What We Do


MedWish works with a range of partners to recover medical surplus hospitals can no longer use. To date, MedWish has recovered more than 2.2 million pounds of medical surplus from over 50 hospitals in the U.S. In 2011, MedWish diverted more than 500,000 pounds of usable medical surplus from disposal, keeping these lifesaving items out of landfills and putting them in the hands of people in need across the globe.

U.S. hospitals generate more than 5.9 million tons of medical waste each year. Much of that waste is unused medical supplies and equipment. Our Humanitarian Aid Program distributes the medical surplus we recover. MedWish promotes better health and saved lives for countless patients while also promoting environmental stewardship in our community. It’s a simple, yet extraordinarily important process.
In 2011,  6.9 million children died before their fifth birthday – most in developing countries, and most because of preventable illnesses. MedWish bridges the gap between our abundance and their absence, our surplus and their scarcity. Using the surplus we recover, we match our inventory to the needs in the world by partnering closely with both domestic and international partners to ensure people get what they need.




recover

MedWish recovers medical supplies and equipment from various health systems that would otherwise be discarded. This usable medical surplus is still safe, but typically is discarded because of insurance regulations, hospital inventory systems, renovations and equipment updates, etc.

sort

MedWish receives those supplies in our distribution center, sorting all incoming medical supply donations. By separating incoming donations into individual item types, MedWish can completely customize orders for our recipients.

vet

Potential recipients must complete our online application process to request medical humanitarian aid. MedWish then builds a customized order based on a needs assessment.

distribute

MedWish fulfills orders of all sizes – from small boxes to 40′ cargo containers, and works with recipients to help these shipments reach their final destinations across the world.

save lives

The medical surplus we send overseas promotes healthier communities. Because these items are not in landfills, we are helping to keep the planet healthier, too.