Global Links
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I have led a nursing student community health experience in Managua, Nicaragua for the past 15 years and have directly witnessed what Global Links has done in Nicaragua. In addition to giving me small, portable health care supplies which are able to be independently transported in luggage, I have seen the difference that larger Global Links donations have made. During each of these 15 years, I have taken students to tour the Berta Calderon Women's Hospital, the national reference hospital and a recipient of significant donations from Global Links. I have directly observed the improvements in the quantity and quality of the equipment and the effect that it has had on the work of the staff in the labor and delivery area and the comfort of the patients and the care that they receive as a result.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
My experience has been noted in my statement above.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do nothing... Global LInks is a well-run, remarkable organization that is fulfilling a critical need through re-use of medical supplies and equipment.
Global Links does a wonderful job of recycling perfectly usable medical equipment that is too often discarded in favor of newer technology. They enforce high self-imposed standards that require them to only distribute equipment and supplies that can be serviced for future repair needs and that have not exceeded an expiration date. Many items that have been donated rather than discarded only need new wheels, simple cleaning and paint. These minor repairs restore the equipment, prevent inexcusible waste and facilitate patient care in distant lands. Other items need to be grouped together based on the medical application.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've vistited their facilities and am aware of the Global Links collection ares within our hopsital. Having met with many of their staff members, I've personally seen the enthusiasm they have for their work.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Perhaps some day, they could provide services to an even broader range of countries.
My wife and are both retired now, but for many many years we were involved with Global Kinks. We first became involved when Global Links were just beginning it was quite easy to see the commitment of the Principals in a totally unselfish manner. and staff to helping others. For many rears while we were representing the U.S. government in Nicaragua and when the health systems of the country was in totally shambles, Global Links came to the support. Global Links was spectacular.
In Nicaragua, my wife was responsible for improving the status of the hospitals and health delivery. Not one organization in the entire world made more of an impact than Global Links.
The philosophy of Global Links of taking perfectly good medical products and send them to the needy is truly what they do.
I know of no organization that utilizes a higher percentage of their income for real programs than Global Links.
My story has been replicated hundreds of times over.
Global Links is truly the very best organization that I have ever dealt with.
If Global LInks does not win this award it will truly be a travisty.
Dr. Richard White and Dr. Joanne White
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the enormous improvement of health care delivery and supply of badly needed hospital equipment and medicines in Nicaragua. My wife and I have been involved with Global Links in Cuba and Jamaica. We have seen up close and personal the results of the generous giving.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
NOTHING with the exception of Global Links finally receiving the attention that they truly deserve
Global Links plays an important role, recovering still useful medical furnishings and equipment and unused medical supplies that cannot be used for one reason or another in the U.S., but that can help save lives and provide improved healthcare options patients throughout the world.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
seeing the dedication of hundreds of volunteers who do everything from setting aside materials for collection at area hospitals, to sorting and packing supplies at Global Links' headquarters, to ensuring that suture donations are delivered to hospitals in desparate need of suture in rural hospitals in Africa. Without the dedication and commitment of these volunteers, Global Links would not be able to do its job nearly as effectively.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2007
Having traveled and worked in developing countries for many years, I am acutely aware of how critical the type of medical aid given by Global Links is in these countries. Global Links has moved beyond simply supplying greatly needed equipment and supplies, to working with the Ministry of Health in many countries to fundamentally improve their delivery of health care. At its home base in Pittsburgh, Global Links not only carries out its basic functions of gathering and shipping medical supplies, but perhaps equally importantly they educate teenagers and others who serve as volunteers at Global Links in the vitally important issues of health in developing countries far removed from the U.S.. My three daughters’ early and long experience with Global Links has been a significant factor in leading all of them to work overseas, including one working in international public health. This highly effective use of volunteers by Global Links also makes them remarkably effective from a financial point of view, leveraging the dollars they receive in donations with the many hours of volunteer time. As a trustee of several family foundations, I consider Global Links to be one of the most effective charities I have contributed to over many years.
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If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
continue doing the things it already does extremely well, but expand into substantially more countries and gather many more medical supplies from a larger network of US hospitals.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Since 2007 I've been working with Global Links as PAHO’s focal point in Guatemala. So far the donation program has been a success reaching the most excluded in health and needed population in Guatemala with the delivery of more than 12 containers with medical equipment, furniture and supplies for several hospitals and health centers. Global Links has shown its commitment to the poor people in our Region and with their vast experience gained working together with the Pan American Health Organization in many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, it’s definitely a good example of an outstanding non profit organization.
