2014 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Global Links

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Environment, Health, International, International Development, International Relief, Public Health, Recycling

Community Stories

307 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

4

Writer General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

05/01/2017

We visited Global Links as part of research for our entrepreneurship project at University of Pittsburgh, and received a very warm welcome, detailed introduction and gracious help from staff members such as Angela and Connor! The medical devices that they have loaned us will surely facilitate our research and our endeavor to develop a low-cost medical device targeting the low resource areas. We are planning to contact them in the near future about figuring out the specific needs for our potential customers, distribution channels and such.

More importantly, this visit is a transformational experience for us! Witnessing the volunteers working in the warehouse full of organized surplus medical supplies and talking to Angela and Connor about the organization's operation, needs and social impact, I was deeply touched by Global Links' noble cause and a hug cannot even express my most sincere gratitude towards these guys. We thank them for all their great work and devotion! I wish I could have brought the whole team to get to know Global Links onsite (the other two members had other engagements that day), since we are all enthusiastic and inspired entrepreneurs who wish to develop something useful for the greater good. We are more than happy to write reviews for the nebulizers and oxygen concentrators that they have loaned us to research on as the least we can do to pay back and start helping out.

We will use our social media presence to spread the word for Global Links. I have also signed up for volunteer. Again, thank you very much for everything, Global Links!

Wendy
Team OxyGen

2

morganwbrown Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/05/2017

I interned at Global Links in 2012 and had an amazing experience! Global Links motivated me to pursue nonprofit management in Latin America. In the years after my internship, I have remained connected to the mission of Global Links through their strong social media presence. As an Executive Director of a nonprofit serving vulnerable communities in Latin America, I strongly recommend Global Links to grant-making organizations, donors, prospective employees, interns, and volunteers. You will be positively impacted by Global Links in whatever capacity you serve.

2

bosmeg34 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/10/2016

We came from Washington&Jefferson College and had an amazing experience at Global LInks on Friday. My students come from foreign countries and this volunteer opportunity shed light into some of the great things local non-profits do in our area. It also gave them a great point of reference to compare how things are done in their own countries. Thanks Global LInks!

3

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/13/2016

I loved volunteering at Global Links this past Saturday! It was an amazing opportunity that I am extremely glad I took up. Not only was it wonderful to contribute and help those who are less fortunate, I was able to meet new people from different school districts with similar interests in medicine meanwhile sorting medical supplies. Although we were standing and sorting supplies for two hours, I barely noticed it was time to leave until someone mentioned it! I would love to volunteer again with Global Links or any other organizations similar to them with the medical supplies. I had an amazing time there and am looking forward to experiences similar to this in the future.

3

Tim-- Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2016

I want to thank Global Links first for the opportunity to finish my school requirements and then for welcoming us back for a few weeks beyond that, it was fun to volunteer for a good cause, and be part of the great atmosphere they have! I will be trying to resume volunteering with them if I am ever in the area again. If that can't happen, then I just want to make sure they know how enjoyable this was for me and how much I appreciate what they do!

5

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/10/2015

The International Society of Wheelchair Professionals (ISWP) Student Group cleaned and assembled wheelchairs at Global Links. It was such a great learning experience, both about Global Links and the needs of the international community. We had a great time and would love to come back soon!

2

Writer Former staff

Rating: 5

10/22/2015

I worked for Global Links right out of college through Student Conservation Association. I am proud to have been part of such an amazing organization - the entire staff and volunteers deeply care about their work and everything clearly supports the overall mission of improving global health. One aspect of Global Links that I appreciate most is their dedication to do no harm. It is not uncommon for global aid organizations to donate items or services that end up hurting more than helping at worst, or are ineffective at best. Global Links is not one of these organizations. Through long-term, strategic partnerships and vigilance and commitment at every level, Global Links provides genuinely needed and wanted items and assistance in a highly effective way.
In addition to Global Links' far-reaching impacts, Global Links also made a huge difference in my life. My experience working at Global Links and the guidance I received from staff played a major role in shaping my career goals and commitment to environmental health. Thank you Global Links!

4

Anil H. Client Served

Rating: 5

12/17/2014

I am the Director of Christian Hospital, Mungeli. This is a 120 bedded hospital in Rural Chhattisgarh, India.
I came here in 2003 after working in Nashville, TN, USA and work for Global Ministries, the mission branch of the United Church of Christ and the Disciples of Christ, two mainline churches in the States.
The hospital has grown tremendously since we came. I got to know about the Global Links suture program through a medical student who came here about 6 years ago.
Since then, we have been grateful to them for what they have done.
Sutures are the MOST expensive commodity that is used in surgery in our hospital. We do about 2500 surgeries a year and sometimes up to 12 to 15 cases a day is not rare. The sutures that we get through Global Links are very much appreciated and a true saving to the hospital. It is a real story of using something which has been discarded to save lives. This is what we believe Global Links gives us the pleasure of doing.
The hospital is a vibrant place for patients who come from long distances specially for surgery. We people who travel 150 miles and more to get help knowing that they will get the cheapest and best help needed.
Now we have a nursing school, a low cost English Medium school and a Community College which all help to bring about change and educate the people of this region. To know more about what we do our website is: www.chmungeli.org.
We thank Global Links in what they do for us as we take on the challenge of trying to provide low cost modern medical care to our patients.
This is the ideal situation in a world today where we cannot afford the cost of the health care that is provided to us.

4

tgadson Client Served

Rating: 5

10/09/2014

I am the Executive Director of a community based, social service organization that focuses on service disparities in underserved communities. Due to increased service demand, we expanded our office space. As is the case for most non-profit organizations, our organizational needs were greater than our resources. I was referred to Global Links by a colleague. Because of the generosity of Global Links, office furniture was donated to our agency. This was a tremendous savings for us. Resultantly we were able to redirect the dollars we would have spent on office furniture to meeting the needs of vulnerable families. In addition to the tangible supplies we obtained, the staff of Global Links were professional, patient and courteous. We are truly appreciative for this type of partnership.

Trisha M. Gadson, MS
Executive Director
Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center, Inc.
Pittsburgh, PA

3

AMeloy Client Served

Rating: 5

10/08/2014

I work for a non profit--Genesis of Pgh. We help pregnant woman in need. Global Links has been most helpful in fulfilling our needs with donations. It was most helpful taking the tour and sitting down with Jennifer and expressing what our needs were and they were explicitly fulfilled during our recent pick up of donations. Everything we received will be put to good use in helping our clients. Global Links is such wonderful company to deal with!! Thank you Global Links!!

1

SueQ Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2014


Just a quick note about this great organization. It is sobering to realize when small things we take for granted to be there are missing, how they adversely affect people’s lives. Global Links takes surplus medical supplies and gets them to people in need, saving lives. Spending a few hours there every month or so makes a difference! Depending of what you do, it may be the hardest couple of volunteer hours you spend, but will make you feel better about yourself. I’d look into this great organization if you want to help and make a difference!

trudypippin Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2014

My company provides volunteer opportunities in the community and I have always enjoyed working at Global Links. It's a great chance to help people with what is considered waste in our world. They have a great team out there and I always feel that what we are doing makes a difference in people's lives. Thanks, Global Links! See you soon!
Trudy Berger

AmericanRedCross Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/07/2014

The American Red Cross in Western Pennsylvania is grateful to Global Links for supplying us with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) which enables our disaster response volunteers to quickly and effectively provide for the needs of our disaster clients who have disabilities and other medical concerns. Often, when disaster strikes, Americans with disabilities find themselves evacuated from their homes having left behind the items and equipment they use to facilitate their daily activities and maintain their health. Through our partnership with Global Links we have received wheel chairs, walkers, canes, nebulizers, blood pressure cuffs and other necessary supplies to better serve our clients. Through their generous support of our mission, we have been able to stock DME in 49 Emergency Shelter Trailers throughout the Western Pennslyvania Region. Global Links staff and volunteers have been friendly, professional and generous in spirit. It has been a pleasure working together and we look forward to a long and productive partnership in the future!

1

pfeight Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/12/2014

As a healthcare professional with over 40 years experience in the operating room, I know the importance of having the necessary supplies and equipment to save lives. Our hospital has been donating to Global links for over a decade and we are proud to support their tireless efforts to help those less fortunate than us. This organization truly makes a difference in thousands of people's lives all around the world. Thank you to all who work and volunteer for this wonderful organization. What they can't use, they recycle at their expense.
Paul Feight RN CNOR

jghana Client Served

Rating: 5

08/01/2014

Great Experience overall. As part of a medical student group traveling to serve in Africa, I was a bit weary of where to get necessary supplies. I heard about this Global Links through one of its volunteers and was happy to hear they would accommodate our request even though most of their volunteer efforts are focused in the Americas.

I communicated with a kind representative. Although the process took a little longer than expected, I was more than pleased with the staff's understanding and execution of the request. The supplies were satisfactory.

Beth102 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/12/2014

My husband and I started volunteering this year at Global Links, and we are so impressed with this operation. It's well run, and the staff is great. They make use of everything that is donated.

GwenSue Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/16/2014

I am both a volunteer and donor to this organization. As a volunteer coordinator for my congregation, Global Links has accommodated our request for bringing children in to learn about Global Links work but also to contribute to making a difference all the way to bringing in my adult team. We are a small congregation and have found that Global Links has also been a good fit for our on-going donations. We have women who sew and those who are on the look out for even 1 pr. of crutches to unused medical home health supplies. We are learning to be good stewards and reach around the globe to our brothers and sisters. Whether it is inquiring or arranging for a donation to scheduling a volunteer activity, they are always courteous and a real joy to connect with.

kelias Client Served

Rating: 5

05/16/2014

I volunteered a few times at Global Links before through the Pittsburgh East Rotary Club and really enjoyed my time helping them out. However, I never realized the impact of their services until starting my new job at the FOCUS Pittsburgh Free Health Center. From the moment that the doctors tat my organization connected me to Global Links for our equipment needs, I knew it would be a wonderful partnership.

