fund 1119 Commonwealth Avenue Bristol, VA 24201 Phone: 540-466-3014 Fax: 540-466-0955 Contact Person: Art Yannucciello His e-mail: AYannucc@kingpharm.com (then see Benevolent Fund) Related to one of the major manufacturers of medical goods, this organization distributes pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies donated by King and other U.S. companies to medical missionaries serving developing countries. The medicines are free, and they do not charge for shipping them to locations within the U.S. so they can be hand carried overseas. They helped 600 medical mission teams going to over 80 countries. About two months notice is preferred. |
JAF Ministries/Wheelchairs for the World P.O. Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376 Phone: 818-707-5664 Fax: 818-707-2391 E-mail: wftw@joniandfriends.org After Joni Eareckson Tada had a sudden injury that left her unable to move her arms or legs, she established a large Christian program to help people throughout the world obtain free wheelchairs. Now they are collected in large trucks, sent to prisons where inmates have been trained to fix them, and distributed in many places throughout the world. Contact JAF if you want to get wheelchairs for specific places; they may be able to help. Their website tells how to make requests and also has links to many other websites about various physical and mental disorders and resources to deal with them. |
The James Project Route 10; Box 685 Burnsville, NC 28714 Phone: 828-682-4262 Fax: 828-682-4957 E-mail: jeffburns77@ioa.com Contact: Jeff Burns "This is a ministry" to refurbish donated ambulances and EMS vehicles for Christian clinics overseas. Sometimes Jeff can go where they are sent to show new owners how to make most effective use of them. |
International Medical Equipment Collaborative (IMEC) 3 Front Street; P.O. Box 684 Rollinsford, NH 03869 Phone: 603-740-4632 Fax: 603-740-4616 E-mail: imec1@juno.com Web: www.imecamerica.org Contact person: Tom Keefe, President IMEC specializes in recycling medical equipment and making it available for use overseas. In 1999, they were involved in over 30 projects in 27 countries. |
International Aid, Inc. 17011 West Hickory (35 miles west of Spring Lake, MI 49456 Grand Rapids) Phone: 800-968-7490 Fax: 616-846-3842 Fax for orders: 676-846-7911 General info. E-mail: ia@internationalaid.org In addition to the general kinds of goods that International Aid provides (previously described on page 6), this organization is a major supplier of medicines and medical supplies. Their Medical Equipment Services department helped mission hospitals and clinics in 98 countries in 2000. Quoting their literature, "We provide new and refurbished medical devices, literature, repairs, supplies and technical assistance." Whether the need is for a microscope, centrifuge, physical therapy equipment, or even a complete x-ray unit, they may be able to provide it at a cost much less than industry standard. They do not send out anything before thoroughly testing it for accuracy and practicality. A wide variety of both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available. Their website describes most of their services, and they have a 24-hour hotline. |
Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. Box 429; New Windsor, MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8720 Fax: 410-635-7625 E-mail: ima@brethren.org Web: www.interchurch.org This agency was established by several Christian groups to collect and distribute medical goods for overseas use. In 1999 they shipped 17 million dollars worth through their three main programs. (1) General Inventorythis means that one may get whatever necessary medicines they have available in stock for 6% of value. (2) Their "IMA Medicine Box" is pre-packed with 17 of the most essential medicines and supplies for subsistence health care. Its $350 cost is far less than wholesale value. (3) These first two programs are available to any qualified applicant, but the third one is only open to physicians. It is the "Roche Mission Pack" program and offers donated medicines from that pharmaceutical firm. If applying for any of these programs for the first time, you need to give IMA at least four weeks notice. |
