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The Humanitarian Aid program at MedWish exists to outfit humanitarian aid workers, hospitals and clinics with the supplies needed to improve lives for people in developing and crisis-stricken countries. If you are interested in receiving supplies through MedWish, please review all of the following information before contacting us to begin the request process.

• Eligibility

• MedWish is committed to ensuring ethical and recipient-based services in close partnership with the hospitals, clinics and workers who need our help. To ensure our surplus is distributed appropriately, we work closely with applicants to verify necessary information before remitting supplies.MedWish partners with recognized non-profit organizations to provide medical surplus for international relief. Items may not be sold or used as a means of profit.MedWish works  to coordinate shipments for international relief with individuals, groups, and organizations that support and assist health care providers in developing countries, serving the poor. Applicants must demonstrate their legitimate non-profit status, have representation both from a U.S.-based contact as well as a contact in the developing country to which supplies will be sent, and exhibit a commitment to securing fees for service, organizing shipping and customs and providing feedback once a shipment is received. Through our alternative recycling program, MedWish coordinates with domestic organizations and individuals to repurpose supplies unfit for humanitarian aid.
  Because MedWish is committed to serving all people regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation or religious beliefs, we engage with partners who share these values.

• Available Services

• Available InventoryThe MedWish inventory changes constantly. We keep a listof medical equipment and consumable supplies that are commonly available. We do not collect or distribute pharmaceuticals. We work closely with partners throughout the fulfillment process to match our inventory with their wish list.Hand-carried shipments

  For individuals and groups traveling overseas for humanitarian aid work, our hand-carried shipments fuel smaller projects, like medical mission trips. Our commitment to customization begins with hand-carried shipments, which allow our partners to take only what they need and check it with their luggage. Hand carried shipments can range from a small box of wound care items to several suitcases for your group.

  Freight shipments

  For outfitting clinics, hospitals and larger projects, MedWish fulfills wish lists for freight shipments ranging from a single pallet to a ready-to-ship 40’ overseas cargo container.

  Alternative Recycling

  MedWish partners with domestic non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools and students to repurpose supplies unfit for humanitarian aid distribution. Those interested in receiving supplies should complete an application form.

  Technical assistance
  Because of the many nuances and challenges of shipping overseas, MedWish requires clients to coordinate their own shipping and customs arrangements. If you are new to overseas shipping, we may be able to refer you to resources for more information to help with the process.

  MedWish is always in need of technical expertise from biomedical technicians to test and repair donated equipment. If you are a biomedical technician who lives near Cleveland and would like to volunteer your services, please visit our volunteer page to learn more.

• Financial Responsibility

• The medical surplus we provide is given to our partners at no cost. However, in order to keep our program running, we require our partners to cover fees for services associated with quality management, packing and preparing items for shipment.
  

  Fees for Service

  Freight Shipment – Overseas
  40’ container (or equivalent) | $7,500
  20’ container (or equivalent) | $4,000

  Freight Shipment – Domestic (for further processing prior to international shipment)
  20’ box truck | $2,000
  Pallet | $400

  For all freight shipments, a 50% non-refundable deposit is due prior to packing list assembly with remaining fees payable prior to shipment.

  Hand-carried supplies
  Custom packed and shipped | $3 per pound
  Custom packed and picked up at MedWish | $2 per pound
  Self-service shopping | $1 per pound

  Custom packed orders require a $50 deposit prior to order assembly. Once order is assembled, sponsors will be reimbursed if final fee is less than $50, or will have the balance due prior to shipment. Self-serve clients are asked to pay fees before they leave with the items.

  Alternative recycling supplies
  Alternative recycling supplies are provided at no cost, but donations are encouraged to allow us to continue and grow this program.

  The following payment options are available: U.S. check, credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) or wire transfer.
  Partner organizations are expected to make a good faith effort to raise funds to cover their fee for service. In special circumstances, MedWish may work with partners to identify potential fundraising or grant funding opportunities to cover shortfalls.

• Application Process

• First-time partner application
  Potential new partners must complete an application to introduce the organization to MedWish and begin the vetting process. MedWish staff will follow-up on application submissions within 3 business days with additional questions or next steps. Application forms are available here:
  o Hand-carried shipment application
  o Freight shipment application
  o Alternative recycling application
  You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
  
  Information you will need for the application
  o Contact information for the overseas beneficiary to which supplies will be deliveredo Contact information for U.S. organization requesting supplies
  o Contact information for medical professional responsible for developing the wish list
  o Your wish list of items you are requesting from MedWish
  o Please review financial responsibilities and information about shipping and customs before completing the application.Repeat Requests

  Returning partners who have worked with MedWish before may contact our staff directly to coordinate future shipments, though if significant time has lapsed or there are changes to your organization’s status or affiliations, we may request an updated application.

  Timeline
  All applicants should permit ample time for order processing: at least two weeks for alternative recycling orders, four weeks for hand-carry supplies and eight weeks for freight shipments.Follow-up
  Our greatest goal is for the work we do to achieve sustained, lifesaving impact in developing countries. Your feedback, through our satisfaction survey and the ethical collection and sharing of stories about your impact, will help us improve our processes and share the importance of our work with those who support us.