They invited me over to their new facilities so I could really get a grasp on their wonderful work and the help they provide to local and international partners. They opened their doors to some of my students as well, so they could see where and who we got all of our equipment from for our clinic. Global Links took all of our requests and fulfilled our equipment needs quickly and provided us with everything we needed. Without them, our clinic would not be functioning and open! They are a wonderful organization!

pghqtpie2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/14/2014

I can't say enough about Global Links. This organization not only saves lives but also the environment while doing so. They carefully assess the medical needs of people in developing or disadvantaged countries or disaster areas and then work closely with local hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities to gather excess medical supplies that would otherwise end up in our landfill. Through the help of volunteers like me, they sort, separate, pack, and ship the appropriate materials where they are needed the most, such as small clinics or areas hit by natural disasters.

One of the things I love the most about Global Links is that they post pictures, videos and newsletters that show the people we help using the materials we've sent them. The things we take for granted here, such as an IV pole or crutches, can mean the difference between disability or self-sufficiency, life or death. We can see the benefit of our work and we know that every little thing we do and item we send is truly making a positive impact on people.

In my eyes, there is no more worthy cause or feeling of gratification than that of volunteering with this amazing organization!

1

590123 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/08/2014

I am in Boston for second time in my professional career.

I am at the Children Hospital Boston receiving training with in the department of pediatric neurosurgery.

I live in a developing country also it isn’t easy for me to travel over here. I am a Cuban physician.

Thanks to the wonderful work of Global Links and their help to developing countries everything is possible and when I travel back my patients will receive a medical care of the first level, Global links became dream true.

Dr. Julio S Brossard Alejo.
Head and Principal Professor
Neurosurgery
Hospital Infantil Sur
Santiago de Cuba

1

SAS4Dogs Client Served

Rating: 5

02/22/2014

The BIG FIX Uganda is an organization which has been fortunate to receive help from Global Links. Working in one of the most impoverished areas in the world, we provide free veterinary services (including spay/neuter) and animal welfare education in Northern Uganda's remote villages. It might be difficult to believe that an expired suture can make so much difference but to us, that one suture is the means to allow us to sterilize 3 male dogs or to stitch up a serious wound or to remove an infected eye. Sutures are difficult and costly to obtain in Uganda and if we did not receive suture donations from Global Links, we would have great difficulty serving the hundreds of animals we help every month. We are extraordinarily grateful to Global Links for their kindness, responsiveness to our communications and for working with us as valued partners as we seek to relieve the suffering of animals in Uganda.

Angelo39 Donor

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

When my wife passed away last year, I looked for a non-profit that could put to good use the medical equipment and supplies that we had acquired for her care. Global Links turned out to be perfect for this. I am very impressed by their mission and it meant a lot to me that they were able to reuse this equipment.

1

maryw Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

I've been volunteering at Global Links for almost ten years, after going to volunteer with a group of friends. I now go twice a week, and help sort donated supplies and organize and pack outgoing boxes of supplies. It is very rewarding because you know you are both helping people in the developing world--and in a real way, with deliveries to actual small hospitals visited by Global Links staff. Nothing sits on a dock where it is stolen. Also, you are helping to keep medical supplies out of Pittsburgh landfills, where all these supplies were going to end up until Global Links founder Kathleen Hower thought of this ingenious idea. I have met wonderful people volunteering there, and have formed friendships with other volunteers who go when I do and staff.

Previous Stories
12

Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

Global Links is the most successful nonprofit organization around. With a small staff and very low overhead, they recycle medical supplies from hospitals (which would have thrown these supplies out) and send them to specific partner hospitals (mostly in Latin America) which are desperate for basic medical equipment, including beds and sheets! Directed by talented staff members, volunteers do all the sorting and repacking of supplies for shipment, each day and many evenings.

geocat Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/17/2013

I've been volunteering at Global Links for a while now, and I can't believe the enormous amount of medical supplies Global Links processes.

It's my very favorite place to volunteer: the joyfulness of the people who work there, the gratitude and sweetness of everyone who works there, the efficient way things are organized, and fun that it all turns out to be.

Amazing!!!

lsanborne Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2013

Wonderful homegrown nonprofit which combines hands-on service work with important donations of medical supplies to health programs in developing countries

Michele V. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2013

Global Links is AWESOME!!!! They worked very closely with us in trying to get a dental clinic set up and stocked in Honduras. They even had a local dentist come in and help us decide what we needed since we are medical, not dental. They are a wonderful source of supplies and assistance for our medical work in Honduras!

cmeyer4337 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/16/2013

I initially volunteered with Global Links for its healthcare efforts in developing countries. Since then I have found a whole other side to its mission; i.e. environmental stewardship/sustainability. I have also discovered that the staff are essentially committed to this mission (Sharing Surplus/Saving Lives) and live it. The result? A very well run organization that keeps trying to make itself better (less wasteful, more efficient, more collaborative to name just a few traits). Having spent the better part of my 40 year career in either non-profits or government, I recognize the extreme difficulty of paying attention to and developing such things as governance (structure, risk-management, legality, etc) while also pursing a mission. Global Links does this extremely well from what I can see. Example: Over the last year or so, they have consolidated three facilities into one new location -- with their own staff and volunteers -- while also maintaining the work of the organization. They have their values , as well as their heads and hearts and efforts, in the right place.

Allisandra S. Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/13/2013

I was required to do volunteer hours after an alternative spring break trip with my university. We had initially visited global links for educational purposes, but then I decided I wanted to volunteer there as well. I had a fantastic experience learning about the amazing projects Global Links did across the world and talking with other volunteers. I felt so comfortable around all the volunteers and enjoyed talking and working together. I recommend this to all college students who need volunteer hours because it doesn't even feel like work.

pittgmb Client Served

Rating: 5

05/28/2013

Global links has greatly helped out my organization for two years. Each year we go on a medical mission trip to Honduras and the donations by Global links have been instrumental in making our brigade a success. All the staff I worked with were incredibly motivated and caring.

clr39 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2013

Global links is a great non-profit! All of the staff really care about what they're doing and making a difference to the hospitals and communities they work with. As a regular volunteer, I really feel like I'm making a difference too!

NCmountainmimi Donor

Rating: 5

04/13/2013

Before I retired from the University of Pittsburgh twelve years ago, I helped recruited staff members to join a small group of volunteers on a regular basis to sort medicals supplies. I moved to NC and have kept in touch via newsletters and emails and watched the growth of this remarkable organization. I regularly make a contribution whenever I can to support their continued success. It is amazing how other states have asked for their assistance and advice in setting up such an organization. I have fond memories of my physical support while living in Pittsburgh. L. Butera

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I'm a University of Pittsburgh retiree(25 yrs. in international depts.) now residing in NC and make a donation when I can afford it. When I lived in Pittsburgh, I regularly volunteered to sort medical supplies with a group organized by Pitt. My experience with global links has always been a positive one and I am happy to see that the organization keeps growing and reaching out to meet as manyinternational clinics and hospitals with the medical supplies that are desperately needed. Even though I can't be active as a volunteer, global links keeps me informed of their current needs and progress. I can't think of an originally grass roots Pgh. group that deserves recognition more. Good luck to future successes

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lala82 Donor

Rating: 5

04/05/2013

Global Links is an incredible non-profit. The staff arduously works to strategically send medical supplies directly to medical facilities in Latin America. Their model is ecologically responsible because they work to ensure that useful supplies are not wasted and ensure that they only send supplies that the Latin American medical professionals request.

2

lion Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/11/2013

Every year for the past 30 years I have taken a group of undergraduate students from Notre Dame of Maryland University to learn about socio-economic development and to volunteer their services in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. This year, I heard about Global Links and their ability to supply medicines and medical equipment to people on medical and other missions in the developing world. I contacted them, provided them with information about the 65 bed clinic in San Lucas, which is a part of an integral development project started by Father Greg Schaeffer from the Diocese of New Ulm, Minnessota, and within weeks I had the supplies. I really appreciated the immediate response and the lack of bureaucracy of Global Links. Dr. Tum, the cakchiquel doctor, who was trained in Minnessota, couldn't believe that we, as non-medical volunteers had brought sutures, syringes, needles, gloves to his clinic. Payment for services and medications at the San Lucas Clinic is based on need. Since the average income of patients is between $1,000 and $2,000 a year, most services are provided free of charge. It was particularly significant for our group to have brought the medical donations this year, as Father Greg, the creator of the project, had died only a few months earlier.

1

SCMG Board Member

Rating: 5

12/06/2012

In March 2012 I co-led a group of 25 volunteers to the Dominican Republic. In addition to medical clinics we conducted construction projects, children's programs, evangelism and (for the first time) dental services! Every time I've traveled abroad for mission work Global Links has miraculously met our requests for supplies. The year prior we had a request for an X-ray light box and sure enough they found one for us to take!! This past year Global Links provided us nebulizers & supplies. Because of the poor living condition we frequently run into people with breathing problems. Yearly we provide a medical clinic for a local prison. The prisoners sleep on dirt or cement floor with no blankets or mattresses unless provided by family. Many of them have breathing problems that are worsened by their living conditions. Multiple families have benefited this year from the breathing treatments we were able to provide. One prisoner who has chronic asthma received much relief when we showed up with our nebulizer. Thanks to Global Links ongoing support we were able to leave 2 nebulizers with supplies at the prison for use as needed by the inmates. This past year we were able to provide medical services to over 1000 men, women and children over 4 clinic days. Thanks again to our friends from Global Links!! Steel City Mission Group

1

Sara Mar General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/24/2012

I recently traveled to Honduras with a group of 20 other medical personnel to provide care in a rural village. We left with numerous supplies from Global Links including gloves, gauze, lancets to name a few. Global Links was very willing to provide everything we had requested for our trip and gathered our supplies so quickly. We were able to use these supplies as part of our Child Health Initiative to improve preventive care with the children in San Jose El Negrito and surrounding areas. We make these trips twice annually and have enough remaining supplies to help us provide care for our next visit. I really enjoyed working with Global Links as everyone was so friendly and accommodating and hope we can work together for future trips.