INMED 45449 Severn Way, Suite 161 Sterling, VA 20166 Phone: 703-444-4477, ext. 204 Fax: 703-444-4471 E-mail: mcaton@inmed.org Contact person: Matthew Caton, Manager Web: www.inmed.org INMED's Medical Supply program makes medicines and medical goods available to mission groups and other non-profits serving overseas. Rather than having a warehouse, they have arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to get virtually any requested drug sent from the manufacturer. They also assist in obtaining other supplies. A modest fee is charged for their expenses, and usually they can obtain medical goods much cheaper than normally is possible. See "Medical Supply"on their website for more details. |
Direct Relief International 27 South La Patera Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93117 Phone: 800-676-1638 Fax: 805-681-4838 Web: www.directrelief.org Active since 1948, this organization sent over 67 million dollars worth of medical goods to 53 countries last year. They emphasize sending large shipments directly overseas but also provide medicines and related goods for mission team members to hand-carry. |
Crosslink International 212A North West Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-534-5465 Fax: 703-536-8349 E-mail: croslink@erols.com (Note above spelling variation) This Christian organization provides pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, medical supplies and equipment. If the requested items are in stock and were donated to them, they do not charge a fee. Otherwise they provide goods at wholesale cost or less. They service both people wanting to hand-carry goods and those wanting to ship large containers overseas. |
CHOSEN Mission Project 3642 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506-2094 Phone: 814-833-3023 Fax: 814-833-4091 E-mail: chosen4jay@aol.com Contact person: Rev. Jay W. Sterling Web: www.chosenhands.org Their acronym stands for "Christian Hospitals Overseas Secure Equipment Needs." Quoting from their literature, "CHOSEN supports Christian efforts to advance health care in economically deprived countries. CHOSEN rebuilds and repairs donated equipment as neededand offers technical advice about installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment." They charge "18% of fair market value as a handling charge." CHOSEN has helped in 84 counties. |
Children's Medical Ministries (CMM) and Christian Orthopedic Partners (COP) P.O. Box 3382 1777 Regents Park Road, West Crofton, MD 21114 Phone: 877-261-3211 Fax: 888-410-4647 E-mail: childmed@olg.com Web: www.childmed.org Contact person: Bill Collins COP provides about 7 million dollars worth of orthopaedic goods annually at no charge for children and adults. Usually the request is from a missionary doctor in the developing world. If the requested item is in their Maryville, TN warehouse, it goes to an U.S. address so it can be taken overseas. COP is an all-volunteer fellowship of orthopaedic professionals who serve crippled children and adults with physical deformities caused by land mines, birth defects, or other reasons. They provide free surgery, limbs, braces, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and rehabilitative services throughout the world. Although there is no charge for the items, donations are appreciated. Their website: www.christianorthopartners.org CMM sponsors overseas medical mission trips that focus on helping children. It is a faith-based organization of 700 volunteer health care professionals committed to serving needy children and to frontline evangelism through medicine. Food, clothing, medicine, medical supplies, and surgical teams are furnished, at no cost to the recipients, to children's hospitals, orphanages, and clinics in 25 developing countries worldwide. In addition, they provide primary healthcare programs, including vitamins, for children ages 5-8. If your mission helps English or Spanish speaking children, you may order their free bilingual "Kings Kids Good Life Guides" that promote healthcare concepts within a Christian context. The "Sharing Partners" section of their website has links to a lot of additional informationranging from avaition into remote areas to finding wheelchairs. Donations are appreciated. See their website: www.childmed.org |
Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) 10 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 Phone: 800-678-5659 Fax: 212-242-0930 E-mail: info@cmmb.org Web: www.cmmb.org CMMB sent over 50 million worth of medical goods to 60 countries in 2000. Twice a year, medical mission groupsregardless of faith or religious affiliationhaving a physician may request free medicines and related goods for their activities. If the group does not have someone licensed to write prescriptions, they can request free over-the-counter items. Usually shipping is also free, but groups are asked to contact CMMB four to six weeks in advance of their trip. |
