BBF's Medical Program

Medical Program
Contact Liam Carstens: lcarstens@brothersbrother.org

Guatemala	In 1958, Brother's Brother Foundation was created in the spirit of improving world health. Through its Medical Program, BBF is still devoted to that mission as demonstrated by the steady distribution of medicines, supplies and equipment worldwide to health ministries,
hospitals and mission physicians. Much of the developing world lacks sufficient medicine and medical supplies that are sometimes abundant in the first world. To help people across the globe have access to basic medicine and supplies, BBF gathers surplus products from pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and medical organizations and sends these items directly to the places where they are needed. By collaborating with international and domestic partner organizations and individuals on the ground, BBF is able to ensure that these donations reach the hands of the people who truly need them. After sending 520 tractor trailer loads of goods worth more than $1 billion in 2008, BBF is hoping to increase those numbers by developing solid relationships with organizations and individuals and amplifying its donor base. For example, the Medical Program's continued collaboration with B'nai Brith has benefited the people of Argentina, Cuba and Peru. A partnership with Christian Aid Ministries has resulted in help reaching Romania and Haiti. A systematic partnership with Food for the Poor has resulted in sustained aid going to Central American and Caribbean countries.
Non-pharmaceutical Medical Supplies By developing a relationship with MedWish International, BBF has increased supply inventory and allocated basic non-pharmaceutical medical items to more developing countries. Non-pharmaceutical medical supplies such as hospital beds, operation tables, pediatric cribs, surgical gowns and drapes, exam gloves, stretchers, exam tables and other materials have been provided to places like Malawi and Guinea.
Surgical Tools Large donations of quality surgical instruments has allowed BBF to supply numerous clinics across the Third World with basic gynecological, orthopedic, cardiac and other surgical sets. For more information about BBF's surgical tools program, click here.
Mission Trips Since medicine products have expiration dates that need to be respected, sometimes BBF is not able to send large quantities of medicines to countries that have strict customs regulations that could deter shipment from arriving on a timely basis. Because of this circumstance, BBF has been increasingly supplying medical mission teams. Individuals or groups can hand-carry medicines to beneficiary countries and therefore ensure the distribution and absorption of these products prior to expiration. BBF can only function with the prolonged support of donors. As long as BBF continues to receive supplies, then shipments will be sent out to those in need. BBF welcomes contributions to its general fund, or if you or your group want to sponsor a specific program or country, we will work with you to turn your plans into reality. We are a non-sectarian and an apolitical organization. This allows us to conduct our work in a truly beneficial manner with few barriers. Honduras For more information about BBF's mission trip program, click here.
If you are interested in donating medical supplies or pharmaceuticals, please view our Medical Donation Policy first. If you would prefer to support BBF's Medical Program with a monetary donation, please click here.

BBF, a 52-year old Pittsburgh-based international charity, has provided over $3.4 billion of medical supplies, textbooks, food, seeds, and other humanitarian supplies to people around the world in over 140 countries. With the help of gifts from the general public, corporations and the US government, in 2009 BBF sent product contributions to those in need in 70 countries including Argentina, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Malawi, Nicaragua, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda and Vietnam. These shipments were the equivalent of 319 tractor trailer loads. Also in 2009, BBF furnished supplies for 265 medical and humanitarian hand-carry mission trips.

Forbes Magazine, the national business periodical, listed Brother's Brother Foundation as one of the top four most efficient charities in a special issue,
2009 investment guide charity, December 2008. The issue lists
200 charities, rating them on how efficiently they collect and distribute donations.
Brother's Brother Foundation received 100 % or higher rating in both charitable commitment and fundraising efficiency.

Donations to assist with shipping costs are greatly appreciated. Credit card donations can be made by calling Brother's Brother Foundation at 412-321-3160. Checks should be made out to Brother's Brother Foundation and sent to:
Brother's Brother Foundation
1200 Galveston Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15233

For additional information, please contact:
Karen Dempsey, Vice President Development/Administration @ 412-237-2324 or email: kdempsey@brothersbrother.org

Luke Hingson, President @ 412-237-2320 or email: lhingson@brothersbrother.org