1

carib6 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/20/2012

My relationship with Global Links started when I attended a fund raising event in December, 2009. I was impressed with the work of this charity in donating medical supplies to developing countries in the Caribbean and Africa. I became a volunteer and donate my time about once a month.
Due to my volunteer work, I was surprised to see the mount of medical supplies discarded in the US that still can be used. Global Links saw the need and collects the excess medical supplies and distribute the materials to under serviced countries. If Global Links didn’t collect these materials, it would end up in landfills. Therefore, I commend Global Links for its charity work in assisting Caribbean and African countries with their medical needs.
I was able to secure a generous donation of medical supplies to Grenada (my homeland) of $111,000 in December of 2011. The donation was based on their needs and included furnishings, equipment, medical supplies and instruments. Global Links did an excellent job and the donated supplies have helped the citizens of Grenada.

1

tweenator Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/12/2012

I have a long standing partnership with the medical department at Kamuzu Central Cemtral Hospital in Malawi, and I coordinate service-learning rotations for medical students and residents in Pittsburgh. We get requests from KCH for medical supply, anything from microscopes, centrifuges, syringes, glucometers and various catheters. Global Links has always been very helpful and responsive to KCH and our needs often clarifying its specific use and making suggestions for alternatives to fit the low resource environment and adapting to users that are also learning the tools. GL always asks for feedback and ready for future trips and challenges. I'm grateful that we have them in our city but I know that distance is NOT a problem for GL! Our group of learners volunteer with GL to sort medical supplies and to transport sutures to other hospitals in Malawi.

Operation Safety Net Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/09/2012

Angela and David of Global Links provided clinical equipment and furniture for a new health center and resident facility located on the South Side in Pittsburgh. These items provided a cost savings of more than $10,000. The items will be utilized by patients who experienced significant hardships such as homelessness, illness and economic problems.

dcarrot Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/05/2012

I was in awe at the amount of medical surplus that we discard in America, that could still be used. I was happy to hear that this charity helps to redistribute these medical supplies to under-serviced communities, so that they do not get dumped in landfills. I really enjoyed learning about all the amazing work this organization has done, and it was an honor to be able to help sort medical supplies that might one day save someone's life! And on top of that, we had a lot of fun too!

rsh2061 Volunteer

Rating: 4

05/04/2012

I became involved with Global Links when I moved to Pittsburgh about a year ago. I have been extremely pleased with volunteering at this organization! I have had great experiences with all of the staff and fellow volunteers. I love how you can actually see the difference being made each shift. Various items are sorted and packed and by the time you leave you've finished tons of boxes that are all set, just waiting to be shipped to hospitals in need. I also really appreciate their scheduling flexibility! My schedule is constantly changing, never the same each week. When I moved here there were other places I had looked into that required a very set schedule. Global Links has been amazing to accommodate me, which I was very happy with as I really enjoy helping out. It was also great to work with the staff to help set up donations through the hospital I work at. I'm excited that now my unit can help contribute our unused supplies as well!

Frank Wilson Donor

Rating: 5

05/03/2012

AliMed had a large inventory of surplus surgical insturments, and orthopedic products. We contacted Angela Garcial and sent the lists of the products for review. Global links quickly responded to our extensive list and has been very resposive to additonal lists of products.They are easy to do business with and understands the business side of our operation. It is very satisfying know the products we donate will be used to help others throughout the world.

MMkersey Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

04/30/2012

I first learned about medical supply recovery in the Fall of 2010 and then began researching other organizations involved in this effort. I currently volunteer with MEDworld at UNC and REMEDY at Duke, which are much smaller, hospital-based nonprofits in North Carolina doing similar work to GL. As helpful and inspiring as those programs are, however, I often find myself comparing them to Global Links, which I consider a model organization. Global Links' reach goes far beyond one hospital's surplus -- they collect usable medical supplies and equipment from many different sources in numerous states. Their dedication to making sure that the collected supplies go to areas in most need and where they will be most useful is impressive. I visited Global Links' offices in October of 2011 and found their staff very personable, helpful, and knowledgeable. They patiently answered my questions about their organization and explained the many ways it is possible to support their efforts such as through their suture and nebulizer donation programs. I have contacted the staff since that visit and plan to use them as a resource again in the future. CEO and co-founder Kathleen Hower generously gave of her time to discuss many of the issues I am interested in regarding expanding medical supply recovery efforts in the Research Triangle area of NC. I also find the Global Links website to be very helpful, up-to-date, and informative. Global Links makes a huge difference in the lives of many people around the world with their medical surplus; its involvement and outreach in the greater Pittsburgh area in other environmental and humanitarian issues is equally inspiring. I am a proud supporter of Global Links.

Michelle65 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/30/2012

I first got involved with Global Links as a member of a graduate student group that wanted to do something for the local community. Global Links has been able to accommodate our busy schedules, staying open late so that we can still volunteer and help their cause. They make every effort to reduce waste and save energy, and have really pushed us to be aware of excess of resources in our community. There is a lot of "waste" in medical research that can be put to a better cause, so they have made us students much more conscientious in our work life as well.

deb.landislewis Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/30/2012

I initially began working with Global Links in 2005, as a medical student working in subsaharan Africa for a year. Global Links provided suture as well as requested medical equipment for a maternity hospital that badly needed supplies. Over the years, GL has continued to provide professional, timely, and much-needed care to this facility. They always seek feed-back from the clinicians working abroad and only provide that which is requested. I can honestly say the donations they have coordinated have saved countless numbers of women's lives. I have only had positive experiences working with this organization.

donitalucia Client Served

Rating: 5

04/28/2012

I am a volunteer in Nicaragua where health supplies are direly needed. As a Global Llinks client for the past 15 years, I am pleased to recall that my many requests for needed donations have always been filled immediately and with great care. The staff is well aware of my particular work and many times will add extra supplies that they feel can be used here. Their personal interest in my work is refreshing and greatly appreciated. Submitted by Donna Tabor, Building New Hope, Nicaragua

horaciogonzalez Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 3

04/27/2012

Coming from a country where many necessary things for health are difficult to find for most of the population, and having a firsthand experience of how these same things are disposed in USA, I support the labor of Global Links in making available these resources to those who need and can use them. Most of the time the problem is the collection and transportation of the resources to the specific areas where they are needed. The labor of Global Links provides this needed "link" to the benefit of the people receiving the resources, and to the people of USA avoiding the pile-up of dis-carted items in our communities.

Deborah25 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/26/2012

This organization is an exceptional example of reaching out to those who have so little in material things but so much appreciation to offer. The needs of undeveloped nations is great and Global Links puts us in contact with those who face unbelievable hardships in terms of their health and their every day struggles to survive. What our hospitals call trash becomes a lifeline to those in need.

Patricia29 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/26/2012

The people at Global Links are very thoughtful. Before becoming a volunteer, they give a nice tour of the place and explain their "business." Only good things to say about them!

markmeyersts Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/26/2012

I have volunteered and also am a consuder of the medical equipment sent to a project overseas that I work with in Central America. GL has people in the field and an approach that is not about influence or simply contacts in country. They aim for sustainable support to entities that are working hard in that direction. Bridging the gap between public/governmental agencies and NGO's, they aim to strengthen health systems. Generally, I think they do just that. All the while, we are saving waste and using appropriate equipment until it's time is done.

pmays Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/26/2012

Global Links is a wonderful non-profit organization that is very conscious of the environment. Nothing goes to waste there including the medical supplies that are packed for the third world countries. I have been volunteering there for several years and it is such a wonderful, successful, and extremely well-organized organization. I give it a 5 star recommendation. I come every two months on a Sat. with my church group and the second Tuesday of every month with friends. Everyone who volunteers here is so impressed with the mission of this group. It is amazing how much we accomplish when we are there.

Barbara57 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2012

I was introduced to Global Links through my son and a friend ( Global Links employee) who had served together in the Peace Corps in El Salvador. As a newly retired nurse/hospital administrator, they wanted me to serve in the Peace Corps, but I was not ready yet to venture that far in focus or foreign lands! Through Global Links, I was able to get involved in redirecting unused, but still good resources to improve the quality of healthcare in other countries, all while reducing waste in my own country, values/goals important to me. I have now become regularly involved in case packing supplies, recruiting new volunteers on college campuses and encouraging the nurses in home care organizations to donate unused supplies. The appreciation they consistently demonstrate for their volunteers is exceptional and the effort to redirect, repurpose or reuse every donated item that comes their way is phenomenal. Global Links is my "commitment to caring" in retirement and I love it and the people I have met since joining this effort!

hanniganret97 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2012

I think Global Links is a wonderful place. The work they do is amazing. Their warehouse is full of perfectly good hospital equipment which would end up in a landfill somewhere if global Links didn't recycle , package and ship to clinics and hospitals in South America. It's a shame what we waste and Global Links is doing a terrific job of making use of perfectly good merchindise that would otherwise be discarded. I love volunteering for them , helping to sort and package items. The people are friendly and very compitent.

mcja Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2012

The dedicated staff and volunteers at Global Links do life-saving work. By collecting and sending perfectly usable but unneeded medical equipment, supplies, and furnishings from U.S. hospitals to under-resourced hospitals and clinics in developing countries, Global Links puts to good use what would otherwise be discarded.