Brother's Brother Foundation 1200 Galveston Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1604 Phone: 412-321-3160 Fax: 412-321-3325 E-mail: bbfound@aol.com They provide pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, medical supplies and equipment, and various other goods for overseas shipment. The costs vary according to amount requested. |
Blessings International 5881 South Garnett Tulsa, OK 74146 Phone: 918-250-8101 E-mail: blessingsint@compuserve.com Web: www.blessing.org (spelling change) "Medicine for Missions" is the sub-heading of this organization. They provide pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for treating needy patients in developing countries. Usually Blessings charges about 10% or less of the value of their goods. |
AMRF American Medical Resources Foundation 56 Oak Hill Way Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: 508-580-3301 Fax: 508-580-3306 E-mail: amrf@amrf.com Web: www.amrf.com AMRF has donated over 110 million dollars worth of medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics in developing nations since 1988. They send 40-foot containers of medical goods; check with them about prices and procedure. They also provide biomedical engineering training services |
AmeriCares 161 Cherry Street New Caanan, CT 06840 Phone: 800-486-4357 Fax: 203-972-0116 E-mail: info@americares.org Web: www.americares.org They've given over 2.9 billion in medical goods to 137 countries since 1982. Most of it goes out in large shipments. Physicians who apply at least a month in advance may be able to get complimentary medical donations (usually pharmaceuticals) for their mission trip. |
In addition to these 36 organizations, there probably are others with similar goals that may help. If you find any more, please pass them on for future editions of this directory. Likewise, please get in touch if you find mistakesespecially in this medical section. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) may be of assistance. Their 50 member companies have programs to enable physicians to obtain drugs for patients who otherwise couldn't afford them. Though designed for Americans in need, some of these leads might also help find medical goods for overseas use. Access PhRMA's website: www.phrma.org/patients/ and then look at the individual websites of the 50 member firms. Most have toll-free phone numbers. Many of them prefer providing medical goods for mission activities to organizations, such as those listed in this directory, rather than to individuals and groups who may request them. I have put more effort into this section of the directory than any other part. Being a retired high school social studies teacher, I have no medical background whatsoever. However, I have seen the impact that Christian volunteer medical professionals and lay assistants can have in meeting spiritual and physical needs of impoverished people, and that's why I wanted to gather this information. Hopefully those of you who are medical professionals or have had experience with other medical missions will advise on the appropriateness (or lack of it) of what I have written. Again be reminded of what I said on the cover page. "Some of this information can become outdated very quickly, and despite efforts to avoid them, there probably are mistakes in this document. If you find any, or have suggestions for improving future versions, please let me know. No warranties, expressed or implied, shall be made for the accuracy of this information. Nor shall the author be liable for any claims or losses of any nature, due to any errors, real or perceived." H. Bruce Carr E-mail: Hbrucecarr@aol.com 23436 North Stockton Drive Farmington Hills, MI 48336 248-474-8916 |
36 SOURCES FOR FREE AND INEXPENSIVE MEDICAL GOODS |
It's estimated that only one-fourth of the world's people has access to basic health care. These American and Canadian-based sources for medicines and medical goods may be able to help the country where you are interested |
AmeriCares 161 Cherry Street New Caanan, CT 06840 Phone: 800-486-4357 Fax: 203-972-0116 E-mail: info@americares.org Web: www.americares.org They've given over 2.9 billion in medical goods to 137 countries since 1982. Most of it goes out in large shipments. Physicians who apply at least a month in advance may be able to get complimentary medical donations (usually pharmaceuticals) for their mission trip. |