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The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
many countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their professionalism and commitment on their social mission
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Global Links does it right - they understand the needs of the hospitals and clinics they serve, they take the time to educate themselves about each situation, they never make an inappropriate donation. Keeping these useful materials out of US landfills is an added bonus.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the hospitals overseas where I have worked.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
do just what they're doing.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the staff, to be honest. They're great.
Ways to make it better...
I had more time to work with them.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
need for more funding and more material donations from hospitals around the country.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
I first met Global Links through my favorite mentor who sits on their board. I have many pet causes, but I knew that if my wonderful mentor supported it, then I knew it was worth taking a second look. My next encounter was as a consultant helping Global Links re-design their operations to minimize waste and maximize how they used every minute and every dollar. I was impressed with their desire to make the most of every resource they had to continuously expand their reach and impact. I also appreciated their focus on understanding their customers' actual needs. Rather than exporting surplus medical supplies, they come from the perspective of allowing customers to "pull" what they need and import only what can actually be used. Now, I am a loyal donor and supporter. I have lived in third world countries and have seen the need that Global LInks is helping to meet. I appreciate that they collaborate with host countries--in a professional, respectful way. Because I have worked briefly with the organization, I give confidently knowing that my dollars are honored and used carefully--to bless the lives of patients and health professionals alike in a way that promotes the spirit of re-use and recycling.
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Was your donation impactful?
Definitely
How likely is it that you would recommend that a friend donate to this group?
Definitely
How likely are you to donate to this group again?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I met Global Links about 3 years ago and fell in love with its mission at once. I got to know the staff and organizational culture when I first trained several staff members in process improvement techniques adopted from Toyota and then coached their team through a large-scale streamlining of their entire value stream. It gave me a deep understanding of what they have been able to achieve in filling a perfect gap between waste and need. It also gave me an appreciation for the hard working staff willing to examine their own work with a critical eye and try to improve how they do what they do instead of resting on the laurels of past successes. Now, I am a liaison at St. Clair Hospital and we about to partner with Global Links to become one of their regular donors. I am thrilled to have a chance to work with this worthy nonprofit again!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the extraordinary depth of knowledge they showed about hospital operations when they met with my hospital's senior management team.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Contributing to such an obvious good.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Visionary, hard working, and willing to self-reflect and improve.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand its national footprint!
Ways to make it better...
like any nonprofit. how to grow resources so it can expand its impact and scope.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
At the Global Links headquarters facilities in Pittsburgh, inspirational quotes are displayed on the volunteer wall above the large conference table where much of the sorting of medical supplies takes place. This familiar quote by Margaret Mead is among them,"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has." And that's exactly the spirit which inspires Global Links' staff and volunteers to help improve health for thousands of people living in developing countries. Their mission is daunting--to improve healthcare in developing countries where even the most basic of medical supplies are in short supply. Their method is unique and environmentally friendly--to share surplus medical supplies, equipment and furnishings from US hospitals with hospitals and clinics in developing countries. Instead of taking up space in a landfill, these medical materials are saving lives. The story that I always remember, and it's a common occurrence, is that women in labor often have to share a bed! And because of lack of space and furnishings and staff, women are often sent home the same day after giving birth. These are the families that Global Links helps around the world. Global Links is a worthy cause backed by an excellent and hardworking staff, board and volunteers.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
developing countries where entire clinics have been transformed by Global Links donations of diagnostic equipment, examining room furniture, and cases of medical supplies.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the exceptional people that work in the organization--staff, board and volunteers. It truly is a family!
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated, professional, thoughtful, and hardworking.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
replicate its model of capturing medical surplus in cities across the nation.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
Global Links has sponsored several Pittsburgh Health Corps, AmeriCorps members over the past 5 years. This is a wonderful site to coordinate volunteers, keep usable items from our overflowing landfills, and get valuable equipment to people in dire need of it. The staff is dedicated, energetic, knowledgable and tons of fun to be around. They also provide an opportunity for individuals and professionals to volunteer and spend time together to make this world a better place for us all. Keep up the great work? No service!!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the amount of materials sent to other countries.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
brag more about the great things I was doing - with and through volunteers.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
an opportunity to volunteer with like-minded folks who have a lot to give.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
enthusiastic, energetic, dedicated and happy!!
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
buy more trucks to pick up donations, have more staff to interact with more donors in more states and allow the staff to take well-deserved vacations (probably to volunteer at the clinics they donate to!).
Ways to make it better...
they had a bigger site to accommodate more volunteers!!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the space they need vs. have. But they are very frugal with their budget so the resources go where they are needed and not spent on "frills" (like an elevator). But the steps keep the staff and volunteers in great shape!
One thing I'd also say is that...
I am very proud to be associated with an organization that has stayed true to its mission with such dignity and respect for themselves and others.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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