madeline Donor

Rating: 5

04/25/2012

When I turned 13, I decided to raise money for a non-profit. I choose Global LInks because I had heard it was a great organization and I thought that what they were doing was critical to the world. I ended up raising 1,600 dollars for the organization, and I am so glad i did. During the whole process, the Global Links people helped me, included me, and over all made me feel very welcome and appreciated. I would do it again in a heart beat. It's a great organization with great people in it.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

My mom first told me about Global Links, and from the start I was intrigued. I decided to raise money for the organization for my 13th birthday, and preceded to raise over a thousand dollars for Global Links. After I had volunteered there and got a sense of the amazing community Global Links is, I know I made the right choice. There is no better organization that deserves the money I raised.

mjsrhs Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/25/2012

Global Links recycles everything that is possible to recycle and has it clearly marked so we volunteers know where to put what!

hmlb Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

Global Links is an excellent organization with whom I've personally volunteered and, whenever available, professionally donated surplus medical products. There is ridiculous waste and surplus in the United States, yet dire need in most other parts of the world. Global Links is an extremely well-run, efficient, non-profit, humanitarian organization that truly recognizes this and continues to make a serious difference to best use and re-use for the good of less fortunate others. They also promote a consciousness to recycle and reuse in many other aspects. Anyone spending just one day with them in their very humble building would immediately see, feel and appreciate the spanse of their work! They are "life savers!"

forsjef Advisor

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

Global Links starts with a great model: take still-useful things from a place where they might have trouble getting used and share them in places where they can save lives. One of the distinguishing factors about their model is their attention to the needs of recipient facilities in recipient countries. For this organization, keeping useful things out of the landfill only starts the process; making sure there's a home for it where it will be used completes the circle. They make great use of volunteers on both a one-off and on-going basis.

Rick K. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

They are outstanding in everything area of their work. They have a gret group of people helping to make them a success.

agruskos Donor

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

I love donating to Global Links. I think that they take "recycling" to a whole new level. I love the idea that nothing that can be used should go to waste and I think that is what they are really all about. I also realize that they do their work with the utmost saftey in mind for the people who receive the medical goods that Global Links acquires. This is a non-profit at it's best.

Susan Donor

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

Global Links gives each of us an opportunity to reach out to people all over the world who are in need of medical help. Anytime I have had someone close who has been ill and then no longer needs whatever supplies they were using I make sure those supplies are given to Global Links. Then I know that another person will have the chance to get well, be comfortable, and heal. Personally, I have given crutches, nebulizers, bandages. It makes no sense to put these things to the curb for trash pick up when Global Links will get then to people who will truly benefit by having access to them. When I see something about GlobalLinks, I pause and think, "Thrigh them, I have helped others. It is a beautiful organization.

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Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Hi, A number of years ago, my Mother needed to use oxygen daily. When she passed away, there was so much of the unused plastic tubing and other breathing related equipment left. For a moment, I didn't know what to do with it. Then I remembered Global Links and how they help people everywhere by passing on our usable medical supplies and equipment. The people at Global Links were sincerely grateful for the donation and I felt really happy that rather than tossing it away, someone, somewhere would have the chance to better health. It was my opportunity to help others on a bigger scale. It was definately a feel good thing! I encourage people to think twice about throwing medical supplies away when the need is so great.

Carolyn17 Donor

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

I was so pleased to find Global Links! I just retired from nursing & found that I had so many used scrubs. I wasn't sure what in the world to do with them, then I found Global Links. It was so easy to send them my 'gently used' scrubs to their headquarters in Philadelphia (& cheaper, too). I am sure there will be many people using my scrubs in Third World countries. My hope is that my love of nursing will rub off from my old scrubs to someone there! they truly do deserve this award for ALL they do! From Retired RN, Baltimore, MD

retiredguy Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

Started out just knowing they distributed surplus medical supplies. Found out about the flip-side (environmental stewardship) later. It only reinforced my respect for a well-run agency. They have staying power as evidenced by the quality of young people they attract -- as staff, volunteers. Will continue to give my support as long into my retirement as I am able. Go Global Links. You Rock!

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/11/2010

I wanted to contribute to the work of local non-profits and foundations reaching out to the developing world and responding to disasters. One large foundation did not seem to need/want any volunteers. Not so with Global Links. They welcomed me with open arms and quickly responded to my inquiry. I was able to sort, package and pack donated medical supplies at their office. This was several years ago and I was still working full time. I did not fully realize the scope of Global Links' Mission until the Haiti Earthquake. Since I am now retired I was able to volunteer more often and attend a session on their mission. It was only then that I realized that recycling and assessing environmental impact was almost as essential to their Mission as the Medical Equipment and Supplies they shipped. In fact, I realized that they have a DUAL MISSION: SAVING LIVES BY SALVAGING WHAT OTHERS THROW AWAY. They walk the walk which is obvious by watching how they operate their office and operations. Every possible opportunity for recycling waste is utilized. They incorporate environmental strategy into their assessment of what clinics and hospitals they serve actually need and do not use any "shotgun" approach. Rather it is "surgical" (pun intended) and precise -- to try to fill specific needs. They realize that they lack massive resources to fill great needs. But by only collecting/salvaging the equipment and supplies that are needed and can be used, they are reducing waste on both ends of the transaction. And, saving lives in the process. I will always support this organization. What a simple and productive Mission. And such hard workers

Lydia R. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

Global Links is one of the best run nonprofits that I have ever worked with here and in the DC area. The Exec. Director stays so true to the mission and never strays from that no matter what. The work Global Links does makes so much sense in many ways - environmentally, medically, and humanly. The result is something that leaves a remarkably clear, profound impact of the countries that they serve as well as on the community from which they draw their "product."

treaty Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/24/2012

I first found out about Global Links approximately a year ago. The hospital I work for participates in supply items and supplies to your organization. They also had an inservice for staff and found out that I was able to volunteer. So, I signed up and asked a few friends to join and we gave ourselves a name and started getting involved. What a wonderful idea to collect unwanted hospital items and supplies and gifting them to others in order to live. What a sharing, caring heart to be shared throughtout the world. I hope you can expand to other countries as time goes on. Keep up the good work and God Bless you with continued success.

rbzaczek Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/24/2012

In volunteering with Global Links you really do feel like you're are directly affecting peoples lives all over the world. The organization goes above and beyond to try and suit the experience of the volunteer to match their experience and ability. Most one time volunteers go in and pack medical supplies, which is a remarkable experience because you literally are providing essential goods for medical clinics abroad. Everything that is packed is typically shipped out quickly, the equipment that is sent could be used by needy medical personnel only a few days later. Personally, I normally work fixing medical devices and wheelchairs. When a device is finished, the feeling of success lingers, as I know that the product I was working on will be in the hands of someone in need within a couple days. Global Links is also one of the most sustainable organizations I have ever worked with. Everything we use is recycled, or re purposed. It is rare when anything goes to waste. Wheel chairs are fixed by ripping apart severely broken wheel chairs and integrating parts into less damaged chairs. We literally are taking products which easily could be in a landfill and redirect their purpose. Most supplies that come into Global Links would have been thrown in the trash if global links had not stepped in and taken them. This is easily the best non-profit humanitarian group I have ever worked with, in terms of sustainability, effort in recycling, overall competency, and importance of volunteering. Global Links should be considered as a model for other non-profits around the world.

nf1428 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I gather with a few friends for a few hours once a month to sort medical supplies and pack them into cartons for mailing to countries where they are desperately needed. I imagine someone opening the box and finding exactly what was needed at that particular moment, and it is as if I had actually put that item directly into an outstretched hand.

djeanne60 General Member of the Public

Rating: 3

04/23/2012

I read your newsletter and am constantly impressed by the wonderful things you are doing to improve healthcare for the poor.

Tracy20 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

Global Links provides volunteers with the opportunity to help sort and package medical supplies to send to developing countries. One of the nice things about Global Links is that they have built a strong rapport with area hospitals and they are able to recycle a lot of material that would otherwise be discarded. It feels really good to know that the waste material is limited and is able to be recirculated to those who would otherwise not have these supplies. Global Links provides their volunteers with publications that show actual relief that is gained by their work.

pirateschai Donor

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

When the catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti in Jan 2010, my company looked for the entity to which it made the most sense to donate. We raised $2000 by selling product online for 4 months and donating all the proceeds. We were privileged to have this opportunity to provide a way for our customers to donate to this urgent cause, and know that their donations would be used more efficiently and in a more timely manner than anywhere else they could have donated.

savtine Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

An excellent organization with a dual impact both locally and globally. Efficient use of volunteer time and educational. Quantitative successes that truly change lives.

bernshen

bernshen Board Member

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

Although my experience as a volunteer advisor & Board member with Global Links goes back 2 decades, perhaps it will provide some long-term perspective on the organization. In the early 1990's, I was an emergency physician based in Pittsburgh, but with a strong interest in global health (seeing patients, doing disaster work or conducting research in settings as diverse as Nepal, the Marshall Islands, Central America & the South Pole). Kathleen & her co-founder Brenda brought tremendous passion & dedication to their mission, working nights & weekends to build a network of hospitals & clinics who could donate equipment & supplies, to coordinate the complex logistics of delivering the donations around the world, & to monitor & evaluate accountability & effectiveness of the recipient organizations. They led by example & inspired a team of (almost!) equally hardworking staff & volunteers - a really impressive example of executing on an idea to make an important difference in the world.

Joe Sallustio Donor

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

Our organization donates returned equipment to Global Links rather than sending it to a scrapyard for recycling. The value of the hardware as scrap pales in comparison to the value it provides its new users, typically medical facilities in Latin America and the Caribbean. I have been associated with Global Links in one capacity or another for over 20 years and know they put donations to good use; I'm proud to have a small part to play in their work.