AMRF American Medical Resources Foundation 56 Oak Hill Way Brockton, MA 02301 Phone: 508-580-3301 Fax: 508-580-3306 E-mail: amrf@amrf.com Web: www.amrf.com AMRF has donated over 110 million dollars worth of medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics in developing nations since 1988. They send 40-foot containers of medical goods; check with them about prices and procedure. They also provide biomedical engineering training services |
Blessings International 5881 South Garnett Tulsa, OK 74146 Phone: 918-250-8101 E-mail: blessingsint@compuserve.com Web: www.blessing.org (spelling change) "Medicine for Missions" is the sub-heading of this organization. They provide pharmaceuticals and medical supplies for treating needy patients in developing countries. Usually Blessings charges about 10% or less of the value of their goods. |
Brother's Brother Foundation 1200 Galveston Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15233-1604 Phone: 412-321-3160 Fax: 412-321-3325 E-mail: bbfound@aol.com They provide pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, medical supplies and equipment, and various other goods for overseas shipment. The costs vary according to amount requested. |
Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) 10 West 17th Street New York, NY 10011 Phone: 800-678-5659 Fax: 212-242-0930 E-mail: info@cmmb.org Web: www.cmmb.org CMMB sent over 50 million worth of medical goods to 60 countries in 2000. Twice a year, medical mission groupsregardless of faith or religious affiliationhaving a physician may request free medicines and related goods for their activities. If the group does not have someone licensed to write prescriptions, they can request free over-the-counter items. Usually shipping is also free, but groups are asked to contact CMMB four to six weeks in advance of their trip. |
Children's Medical Ministries (CMM) and Christian Orthopedic Partners (COP) P.O. Box 3382 1777 Regents Park Road, West Crofton, MD 21114 Phone: 877-261-3211 Fax: 888-410-4647 E-mail: childmed@olg.com Web: www.childmed.org Contact person: Bill Collins COP provides about 7 million dollars worth of orthopaedic goods annually at no charge for children and adults. Usually the request is from a missionary doctor in the developing world. If the requested item is in their Maryville, TN warehouse, it goes to an U.S. address so it can be taken overseas. COP is an all-volunteer fellowship of orthopaedic professionals who serve crippled children and adults with physical deformities caused by land mines, birth defects, or other reasons. They provide free surgery, limbs, braces, wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, and rehabilitative services throughout the world. Although there is no charge for the items, donations are appreciated. Their website: www.christianorthopartners.org CMM sponsors overseas medical mission trips that focus on helping children. It is a faith-based organization of 700 volunteer health care professionals committed to serving needy children and to frontline evangelism through medicine. Food, clothing, medicine, medical supplies, and surgical teams are furnished, at no cost to the recipients, to children's hospitals, orphanages, and clinics in 25 developing countries worldwide. In addition, they provide primary healthcare programs, including vitamins, for children ages 5-8. If your mission helps English or Spanish speaking children, you may order their free bilingual "Kings Kids Good Life Guides" that promote healthcare concepts within a Christian context. The "Sharing Partners" section of their website has links to a lot of additional informationranging from avaition into remote areas to finding wheelchairs. Donations are appreciated. See their website: www.childmed.org |
CHOSEN Mission Project 3642 West 26th Street Erie, PA 16506-2094 Phone: 814-833-3023 Fax: 814-833-4091 E-mail: chosen4jay@aol.com Contact person: Rev. Jay W. Sterling Web: www.chosenhands.org Their acronym stands for "Christian Hospitals Overseas Secure Equipment Needs." Quoting from their literature, "CHOSEN supports Christian efforts to advance health care in economically deprived countries. CHOSEN rebuilds and repairs donated equipment as neededand offers technical advice about installation, operation, and maintenance of equipment." They charge "18% of fair market value as a handling charge." CHOSEN has helped in 84 counties. |
