“It's really amazing what they do here. We like to be a part of it.”
At Global Links’ 58,000-square-foot facility, volunteers work diligently to inspect, sort, and pack surplus medical supplies.
It is a vital component of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit's operations. Global Links processes about 230 tons of surplus annually, with volunteer hours totaling about 11,000.
“We rely on volunteers to sort and pack all these medical supplies,” says Stacy Bodow, senior outreach and engagement manager, Global Links.
UPMC and UPMC Health Plan proudly support Global Links’ mission to improve community health.
Since 1989, Global Links has rescued and shared surplus medical supplies to support various health programs. The surplus supplies go to communities in need in the Pittsburgh area and internationally.
Stacy says volunteers process about 95% of supplies that pass through the facility. That can include sorting syringes, gauze, oxygen masks, gloves, and other surgical supplies.
“And we do literally touch each piece,” Stacy says. “So, making sure it’s (not outdated), sorting it by size, (and) identifying exactly what it is.
“We’re never going to send a box of random mixed items. It’s always sorted, packed, and inventoried—and the people receiving it have requested it, and they know exactly what they’re getting.”
In addition to smaller medical supplies, Global Links also accepts and distributes larger items, including hospital beds, crutches, walkers, and stretchers. The public can also donate home medical items that are no longer needed but are still in good condition, like rollators, shower benches, crutches, and non-motorized wheelchairs.
Laurie M. has volunteered at Global Links since October 2013. She usually spends two hours every Wednesday morning sorting supplies. She even recruited her husband to join her after he retired.
“When I heard about Global Links, I thought, ‘This sounds like a good, convenient place to go and volunteer,’" Laurie says. "And it's been a lot of fun."
Ironically, leftover medical supplies first brought Laurie to Global Links. She underwent major surgery in 2012 and recovered faster than expected.
“I had a lot of medical supplies left over at the end,” Laurie says. “I didn't know what to do with them, and I threw them away. The next year, when I heard about Global Links, I thought, ‘I have to pay back the medical supplies I did not share with them.’”
Like Laurie, Jeff C. also volunteers at Global Links every Wednesday. Jeff is an aide at an organization that assists people with special needs. A coworker introduced him to Global Links.
“One of the other aides came upon Global Links and said, ‘Hey, this would be a great
Learn more about tours, donations, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help support Global Links.
Pittsburgh (KDKA): Pittsburgh-area nonprofit organization collects supplies to distribute to those in need.
Working in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and a wide range of community organizations, we are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve.
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With volunteers ranging from teens to seniors and options involving office work or patient care, there's a place for all qualifying volunteers at nearly two dozen UPMC hospitals.