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Donor

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

I have been involved with Global Links for close to 15 years in several capacities; I can vouch for their effective use of contributions. We are currently donating hardware that would have ended up in a scrap yard to Global Links; while recycling is great, reuse is even better and that is what they are all about. I'm proud to be associated with anything they do and am willing to go the extra mile for them; they are truly great people doing great things.

hildebrew Donor

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I choose the category of donor because that's what I've done in the last few years. Previously, I've volunteered to help sort and pack to send much needed supplies and equipment to Carribean countries. Recently I have also reached out to friends and family successfully convincing them to become donors as well. Although it didn't take much convincing from me since Global Links' record of service, newsletters and reports are so very factual and compasionate. I know several staff members from their years of work with Global Links and some with other social justice projects. It makes me so happy that I can enthusiastically endorse their integrity, frugality, reliability, professionalism and environmental principles to my friends and family. It is a pleasure to donate to the suture campaign, work in Haiti and much more knowing that every hard earned dollar of mine is going to enable better care to my fellow human beings because of the great work of Global Links.

Chris57 Client Served

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I have made a few trips to India and Africa and three times Global Links has provided me with medical equipment to assist the small clinics visited. I know that this is a very small part of their overall activity but it's clear that they have the resources, and use them, to assist in providing very needed healthcare supplies around the world.

karensgoldman Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

Volunteering at Global Links is a great experience for me and my whole family. We feel like we're doing somehting really important and that even our teenagers can help with. Volunteers are instrumental in achieveing the mission of the organization but also learn a great deal, for example, about health care in the developing world, and the abundance of waste that is not recycled on our own healthcare system.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/09/2011

One of the global concerns that I feel needs attention is health care. While it is obvious that there are serious inequalities in access to and quality of health care in the United States, the concern I am addressing in this essay is one related to the absolute lack of even the most basic care in developing countries. In the world’s poorest nations, most people do not have access to even the lowest quality hospitals, clinics, providers, supplies, medicines and health care equipment. With all of the amazing advances in technology and research in the developed countries, millions of people die each year of causes that are completely preventable by basic things like clean water, inexpensive vaccines, medicines and simple procedures for care. Obviously, enormous efforts are needed on a geopolitical scale to remedy this.
On the other hand, wealthy countries like the U.S. waste millions of pounds of medical supplies every year. Instruments, supplies, medicines and many other things get thrown away before their usefulness runs out because of rules and regulations, lack of attention to recycling opportunities and sometimes just laziness. My sensitivity to this problem has been heightened since I started working at Global Links, a Pittsburgh-based organization that collects and recycles used and expired medical equipment and supplies. I think that if every city had such a program, we would go a long way to helping developing countries improve medical care. Global Links does wonderful work. Every U.S. city should have a Global Links site.

Bridget H. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I have volunteered for many organizations, but Global Links is my favorite because of the great, necessary and far-reaching work that they do. Every day they take medical supplies that otherwise would be tossed away and send them to countries where they are desperately needed. Before Global Links existed, millions of dollars worth of supplies were thrown into the trash. Now these resources are being used to save lives! The staff at Global LInks always has an eye toward utilizing volunteers efficiently. A project is ready to go, a staff member will explain how everything is to be sorted and packed, and we all enjoy seeing how much work we can accomplish in just a few hours. I recommend this organization to anyone looking for meaningful volunteer work.

Tania Lyon Donor

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

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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Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

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!

Bria A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

I came to volunteer at Global Links with interest in their mission. I spent a few months working there and helping to sort medical equipment and supplies that were being sent to those in need. One of the great realizations for me was how much of an effort Global Links puts into their mission to rescue this equipment that would otherwise be sent to the landfill. The millions of pounds of medical supplies and equipment that is rescued and redistributed is life changing to those who are receiving as well as the global impact that is thwarted from the poundage being kept from landfills. Amazing work on so many levels!

Lee_5 Client Served

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

GlobalLinks has helped us to assemble and send birthing kits to a hospital in Kenya - by recycling good but disgarded materials such as gloves through Gl;obalLinks we have been able to provide thousands of kits to enable women in Kenya to have health births with midwives.

Hayavadhan T. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

For about six years, I have volunteered with Global Links and have found their organization and mission to be something I appreciate and support wholeheartedly. Last summer, I continued my relationship with them through an internship. Global LInks provides their donors and volunteers with the opportunity to feel as though they are making a significant contribution through hands-on volunteer work and regular email updates. I am continually impressed with their ability to integrate issues like global health and environmental responsibility and not look at any one issue independently. Furthermore, their success as a organization for over 20 years is based on their ability to adapt their operations to utilize new technologies and strategies, which is an effort I have been directly involved with.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/24/2011

I have been volunteering with Global Links for about five years now. I started working with them while I was in high school and was only too happy to have the opportunity to continue to do so when I stayed in Pittsburgh for college. I've found that their mission and vision appeal to a wide variety of people. I have been particularly impressed with their dual commitment to fighting global inequities in health and ensuring the environmental sustainability of their work.

Beth Bershok Client Served

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

The CEO of global links, Kathleen Hower, has assembled a passionate staff of 23 employees and over 9,000 volunteer hours from almost 2,000 individuals. They do an amazing job of recoveriing medical supplies that would otherwise end up in a landfill and distributing them to countries in-need. Their regional material recovery efforts top 250 tons annually and are distributed primarily in 9 countries including Nicaragua, Guatemala, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Cuba and Bolivia. Since 1989, Global Links has provided over $172 million in aid – plus materials to Pittsburgh nonprofits including free-care clinics, animal welfare groups and schools.

lispordes Client Served

Rating: 5

04/23/2012

Global links is a WONDERFUL non-profit. They provided me with useful medical supplies for my pediatric free clinic.

ENS MD Client Served

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

Global Links partners with Zonta Club of Pittsburgh to provide birthing kits to a hospital in rural Kenya which has few basic supplies . The kits provide basics for a clean birth. Not only has Global Links provide us with hundreds of pairs of clean gloves that would have been disposed of in an American landfill, they have assisted with ways to more effectively develop the project and to safely ship kits. We, in return, have helped with their work in Haiti by providing kits to them. The result--appropriate, targeted use of discarded but useable medical equipment; providing kits both allows mothers to use midwifery services because they have the required materials and provides a way to have a clean birth. Mother, baby and caregiver benefit and we protect the environment by using available goods not getting new ones!! Global Links was incredible in freely offering their considerable experience. Elizabeth Stifel M.D., Zonta Club of PGH

ajgonzal Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

The people are very friendly and welcoming to volunteers as they come in the door. When we get in, we start almost immediately. It is nice to see the little review video explaining more in depth what it is Global Links does. It really shows the impact we make as volunteers and makes it apparent how important it is for us to pack and organize supplies.

johnboy Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

As volunteers with Global Links my wife and I have had nothing but a positive experience each time we are able be there. They stay true to their mission of " Sharing Surplus,Saving Lives" We are always treated well at each of our sessions and made to feel like we are appreciated. The organization is well managed from the top down and they never forget where they came from. We have seen them grow over the years but have done this with a measured expansion with a nod to doing this in a manner where they carefully calculate the true needs of how they help each request. We are proud to be a very small part of this great organization.

alliemusto Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

I am a sophomore engineering student at the University of Pittsburgh and am vice president of a club called Engineers for Sustainable Medical Development. Our club has similar ideologies as Global Links does so we have teamed up with them. Both of our main goals are to provide sustainable and appropriate medical equipment to developing countries. Global Links has given us weekly volunteer opportunities in their warehouse fixing wheelchairs and other medical equipment. This has allowed us to get some hands on engineering experience. Also, Global Links has teamed up with our club to set up a service study abroad program for students. We will be able to send a couple engineering students to developing countries to help repair medical equipment and also, bring valuable equipment with us. The relationship my club and Global Links has built is invaluable. They have given Pitt students so many opportunities while still helping people in the developing world. I think Global Links should win this award because they help the medical conditions in the developing world in a responsible, green way but also, they help their community in Pittsburgh like giving a college club a chance to make a difference as well.

MHAWK123 Client Served

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

I GOT CONNECTED TO GLOBAL LINKS OVER FIVE YEARS AGO. AS A MEDICAL PROVIDER WHO DOES MEDICAL MISSIONARY TRIPS THREE TIMES A YEARS, I AM ALWAYS IN NEED OF SUPPLIES/ MEDICATIONS/PAPER PRODUCTS. OVER THE LAST NINE YEARS, MANY ORGANIZATIONS HAVE CUT BACK ON ACCESS TO THIS PRODUCTS AND AS MEDICAL DIRECTOR IN CHARGE OF SECURING THESE SUPPLIES, I HAVE FOUND GLOBAL LINKS TO BE FAITHFUL CONTRIBUTORS. I AM ALSO GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOLUNTEER ON SAT MORNINGS TO HELP PACKAGE THESE SUPPLIES. THEY HAVE BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN CONNECTING THOSE ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES TO THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. WHAT WOULD WE DO WITHOUT THIS MISSING LINK THAT GLOBAL LINKS PROVIDES? I AM BLESSED TO HAVE MEET THEM AND I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THE WORK THAT THEY HAVE BEEN CALLED TO FULFILL. DO YOU HAVE A MOMENT TO ASSIST THEM IN THEIR FUTURE ENDEAVORS? SUPPORT GLOBAL LINKS WITH YOUR TIME AND MONEY, KNOWING THAT IT WILL BE WELL SPENT. THE TWO HOURS VOLUNTEER SESSION IS WELL ORGANIZED AND CARRIED OUT IN EFFICIENT MANNER, GETTING SUPPLIES TOGETHER QUICKLY FOR TARGETED MEDICAL GROUPS. I GIVE THEM TOP STARS.

mcarrrasco Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

I have worked with Global Links when we needed supplies for Haiti in an emergency situation. They were fantastic to work with. I also worked with them when a 100 bed facility was 'going out of business and needed to have their beds and supplies removed relatively quickly. Again they were wonderful to work with.

jecc Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2012

As a critical care nurse working in Pittsburgh i have been able to organize, as part of our community service commitment, a number of volunteer efforts wherein critical care nurses work with the GL Team packing medical supplies to send throughout the world to countries where they are needed. These GL folks are focused, well informed and dedicated. doing an extraordinary job unselfishly. My unit and my hospital also contribute medical supplies to this effort.