Crosslink International 212A North West Street Falls Church, VA 22046 Phone: 703-534-5465 Fax: 703-536-8349 E-mail: croslink@erols.com (Note above spelling variation) This Christian organization provides pharmaceuticals, over the counter medicines, medical supplies and equipment. If the requested items are in stock and were donated to them, they do not charge a fee. Otherwise they provide goods at wholesale cost or less. They service both people wanting to hand-carry goods and those wanting to ship large containers overseas. |
Direct Relief International 27 South La Patera Lane Santa Barbara, CA 93117 Phone: 800-676-1638 Fax: 805-681-4838 Web: www.directrelief.org Active since 1948, this organization sent over 67 million dollars worth of medical goods to 53 countries last year. They emphasize sending large shipments directly overseas but also provide medicines and related goods for mission team members to hand-carry. |
INMED 45449 Severn Way, Suite 161 Sterling, VA 20166 Phone: 703-444-4477, ext. 204 Fax: 703-444-4471 E-mail: mcaton@inmed.org Contact person: Matthew Caton, Manager Web: www.inmed.org INMED's Medical Supply program makes medicines and medical goods available to mission groups and other non-profits serving overseas. Rather than having a warehouse, they have arrangements with pharmaceutical companies to get virtually any requested drug sent from the manufacturer. They also assist in obtaining other supplies. A modest fee is charged for their expenses, and usually they can obtain medical goods much cheaper than normally is possible. See "Medical Supply"on their website for more details. |
Interchurch Medical Assistance, Inc. Box 429; New Windsor, MD 21776 Phone: 410-635-8720 Fax: 410-635-7625 E-mail: ima@brethren.org Web: www.interchurch.org This agency was established by several Christian groups to collect and distribute medical goods for overseas use. In 1999 they shipped 17 million dollars worth through their three main programs. (1) General Inventorythis means that one may get whatever necessary medicines they have available in stock for 6% of value. (2) Their "IMA Medicine Box" is pre-packed with 17 of the most essential medicines and supplies for subsistence health care. Its $350 cost is far less than wholesale value. (3) These first two programs are available to any qualified applicant, but the third one is only open to physicians. It is the "Roche Mission Pack" program and offers donated medicines from that pharmaceutical firm. If applying for any of these programs for the first time, you need to give IMA at least four weeks notice. |
International Aid, Inc. 17011 West Hickory (35 miles west of Spring Lake, MI 49456 Grand Rapids) Phone: 800-968-7490 Fax: 616-846-3842 Fax for orders: 676-846-7911 General info. E-mail: ia@internationalaid.org In addition to the general kinds of goods that International Aid provides (previously described on page 6), this organization is a major supplier of medicines and medical supplies. Their Medical Equipment Services department helped mission hospitals and clinics in 98 countries in 2000. Quoting their literature, "We provide new and refurbished medical devices, literature, repairs, supplies and technical assistance." Whether the need is for a microscope, centrifuge, physical therapy equipment, or even a complete x-ray unit, they may be able to provide it at a cost much less than industry standard. They do not send out anything before thoroughly testing it for accuracy and practicality. A wide variety of both over-the-counter and prescription medicines are available. Their website describes most of their services, and they have a 24-hour hotline. |
International Medical Equipment Collaborative (IMEC) 3 Front Street; P.O. Box 684 Rollinsford, NH 03869 Phone: 603-740-4632 Fax: 603-740-4616 E-mail: imec1@juno.com Web: www.imecamerica.org Contact person: Tom Keefe, President IMEC specializes in recycling medical equipment and making it available for use overseas. In 1999, they were involved in over 30 projects in 27 countries. |
The James Project Route 10; Box 685 Burnsville, NC 28714 Phone: 828-682-4262 Fax: 828-682-4957 E-mail: jeffburns77@ioa.com Contact: Jeff Burns "This is a ministry" to refurbish donated ambulances and EMS vehicles for Christian clinics overseas. Sometimes Jeff can go where they are sent to show new owners how to make most effective use of them. |
