Medical Supply Recycling Programs
Adopted at the 2004 MSS Annual Meeting, MSS Resolution 24 - "Endorsing Remedy and Encouraging Implementation of Similar Programs at Medical Institutions Throughout the United States" - directed the MSS to promote organizations that provide medical equipment to underserved areas via recycling programs. The resolutiona also directed chapters to urge their local hospitals and clinics to be involved in such programs.
In order to aid chapters in this endeavor, the MSS has compiled a list of different programs that chapters can use to implement such programs at a local level.
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WorldScopes
WorldScopes is part of the American Medical Association’s initiative, an effort to inspire and mobilize US physicians to donate their time, expertise, and resources at home and abroad. WorldScopes collects and distributes stethoscopes to those working in resource-poor settings in the US and around the globe to make sure that no one lacks this essential medical instrument.
Books for Africa (BFA)
BFA is a non-profit organization that collects English-language books and works with NGOs to distribute them to children, students, and libraries in Africa. Although the organization does not accept magazines (e.g. JAMA), BFA does accept donations of used medical and nursing textbooks.
InterVol Recovery of Unused Medical Supplies (RUMS) program
RUMS saves medical supplies and equipment that otherwise would be destroyed or placed in area landfills. The supplies and equipment are donated to local community organizations and to developing countries. InterVol makes scheduled collection visits and coordinates special pick ups for larger items and equipment.
MedShare
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. MedShare collects surplus medical supplies and equipment from hospitals, medical distribution companies, and individuals, and then redistributes them to qualified healthcare facilities in the developing world. The organization also outfits medical missions and safety net clinics in both the U.S. and abroad.
Project HERO
Based in Minnesota, Project HERO (Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization) assists individuals with medical needs locally, regionally, and internationally by supplying local medical mission teams with medical and surgical supplies to serve those in need. HERO collects, stores, and redistributes viable medical goods for those in need and to supply local medical mission teams serving the Third World.
Recovered Medical Equipment for the Developing World (REMEDY)
REMEDY is a non-profit organization dedicated to actively promoting the recovery of unused medical supplies for the purpose of global aid, waste reduction, and cost-effectiveness. REMEDY offers a free start up kit for any hospital that is interested in implementing a similar program including a video, CD, teaching manual, instructional handouts, carts and collecting bags, labels, stickers, and brochures.