Charity S. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/19/2012

I volunteered with them to clean off IV poles and once again to organize equipment to be shipped. Both times were pleasant, the staff was helpful, the other volunteers were interesting and nice.

Review from Guidestar

MDRE Board Member

Rating: 5

04/16/2012

Global Links is an Organization that, with a simple formula, is solving complex life threatening challenges in developing countries mainly in Latin America and the Caribbean. I have had the experience of seeing medical facilities and meeting patients similar to the ones Global Links is benefiting with their work, and it is hard to believe that such situations still exist when the scarce resources needed in those places are abundant in other parts of the world. This is exactly what Global Links mends and how it adds value as an innovative organization.
I believe that the supplies being provided and the tailored way in which is being done by GL, are solving real problems and many lives. I am impressed with the passion of the staff and hundreds of volunteers that, without knowing these patients or doctors in far away countries, understand the importance of their work and show enormous respect for them by providing top quality materials that meet the highest standards.
I strongly believe that Global Links is a serious, pioneering and passion-driven Organization that is changing the lives of many human beings.

Swatterspa Donor

Rating: 5

04/11/2012

UPMC Shadyside values relationship-based care and practice. Our nurses see themselves as good neighbors in their hospital’s urban community, a part of Pittsburgh that is home to people from many walks of life, educational and income levels, and ethnic backgrounds. Within our community we have the good fortune of partnering with Global Links to extend our boundaries even further. Because of this relationship, both nurses and the communities prosper. Strengthening our ties to our local and even international community’s builds rapport and facilitates understanding of needs and the evolution of patient-centered initiatives. Thanks to the work we do with Global Links our nurses have embraced this interconnectedness and can be found in local, national and international venues.

coxm Donor

Rating: 5

04/11/2012

I work at a large medical facility that has chosen to donate products to the Global Links community. As a facilitator of this process at our hospital I have met and spoken to the staff at the organization. The manager of the local facility presented an in-service to the perioperative group explaining the needs of the organization and the products that they can accept. It was very informative and helped the staff to understand the benefits of sending the products that we "discard" to Global Links so that they can recycle it for use in underprivileged areas that would not have access to the products otherwise. I personally met with staff at the facility to help them understand the different types of sterilization used to reprocess items. I also explained about outdates and the event related issues of outdating. We discussed the issues of manufacti=ure outdates versus event related issues. The group was extremly interested in the information and were very receptive to me. It was a real pleasure to visit and tour their facility and see the effort that they put into seperating the supplies, identifying and cataloging them. This work will allow them to be able to let different countries know what they have to send. The result is that supplies, equipment, and instruments that are no longer of use to us can be sent to a hospital that has the need and would not be able to afford theses things. I would like to at some time be able to be a volunteer to visit the countries that benefit from the generosity of these items. All thiese items would be thrown away if Global Links were not a beneficiary.

C Lou Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/11/2012

GL is amazing! The volunteer routine of sorting and packing supplies is organized so that no time is wasted. At the end of your 2 hour shift, it is very satisfying to see all the sealed boxes of supplies ready to ship. I also volunteer for Shoulder-to-Shoulder Pittsburgh and GL provides medical supplies for our twice yearly mission trips to Honduras. We count on GL to provide us with supplies we couldn't afford to regularly purchase.

PhyllisB Donor

Rating: 5

04/09/2012

I have been very impressed with Global Links’ targeted approach and ability to measure results and impacts in the regions in which they work. Their mission addresses the triple bottom line – social, environmental and economic indicators of success. They make the donation process very easy and efficient. Earlier this year I attended a presentation by Global Links about rebuilding Haiti’s healthcare system. The presentation showed the importance and value of items like tables, chairs and beds which many of us take for granted but provide dignity and comfort for those in underserved healthcare communities. Our company foresees an ongoing relationship with Global Links. They are an excellent organization with a life saving mission.

MERP Client Served

Rating: 5

04/09/2012

Global Links has been instrumental in helping my program the Medical Equipment Recycling Program in Farrell, PA meet our mission. We take in durable medcial equipment, clean it, refurbish it and then lend it to those who do not have the insurance or means to obtain the equipment they need to maintain their independence in daily living. We also take in items that can be sent overseas. These items go to Global Links who makes sure someone benefits from the items but Global Links also collects in items that my program desperately needs. It has been a beneficial partnership that has allowed both organizations to meet their missions and touch numerous lives in the US and all over the world!! We are honored to work with Global Links and they have gone out of there way to assist us!!

hisworker Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/09/2012

We did a mission trip in March 2012 to the LaCroix Mission in Haiti . A big part of our mission was medical care. Global Links was a great partner in our mission, supplying medical supplies that were greatly needed. Our medical staff saw many patients. Another important element of the mission was teaching and encouraging the Haitian medical staff, and providing supplies for them to work with.

bflor Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/07/2012

Global Links is an outstanding organization! I volunteer regularly (about once a month, for several years now) with a group from my church. We sort and package surplus medical supplies to be sent to needy areas. They collect used or surplus medical supplies and ship them to hospitals all over the world that lack a lot of basic equipment and common medical and surgical supplies. Most of the work of sorting and packing is done by volunteers. They save things that would normally be discarded and help out doctors and patients with necessary medical equipment and basic supplies. We've sorted suture, gauze bandages, surgical drapes, catheters of all sorts, all kinds of things (it's different each time!) There are even people who refurbish old hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc. I've collected crutches from people on freecycle and taken them in for Global Links, too. It's very moving to see photos and read letters from people who've been helped by these donations.

LauraE Advisor

Rating: 5

04/06/2012

I have followed the work of Global Links for several years, and am consistently impressed by their commitment to growing their impact while keeping administrative costs low. Because they share the stories of both the environmental and human impact of what they do so effectively, they are blessed with hundreds of volunteers who donate thousands of hours each year, and an ever-growing roster of hospital and community partners. They are also mindful of their role as ambassadors for those served by their donations of medical equipment and supplies. Global Links actively seek opportunities to engage and educate the community (including hospitals, businesses, corporations and the general public) about their work in order to draw attention to both the medical needs of those in resource poor countries, and to the many opportunities to be a part of Global Links' work. I also have noted their creativity in developing new ways for the general public to participate in collecting and redirecting materials.

krreilly Donor

Rating: 5

04/06/2012

Excellent organization which aids all of the America's and other countries as needed.

Aimee Donor

Rating: 5

04/06/2012

I have been working with Global Links for over 10 years and I am extremely impressed with their commitment to help those in need here in our community as well as overseas. My office is the hub for donations from fellow colleagues, patients and friends. We are not only helping the planet by responsibly getting rid of unused equipment and devices, but we are donating these things to an organization whose sole mission is to help those in need. Global Links is structured and organized, dedicated and sincere in reaching the poorest of poor to give them a more meaningful life. As a donor organization, it fills us with pride that we are doing the right thing. Thank you Global Links!

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

As a volunteer at Global Links, I see first hand the items that are to se sent to needy clinics and I am overjoyed to be a part of this organization. Global Links is not only helping environmentally, but more importantly, it is making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals who are dying for things that most of us take for granted. Global Links staff are always energetic and positive. I love being part of one of the best non-profit orgainization this side of the Mississippi!

nickzp Client Served

Rating: 5

03/28/2012

Global Links has been supplying my organization for the past three years now. With their help, we've been able to set up clinics in parts of rural Honduras and Panama that otherwise wouldn't have access to medical care. Global Links also hosts regular talks about health disparities across the world that renew my passion for serving central america, and open my eyes to the complexities of the issues we're working together to overcome.

suemakin Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/08/2012

Global Links is a non-profit that specializes in supplying medical equipment and supplies to developing countries. I worked at a mission hospital in Malawi that received sutures and other supplies from Global Links. The uniquely wonderful thing about Global Links is that they only supply what you ask for and need. They do not send just any medical donated junk, but only what you have asked for. This means that they spend a lot of time sorting through what they have to find what you need. Their donated sutures have saved hundreds of lives in Africa.

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Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

My personal experience with Global Links goes back 15 years. Global Links provided surgical sutures to hospitals I worked at in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Malawi. These hospitals were serving the poorest of the poor. Global Links always responded to requests in a specific and useful manner, always coming up with what we needed. Global Links does not send junk, does not serve to unload surplus supplies from pharmaceutical companies, and does respond to real needs and requests. I worked as an American, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist missionary doctor. The sutures from Global Links helped real people and saved lives.

Baden Client Served

Rating: 5

02/15/2012

Recently we treated a patient from the Vaik region of Armenia. He recovered 25 days after cystectomy with ileocystoplasty . In operating on this patient, we used sutures from the Global Links Suture Program, which generously decided to make donations to our hospital 5 years ago. For the past five years we have been receiving sutures and have used them in more than 70 major surgical procedures similar to this one, as well as in more than 2,000 smaller operations. We have never had any complications when using the sutures. All the types of sutures donated were exactly the same as those used in our regular work. We can say that the vast majority of those operations performed wouldn’t have been possible without the donated sutures. That is why we have let all our patients know how much they owe to the Global Links Suture Program for their successful treatment, and they are extremely grateful. This patient, in particular, wanted to express his thanks to Global Links and all US clinics participating in the Global Links Suture Program.
Here are this patient’s words: ”I was informed that our surgeons used sutures from Global Links when operating on me. I want to send my warm thanks to Global Links Suture Program and their suppliers for the great job which they constantly do for patients in many different countries. I will remember their help for the rest of my life.
Victor.