JAF Ministries/Wheelchairs for the World P.O. Box 3333 Agoura Hills, CA 91376 Phone: 818-707-5664 Fax: 818-707-2391 E-mail: wftw@joniandfriends.org After Joni Eareckson Tada had a sudden injury that left her unable to move her arms or legs, she established a large Christian program to help people throughout the world obtain free wheelchairs. Now they are collected in large trucks, sent to prisons where inmates have been trained to fix them, and distributed in many places throughout the world. Contact JAF if you want to get wheelchairs for specific places; they may be able to help. Their website tells how to make requests and also has links to many other websites about various physical and mental disorders and resources to deal with them. |
King Pharmaceuticals Benevolent Fund 1119 Commonwealth Avenue Bristol, VA 24201 Phone: 540-466-3014 Fax: 540-466-0955 Contact Person: Art Yannucciello His e-mail: AYannucc@kingpharm.com (then see Benevolent Fund) Related to one of the major manufacturers of medical goods, this organization distributes pharmaceuticals and other medical supplies donated by King and other U.S. companies to medical missionaries serving developing countries. The medicines are free, and they do not charge for shipping them to locations within the U.S. so they can be hand carried overseas. They helped 600 medical mission teams going to over 80 countries. About two months notice is preferred. |
Lilly Global Cares Lilly Corporate Center Indianapolis, IN 46285 Phone: 877-419-8530 Fax: 317-277-6719 The Lilly Cares Foundation will donate up to $850.00 worth of pharmaceuticals per year to licensed physicians who are doing volunteer overseas medical mission work. Call or write for an application for one of their three kinds of pre-packaged kits. Completed forms must be received at least a month before your departure. The products will be shipped to you at no charge. |
Medical Ministries International P.O. Box 1339 Allen, TX 75013-0022 Phone: 972-727-5864 Fax: 972-727-7810 E-mail: mmitx@mmint.org Web: www.mmint.org Quoting from their website, "MMI is the world's largest short-term, volunteer, Christian medical mission with more than 2500 participants annually. Over 1500 are from the USA and Canada." They also recycle large quantities of surplus medicines and medical supplies for overseas use. One can order them through their warehouses in Miami, Florida and Hamilton, Ontario. MMI is planning 57 medical trips to 18 countries in 2002. See their website for information on them--plus other useful links. |
Medical Supplies for Christ 7668 Little Mountain Road Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-9395 E-mail: m47s53serv.@aol.com They help make medical supplies and equipment available to mission groups seeking to evangelize for Christ throughout the world. Their main emphasis is on Haiti, but they are glad to help elsewhere. There is no set fee for their goods, but donations are requested and appreciated. |
Medlend 35 Baywood Avenue San Mateo, CA 94402 Phone: 650-375-1800 Fax: 650-375-8094 E-mail: contactus@medlend.org Web: www.medlend.org Contact person: Henry Hamilton, M.D. This non-profit organization lends mobile medical equipment to assist other non-profits providing medical care in developing countries. Most equipment is small enough to go on passenger planes. Soon they hope to have enough for six operating rooms. |
Northwest Medical Teams International P.O. Box 10 Portland, OR 97207 Phone: 800-959-4325 Fax: 503-624-1001 Web: www.nwmti.org Contact person: Tammy Curtz This Christian group has shipped over 343 million dollars worth of medical supplies and food in their 22 years to 100 recipient nations. Every year they send out over 100 volunteer teams (mostly medical). A major emphasis is serving in disaster areas. |
Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) 255 Carter Hall Lane Millwood, VA 22646 Phone: 540-837-2100 Fax: 540-837-1813 E-mail: webmaster@projecthope.org Web: projecthope.org One of the largest programs of its kind, HOPE sent over $70 million worth of donated products (mostly pharmaceuticals and other medical goods) to 44 countries in 2001. They have ongoing programs in many countries and can provide disaster relief whenever necessary. Usually they prefer shipping goods to places where HOPE personal can meet the arriving cargo. They emphasize primary and preventive health care programs with emphasis on teaching local people to help themselves. Much more information is available on their website. |
REMEDY (Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World) 3-TMP, 333 Cedar Street P.O. Box 208051 New Haven, CT 06520-8051 Phone: 203-737-5356 Fax: 283-785-6664 E-mail: remedy@yale.edu Web: www.remedy.org This organization seeks to make available equipment and opened, but unused, hospital materials other than medicines. They have a computer network so that when a hospital in the developing world needs an item, they can search the resources of many American ones for it almost instantly. |
