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.

These links will take you off the AMA Web site. The AMA is not responsible for the content of other Web sites.

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.

Brother's Brother Foundation (BBF)
The mission of BBF is to promote international health and education through the efficient and effective distribution and provision of donated medical, educational, agricultural and other resources. All BBF programs are designed to fulfill its mission by connecting people’s resources with people’s needs.

Child Family Health International Recover program
The Recover program, established in 1995, collects unused medical supplies and durable medical equipment from hospitals, medical supply companies, NGOs, private corporations and individuals in the US, and sends them to CFHI’s partner clinics and hospitals in underserved communities worldwide. To date, more than $5.8 million worth of salvaged medical supplies have been redistributed to CFHI partners worldwide.

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 International
Medshare International is a non-profit organization that collects medical supplies and equipment from hospitals and corporations throughout the U.S. and then donates these products to qualified hospitals in the economically developing world.

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.