Lois7 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/23/2012

I am Lois Weeks, a retired nurse, who, along with a team of American nurse midwives and nurses have been working with the comadronas in Santa Avelina. Today we went to the Puesto de Salud in San Juan Cotzal to learn what resources would be available for our comadronas and the mothers and babies they care for. We were impressed beyond anything we had expected! The doctors and nurses seemed to be very vested in the clinic, the care they are giving, and the improvements that are happening. They have started some very needed programs to teach comadronas and families in the rural areas. They have improved their facilities and equipment, much due to your organization. They (and we) are very excited about the higher level of care they now can give. Their decision to move outside the clinic walls and go to the communities to teach families and comadronas is dramatic. I want to thank-you for your support for this area! We have come to love the people here, and rejoice with them!

1

Dr. Julio S. Brossard Alejo Client Served

Rating: 5

10/28/2011

Conocia el trabajo de de Global Links porque los aportes de esta organizacion han tenido un impacto muy posotivo en la atencion de pacientes en el oriente de Cuba con patologias neuroquirurgicas, pero en esta primera visita a la sede cetral de Pittsburgh he visto que detras de todos estos aportes a pacientes de paises en desarrollo hay un impresionante equipo de personas maravillosas consagradas a su trabajo y muchos voluntarios de alma y corazon para estas nobles tareas.
Gracias Global Links por existir y por contribuir en la mejoria de la calidad de vida ya atencion de tantas personas.
Ustedes demuestran en la practica que un mundo mejor tambien es posible.

I learned about Global Links because the support this organization has provided to the western part of Cuba has had a positive impact on the medical care of patients with neurosurgical pathologies. But in this, my first visit to their headquarters in Pittsburgh, I have seen that behind all this support to countries in development is a wonderful group of people dedicated to their work and many volunteers dedicated in heart and soul to this noble work.

Thanks Global Links for existing and contributing to the improvement of the quality life and medical care of so many people. You are proof that a better world is possible.

agarberson Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/31/2011

I have witnessed the passion that drives Global Links first hand during my time as a volunteer. It can be heard in the enthusiastic voices of the staff and seen in the dedicated longtime volunteers. It's truly an amazing group of people furthering an amazing cause.

1

lindsayburgh Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/31/2011

I love being able to not only take usable medical supplies out of the wastestream, but make sure they are well sorted and able to be readily used/re-used by partner clients in Latin America and the Caribbean. This is truly conservation at work. Volunteering at Global Links is always rewarding!

Jack Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/30/2011

I am the Director of Guatemala Surgery/Common Hope and we provide surgical services to the poor of that country who have no other alternatives. We do about 150-180 operations yearly and when you talk surgery, you talk suture.

We found out the hard way how expensive suture is years ago when our ususal donor closed. Subsequently, we have searched high and low for suture to accommodate our needs and the friendly, helpful and sincere people at Global Links have been wonderful. They understand our situation. I am very impressed.

Alessandra B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/30/2011

I volunteered at Global Links for some time until 2006 and I have been amazed by it since the beginning.
I liked the seriousness of the working staff and that of my fellow volunteers, I respected the knowledge of the medical consultants and I admired the precision of the job done there.
It is amazing how we can collect life-saving equipments and medicines that we would OTHERWISE THROW AWAY and just redirect them to whom is in need.
But not just somewhere in the world, that it would be good enough already, but to specific and carefully chosen hospital structures where Global Links has trusted people ready to distribute them fairly.
I am looking forward to find the time to go back to volunteer.
The most emotional moment was when I had to pack infants oxygen masks, I couldn't believe that I was so lucky to be the one touching something that would be able to save a little life.
I believe so much in it that even when I stopped volunteering, just for personal reasons, I tried to help in every other way , with donations or just informing people.

socialworker05 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/30/2011

I enjoyed sorting medical supplies while talking with the other volunteers. In the case of the supplies that Global Links sends abroad, one person's trash really is another person's treasure. I did not realize that some hospitals abroad have so few supplies.

seashells Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

I was cleaning out my mother's house and had items to donate --
shower chair, walker, canes, etc. and saw an ad for pick up of donated items close to my home. We took the items, they were placed in a truck right away. Everyone was very friendly. We received notification of the donated items afterwards. It was all very simple and certainly served our needs to donate items.

Frank Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

I Know Global Links to have provided the best service to needy foreign countries than any one else in this field

They visit each site before hand and ask the recipients what they need and provide only usable items that are in workign order and adapted to the local electrical system .

I highly recomend Global Links to any person or organization that wants to make a difference

Frank Suatoni MD

easst6 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

i loved volunteering with global links. The staff is very friendly and the work is fun. The fact that all of the supplies that they recover would have been thrown away and placed in a US landfill is sad, but it's great that they have found a system to retrieve the supplies and get them to people that need them!!

volunteer Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

As a health care professional it is my pleasure to share with you what an outstanding job Global Links does in providing medical supplies, and equipment needs to the less fortunate. This organization reduces waste by re-cyling gently used medical furniture, equipment and supplies. Hospital nursing unit donate supplies that could possibly discarded into Global Links collection bins and funnel them to those in need. They are dedicated individuals that lead volunteers such as myself by overseeing our work as we sort and pack badly needed supplies. Global Links supports sustainability in all aspects of their work.

Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to speak up for the excellent work of this fine organization.

Janette R. Curran RN BSHCA

J Brown Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

This organization provides such crucial services with great efficiency and focus. It leverages a set of relatively small resources (donated equipment and supplies, money and volunteer support) into huge, even life-saving, improvements to healthcare provided in developing countries. In fact, it goes one step further and has an environmental benefit by taking waste in this country and turning it into resources for another country.

fvprice Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Global links works on both sides of the problem: taking surplus equipment off the hands of the hospital systems and finding a need for it in the developing world. It does this on a shoestring budget with a dedicated and highly competent staff. I have worked with them as a donor, volunteer and beneficiary for my surgical international work in Haiti, Guyana, and Honduras. We have been able to provide care with their help.

The most important reason Global Links deserves this award is that they do an on-site analysis of needs and capabilities. For example, in Haiti they donate beds and chairs, rather than the high tech equipment which requires reliable electricity and service. They know the hospitals and personnel they are donating to. In Cuba, they can donate a mammography center because the clinical resources including personnel can support it.

When I was in Honduras, I saw the opposite too many times. A CT scanner left outside in the courtyard because the donor did not understand that it could not be used. Global Links works from a careful needs assessment to avoid these problems.

Megan OHara Volunteer

Rating: 4

03/29/2011

Global links collects technically expired, but not obsolete, medical supplies from hospitals and medical providers, and redistributes/donates them to global recipients in need. It is a crucial service that not only provides vital and life-saving supplies to countries and medical providers worldwide, but it also prevents the unnecessary filling of landfills with products which are still usable. The organizers are passionate and dedicated to the purpose and welcome volunteers in an organized and meaningful way.

Janine Donor

Rating: 4

03/29/2011

As a member of the University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center Research team, we often have extra supplies from studies that are closed or non-expired items in study kits that have an expiration date on the study boxes. Most of these items are lab supplies, syringes, slides, collection tubes, shipping boxes and the like.
To add these items to a land fill would be a crime, especially with the current global medical needs. My supervisors, being community minded as well as enviornmentally friendly, agreed to allow me to seek out an organization that would accept these items. Global Links was the answer to my prayers. Not only have they been extremely helpful in teaching me what items can be donated, but they are physically helpful when I arrive with a car load of boxes!
Thanks to the Global Links organization as well as the staff for being such a large part of the pro-active work to assist the less fortunate while keeping our planet less cluttered with unwanted supplies.

drmramor General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

03/29/2011

Global links is TRULY a global non-profit, bring medical supplies to foreign countries that would only be thrown away here because they are the old models, and have been replaced. At this time in history, I believe this is a great need. We are defending many nations fights for freedom, and casualties are inevitable. Medical supplies from GLOBAL LINKS would be more than necessary - that would be critical!

bennett9999

bennett9999 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Great place to volunteer. It's a green way to help the environment and also to help struggling 3rd World hospitals.

dcarse Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Hayley from Global Links has been great to work with. I am the coordinator of the green team at St. Clair Hospital and have worked with her for a few years. We have an active donation program where we are able to donate old medical equipment, supplies, etc.... It is great to see an organization recycle and reuse medical supplies and equipment and to improve health outcomes in other countries.

leahcham Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

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.

Purplish

Purplish Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Global Links helps in so many different ways: their donations of medical equipment and supplies directly affect and improve the lives of people throughout Latin America and the Caribbean; these donated materials would have otherwise been sent to landfills here in the US. The hospitals, doctors, and equipment manufacturers and distributors in the US benefit by knowing that they have an impact on improving the quality of life in other countries and reducing waste at home. The organization is run by incredible people who are committed to the mission -- you can be sure that your donations to Global Links will be put to good use!

eileenkraus Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

This charity does fantastic work in terms of recycling surplus medical supplies that would otherwise go into landfills. But it does SO MUCH MORE! Using volunteers, it sorts and organizes these materials and matches them with the needs of specific hospitals in the world's poorest countries, shipping them off to save lives there.

I am proud to be a volunteer and donor of Global Links.

Jon Nelson Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Gathering medical supplies and packing them in to boxes; how mundane. But every box I helped to pack served in two significant ways:
First, these were items that were discarded. They would have gone to a landfill further scarring our landscape.
Second, these supplies would SAVE LIVES of patients in desperate need in the very poorest countries in the world. Instead of being stitched up with fishing line or even cotton thread, patients would receive appropriate suture, considerably improving their chances of a good outcome. And studies show clearly that when family members survive there is less inclination to have larger families.

bevbemama Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

I think this is a wonderful organization. I love the fact that so much is recycled and your organization really treats the WORLD population as one big family, which indeed we are.
My daughter volunteered at Global Links and absolutely loved the experience.

