Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project

Imagine the challenge of obtaining medical care where just a few thousand physicians serve millions of people.  Imaging living where endless civil wars have created massive shortages of crutches and wheelchairs.  Where infectious diseases like Bubonic Plague – long extinct in North America, run unchecked.  And where virulent diseases like AIDS are decimating young and old alike.  Imagine trying to cope with these and other overwhelming medical needs without even the most basic equipment and supplies.  Some of us have been to Jamaica and stayed at resorts on the beautiful beaches.  But poverty, unemployment and inequality in Jamaica rank among the worst in America.  Jamaica has the second highest unemployment rate, roughly 11.8%, and fourth highest poverty rate, 43.1%.  The IMF report defined poverty as the share of population earning less than $2.50 US per day which translates to 1.1 million Jamaicans living in poverty.  Haiti scores better than Jamaica.  The population of Jamaica is 2,825,928 with 39 hospitals (1 hospital per 72,450 people).  The population of Wisconsin is 5,711,765 with 143 hospitals (1 hospital per 39,942 people).  The Sharing Around (the World) Medical Project is a recycling program for the salvage of reusable medical equipment, blankets and supplies.  The idea for this project was a result of a Group Study Exchange Team from Rotary District 9250 (Southern Africa).  The team consisted of 2 doctors.  In their visits to Rotary clubs in our District (6220), the doctors freely discussed the shortage of the simplest medical supplies and equipment and the high incidence of AIDS.  SAMP sent the first shipment to Southern Africa in 1993.  The founders of SAMP, in partnership with Goodwill Industries, created a strong foundation that has grown and flourished over the last 19 years.  Today, SAMP provides medical supplies globally.  SAMP collects, sorts, packs and ships medical supplies through the generosity of Goodwill Industries, First Supply, partnering hospitals and medical clinics, and volunteers.  SAMP has never lost a shipment or had a shipment end up on the black market since there is a corresponding club that receives the shipments.  All hospitals and clinics throw away thousands of pounds of medical supplies per year.  SAMP packs wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, gloves, gowns, drapes, pads, sutures, syringes, needles, IV tubing, catheters, wash basins, water pitchers, bed pans, blankets, etc.  They do not accept medicine, gurneys, large equipment and oxygen tanks.  SAMP needs your help with communication (sending thank you notes to our donating partners), shipping, public relations (contacting other Rotary clubs because we are seeking new area’s to ship) and packing on the last Tuesday of each month from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at the Goodwill Industries Ralph B. Shiner Center in Appleton.  It is a great way to meet fellow Rotarians and you get a make-up.  The life you same today may be the leaders of that country tomorrow.  Make the world a better place for the next generation