ABOUT US

Partners for World Health is a non-profit 501(c)3 based in South Portland, Maine that is committed to reducing medical waste, improving the quality of healthcare in underserved countries, and educating our local community about global health issues.

We collect medical supplies that healthcare facilities in the U.S. are required to discard and ship them to countries in need. In addition, we organize medical missions to Southeast Asia and Africa for offer doctors, nurses and students.

There are other non-profit organizations that send medical supplies to or provide medical care in the developing world, but PWH is proud to be the only organization in the U.S. that does both. We strive to follow up each shipment of medical supplies and equipment with a team of medical personnel.

Lastly, we are committed to educating our community members about the importance of recycling and the disparities in healthcare around the world.

Who Are We?

Our team is made up of an extraordinary group of volunteers. Believe it or not, 98% of the people working at Partners for World Health are unpaid, and 100% are here because they are extremely passionate about the cause. We truly believe that all things are possible, we think outside the box and we all have a strong belief that together we can change the world!

How Did This Venture Begin?

In 2007, Elizabeth McLellan, RN MPH, began collecting discarded medical supplies and storing them in her home while she was working as a nursing supervisor at a hospital. She founded Partners for World Health and began shipping the medical supplies overseas. When she had accumlated 11,000 pounds in her home, filling the kitchen, dining room and basement, Elizabeth realized it was time to procure a small warehouse. Since then, the organization has been steadily growing and filling larger and larger warehouses, and we now fill two in the Portland area - one that is 30,000 square feet and an office warehouse of 11,000 sq ft.

Do You Find This Inspiring?

Keep reading! We have more to share with you on the following pages. But before you forget, sign up here if you'd like to stay informed about the latest Partners for World Health news and events.

We Need You!

Partners for World Health’s medical supply recycling program and medical mission program are thriving, but we need your help for continued success.

There are a variety of ways that you can help us grow and succeed with our mission.

Volunteer to Work - Volunteers have a number of job options - to sort and prepare supplies for shipment, to be on our special events committee, to pick up supplies from medical facilities, to work with college students in our PWH chapters, to work on Project 10,000 and many more!

Join a Medical Mission - Come with us to work in a health care setting in a developing country for a rewarding and eye-opening experience. We welcome doctors, nurses, nursing students and non-medical people as well.

Independent Delivery - Are you planning a trip to a developing country? If you're willing to deliver medical supplies while you're there, Partners for World Health will set you up with a supply package tailored to the area's needs. Whether you can carry a gallon bag of supplies or several 50 lb suitcases, you will be a tremendous help.

Attend the Global Health Education Series - This free monthly event features a variety of presentations about providing healthcare to those in need. You won’t want to miss this interesting and educational series.

Donate Medical Supplies - Do you have medical unused supplies in your home that can be donated. We collect a variety of products including walkers, crutches, canes, surgical gloves, sealed syringes, wound care items, clean linens, diabetic supplies, skin care items, lotions, diapers and more. We cannot typically accept prescription medications or nutritional formula.

Spread the Word - Help us get the word out about medical supply recycling. Talk to your local medical providers and helps us build our recycling network. Follow our Facebook page and share it with your friends!

Make a Donation - Partners for World Health is an organization run entirely by volunteers. A $100 donation will ship 500 lbs of medical supplies in a container bound for Africa or SE Asia. Any size contribution will make a difference!