TECH (Technical Exchange for Christian Healthcare) PO Box 904 Mentor, OH 44060-0904 Phone/Fax: 440-354-4777 Web: www.techmd.org Contact person: Rick Wood, President His e-mail: rick@techmd.org The motto of this network of Christian medical organizations is "Improving the quality of healthcare equipment in the Developing Third World." The "members" and then "roster" section of their website has links to over 50 organizations that provide medical supplies and/or enable medical professionals to serve overseas. Some specialize in a specific thing, such as x-ray equipment; others are more broadly based |
World Medical Mission (WMM) C/O Samaritan's Purse P.O. Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607 Phone: 828-262-1980 Fax: 828-266-1048 Web: www.samaritan.org (see WMM pages) E-mail: jmoore@samaritan.org Contact person: Jim Moore Part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's Samaritan's Purse, WMM "helps provide mission hospitals with the resources they need to offer better heath care to their patients. Our ultimate goal is sharing the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." In addition to recruiting physicians and other medical professionals to go on overseas volunteer programs, they are especially involved in getting appropriate used medical equipment, making sure that it is fully workable, and shipping it overseas to Christian hospitals and clinics at no charge. They have a staff of biomedical engineers and will send technical teams overseas. Again quoting WMM, "An estimated 70% of the equipment in Third World hospitals is 'out of order' due to missing parts, years of overuse, or a lack of trained technicians." This is one of their main areas of ministry. World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMR) 11745 Rosa Parks Boulevard Detroit, MI 48206-1270 Phone: 313-866-5333 Fax: 313-866-5588 E-mail: wmr@ic.net Web: (under construction): www.worldmedicalrelief.org Contact person: George Samson Since 1953, WMR has sent medicines and medical supplies to over 100 countries. The medicines usually cost between two and four cents on the dollar (unless they have to special-order some of them). Even then, the price is usually much less than wholesale. They also fill 20 and 40-foot containers with medical goods and equipment (excluding medicines) for shipment to various countries. A 40-foot container usually has around $450,000 or $500,000 worth of goods. They charge $6,500 (less than 2% of value). World Vision 34834 Weyerhauerser Way South P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063-9716 Phone: 253-815-2299 Fax: 253-815-3423 E-mail: helpdesk@worldvision.org Web: worldvision.org As the world's largest Christian international relief and development agency, they're involved in over 100 countriesespecially after a disaster. Among their many programs, they receive donated medicines from pharmaceutical companies, and some goods from hospitals, and may be able to send them overseas at no charge (when funds permit). Requests for medical goods for specific places will be evaluated. People going on short-term trips may receive medicines and medical goods from them, and they also send large containers of medical supplies. World Wide Lab Improvement 10046 Shuman Street Portage, MI 49024 (near Kalamazoo) Phone: 616-323-8407 Fax: 616-323-2030 E-mail: mail@wwlab.org Web: www.wwlab.org Contact person: Ed Bos This is a Christian organization that helps equip medical labs and mission hospitals in developing countries. Microscopes, centrifuges, and chemistry analyzers are examples of what they provide. Often they can repair used equipment. Sometimes they can go to the location where the equipment is needed. In 2000, they served 86 mission hospitals and clinics in 37 countries. |
Vitamin Angel Alliance 1450 Orange Grove Ave. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Phone: 805-565-9919 Fax: 805-565-9916 E-mail: info@vitaminangel.org Web: www.vitaminangel.org Since 1994, this non-profit, non-sectarian organization has fought malnutrition and childhood blindness around the world. Their specialty is providing vitamin Athe lack of which often leads to blindnessin 82 countries. It costs only five cents per child per year for the vitamin. See their website for lots of other interesting related information and links. |
White Cross Medical Missions Corp. 2400 Holloway Road Louisville, KY 40299 Phone: 502-261-0700 Fax: 502-261-0701 E-mail: whitecrosslky@earthlink.net When some Christian businesspeople saw first-hand the inappropriateness of much of the x-ray equipment and supplies that were sent to overseas clinics and hospitals, they were appalled. Tremendous amounts of money and effort were wasted on sending things that were virtually useless. They responded by establishing their program to get quality equipment and supplies sent abroad, along with the appropriate directions and support, for a price much lower than standard. Their website includes regular updates for equipment parts and supplies. |
World Concern 19802 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036 Phone: 425-771-5700 Fax: 425-774-8772 E-mail: wcss@crista.org Website: worldconcern.org This large Christian organization sent goods to 48 countries in 2000especially to the 26 ones where they have offices. Patient care items and other consumables for overseas hospitals and clinics make up a large portion of their medical shipments. Other things include beds, smaller equipment (such as incubators), and sometimes medicines. For items to hand-carry on mission trips, the minimum cost is $25.00 and the maximum is 4% of the value of the goods. For large shipments, it usually is under 4%. They also send clothes, seeds, and other items. |
Worm Project (WP) c/o Franconia Mennonite Conference 771 Route 113 Souderton, PA 18964 Phone: 215-723-5513 Fax: 215-723-1211 E-mail (Claude Good): claudeg@mrn.org "Combating world hunger through parasite removal," is their slogan. For only five cents, a Third World child or adult can get a pill to begin getting rid of most parasitic worms and prevent new ones for up to six months. This website shows several ways for church groups, including youth, to raise money toward that goal. If medical relief teams are going where parasitic worms are a problem, and where the preventative medicine is not easily available, they can contact the Worm Project before their trip to get the pills. To encourage wider distribution, WP is currently offering medical mission groups an initial gift of up to 5,000 free Albendazole chewable, mint-flavored pills. They must be shipped to a physician's office and used outside the U.S. and Canada. |
Johnson and Johnson One Johnson and Johnson Plaza New Brunswick, NJ 08933 Health care professionals may get one "Family Pack" of over the counter items from them each year they go on a mission trip. Costing $25.00, they have an average value of over $600.00. For more information, ask for the Volunteer Coordinator's office. Phone: 732-524-1863. Fax: 732-524-5058. E-mail: wmalamon@corus.jnj.com |
MAP International P.O. Box 215000 Brunswick, GA 31521 Phone: 800-225-8550 Fax: 912-265-6170 E-mail: map@map.org Web: www.map.org Under its original name (Medical Assistance Programs), this Christian organization began serving in 1954. Quoting from its excellent website, MAP is "one of the world's largest providers of medicines and supplies to mission hospitals, clinics, refugee centers and physicians serving the health needs of the world's poorest communities." In 2001, they distributed $128 million worth of donated or especially purchased low priced medicines and supplies throughout the world. Many physicians who have gone on short-term trips have ordered special medical kits that MAP can provide at a much lower cost than normally is available. |
Dr. Joe Pinto Office: Suite 1025 1880 Valley Farm Road Pickering, ON (Ontario) L1V6B3 Phone: 905-837-9992 Fax: 905-837-9644 E-mail: dr.ejoepinto@sympatico.ca Originally from Goa, India, Dr. Pinto developed an inexpensive ($55.00) leg prosthesis designed to help thousands of Third World people walk more effectively. |
World Dental Relief (WDR) P.O. Box 747 Broken Arrow, OK 74013-0747 Phone: 918-251-2612 Fax: 918-251-6326 E-mail: dentalreliefinc@aol.com Web: www.dentalrelief.com "Dental disease is the most rampant disease in the world, affecting 95% of the earth's population," WDR notes. Donated dental supplies are sent to their warehouse, and licensed professionals can get them for 15% of value for use in overseas mission activities. They also sell new portable equipment designed for remote areas. The founder, Dr. Ron Lamb, wrote a book about providing dental services in challenging overseas circumstances; you can order it. They have schedules of Christian dental mission trips to several overseas locations |