Jeanne Hanchett Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

IN 2004 I DONATED MEDICAL EQUIPMENT FROM MY LATE HUSBAND'S OFFICE WHICH WENT TO CUBA-TO A NEPHROLOGY INSTUTUTE IN HAVANA (AS I RECALL).
MY FATHER WAS BORN AND RAISED IN CUBA, OF QUAKER MISSIONARY PARENTS; IT WAS REWARDING TO ME TO KNOW THAT THIS DONATION WILL BE HELPFUL TO THAT COUNTRY. I ALSO KNEW THAT IT HONORED MY HUSBAND'S MEMORY.

mfontes Client Served

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Not many times you are blessed with opportunities to help out. In working with High School students you get to see the best side of teenagers. Here at Fox Chapel High School, we have established a Spanish Club that has gone strong for over 10 years. The students in the club have made the focus of our efforts to help children in Uruguay (my country of origin). It is effortless for me to be passionate about this cause but this idea would not have had the impact it had if it had not been for the patience and humbleness of Global Links. Global Links is no longer for me a Pittsburgh based organization (my hometown since 1992) that makes us proud. To me it is the group of caring and understanding (needless to say, bilingual) people led by Kathy whom I met personally a couple of years ago when she helped load a 10 foot container of medical supplies. Destination: small town's only hospital in Trinidad, Uruguay.
Despite many ups and downs GL worked around difficulties and differences and helped me make this happen. Everybody benefited but the most valuable lesson I hope was learned by our students at FC. Thanks Global Links. Myriam Fontes (Spanish Teacher and Spanish Club Sponsor at Fox Chapel High School, Pittsburgh PA)

bill Donor

Rating: 4

03/29/2011

I am an occasional donor to global links through my job as a medical supply sales rep. Global Links is a great conduit to get medical surplus to countries where it can be used to save lives and improve the health of the inhabitants. Their relationships with local hospitals and physican offices gives them access to products that these places would otherwise throw away. Global Links provides a valuable service to the local and international community.

Gail Reed Donor

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

Global Links lives up to its name: it links vital supplies to hospitals in need in Latin America and the Caribbean that come from hospitals in the USA that would otherwise simply throw them away. In the process, Global Links very consciously contributes to the greening of our US hospitals and clinics!
As a person who has donated to Global Links, I do so because they also work with nearly 2,000 volunteers annually, and not only use their skills and hours, but also educate them about global health and the environment.
Finally, Global Links cooperates fully with its partner hospitals, other non-profits, and the Pan American Health Organization. Bravo!

Al Saville Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/29/2011

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.

jmenzies Volunteer

Rating: 4

03/29/2011

I have worked with Global Links to assist them with relief efforts for Haiti. They are very professional and responsive and the experience with them has shown them to be attentive stewards of the financial and product support they receive.
Jock Menzies, president, The American Logistics Aid Network

Nefrolempa C. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/28/2011

in my country EL Salvador, Global Links had been an solidary organization in the fight against the chronic kidney disease. in a year 3913 persons, 1020 families, and 10 communities are beneficiated with the support that Global Links to help us. the program nefrolempa had been developed from 2009.. visit us in http://www.facebook.com/nefrolempa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1ki-mL_rv4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qXLwVDh7BY&feature=related

LaurenKAckerman Board Member

Rating: 5

03/24/2011

I am a Board Member for Global Links and also a graduate student at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School for Public and International Affairs. Part of the course work for my master's program focuses on accountability in responsible public leadership. Global Links exemplifies this principle, in the process they use to donate medical supplies to Latin American hospitals. The Global Links program officers work with their Latin American counterparts to ensure that the Latin American hospitals only receive medical supplies that they can use. By doing this, the organization responsibly ensures that the supplies sent will be used by the hospitals in need, and not discarded in Latin American landfills.

CateV Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/22/2011

I have been volunteering at Global Links for several years. The staff has consistently been friendly, organized and enthusiastic about their wrok. The volunteer contributions are appreciated and necessary for this program to succeed. I will continue to support GLobal Links with my time and work.

maryffmyers Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/17/2011

I can't say enough great things about this organization. They really touch on something that is SO hard to do-- hold tight to strict ecological values while simultaneously ensuring proper healthcare to the underserved. This organization is all about sharing, reusing, conserving and goodwill. I've NEVER had a bad experience with Global Links.

Robin S Board Member

Rating: 5

03/17/2011

I have been involved with Global Links for over 20 years. I have seen the organization grow from a dream to be one of the best run nonprofits. Its duel mission - to reduce medical surplus in the United States and put that surplus to productive use in developing countries - was unique. Now, although there are others in the field, the attention to detail is what separates Global Links. Every recipient's particular needs are carefully considered and fulfilled with useful surplus. If a particular piece of equipment, for example, requires electricity and the recipient clinic is in an area with repeated outages, Global Links will find generators or try to find backups that can be useful when there is no electricity. The people who work with Global Links are literally infected with joy in the job, hope for a better future and caring for their community.

Patricia Rambasek Board Member

Rating: 5

03/16/2011

I was initially attracted to Global Links through their work in the Dominican Republic. About four years ago, I joined the staff of Global Links but had to resign because of a family illness. Later I was invited to join the board and have served in that capacity for three years. So I have an intimate knowledge of the organization from three different perspectives. Some unique strengths i see in Global Links are: a visionary executive director, a dedicated and talented staff, a clear mission, an efficient use of time and resources, and strong relationships with host countries. These are but a few of the reasons that Global Links is able to exceed its goals every year.

roger Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/10/2011

Each year, healthcare facilities in the U.S. discard 2,000 tons of usable medical supplies. Global Links recognized the value of this material for developing countries that are struggling with the problem of providing healthcare for its citizens. Too often, clinics in developing countries simply do not have the necessary medical supplies to respond to the needs of their patients. Global Links salvages medical supplies and equipment that normally would be discarded in landfills. These materials are sorted, packaged and shipped to developing countries primarily in Central and South America. I am impressed by the dedication of the staff and volunteers connected with Global Links in carrying out the mission of the organization. It's a non-profit that should be recognized not only for its environmental stewardship, but also for its impact on the quality of life for people in developing countries.

Sabira C. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/10/2011

Global Links is a nonprofit in Pittsburgh, PA that has turned recycling to an art form!

I have been aware of the organization for more than 10 years and am personally aware of the work they do in Latin American countries to refurbish durable medical supplies and equipment to countries most in need.

Global Links staff assisted our organization in figuring out how to donate unused, unexpired HIV medications to the province of Matanzas, Republic of Cuba. Pittsburgh has a sister city relationship with Matanzas.

Because the rate of HIV/AIDS is so low in Cuba, our small organization was able to make an impact on the men and women living with HIV in Mantanzas and Global Links provided great guidance.

They are my favorite nonprofit and are willing to talk to hospitals around the world to provide assistance even if the hospitals are not in countries they they currently serve.

Lisa

Lisa Donor

Rating: 5

03/09/2011

We teamed up with Global Links almost 3 years ago to be a collection site for our area, Washington PA. We also decided to do an extra colleciton with Global Links for Haiti Relief, which had great response by customers and members of the community that called/stopped daily bringing crutches, walkers, canes - some with MULTIPLE items, some came to both collections! By partnering with Global Links, we brought awareness of global Issues to our local community and knowledge of Global Links' goal to environment responsibility and are proud to continue this relationship annually.

mikeusman Board Member

Rating: 5

03/09/2011

Global Links is one of the best run and most respected nonprofits in our region. By reburbishing used medical equipment, it both improves medical care in the developing world and protects our environment locally by recycling this equipment and keeping it out of landfills. I'm proud to be a part of this organization.

Charles Vargo Board Member

Rating: 5

03/09/2011

As a board member, I was initially attracted to global links because of its unique mission of addressing the healthcare needs of providers in developing countries through environmental stewardship here in the United States. Now seventeen years later, I continue to be engaged in global links' efforts because of the organization’s incredible progress in building the capacity of hospitals and clinics in Latin America and the Caribbean through evermore efficient and effective recovery and recycling of surplus medical supplies and equipment.

Louise Malakoff Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I've both volunteered and been a donor to Global Links for many years. The organization's mission is to recycle medical equipment and supplies that would otherwise be discarded by US hospitals, but which provide life saving supplies to clinics and hospitals in some of the poorest regions of Central and South America. And they do all this with a skeleton staff, of incredibly dedicated, hardworking, and knowlegeable people, and many volunteers like me who sort and pack the donated material.

BettyP Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

since I am a Franciscan associate, with an option for the poor, I was very happy to work at Global Links helping the poor worldwide

hopper Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Global Links has been impressive by their vigorous attempts to recycle many of the hospital materials that have been, traditionally, thrown away. The main emphasis has been in the use or sutures from the OR. In the past, once the initial outer wrapping is removed on suture material, if it has not been used, it was thrown away. However the 2nd cover keeps the suture still sterile. Consequenty, it can be used easily in the third world medical community where sterile suture material can be hard to obtain. Global Links now has several of the hospitals in the Pittsburgh area well attuned to the need to recycle their materials. They are even encouraging donations of more durable OR materials that are no longer being used. Consequently several ORs in centra American countries and in Cuba have helped immeasurably by the donations provided by Global Links. I personally have been able to make use of the sutures and surgical equipment on mission trips to Niger.

Norma Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

My experience with Global Links is limited (donating crutches and one day volunteering sorting and packing). But this place is amazing from the incredibly dedicated staff to the enormous volume of medical supplies recycled. I've worked for years in hospitals as an imaging technologist and am constantly depressed about the amount of waste that is generated. Global Links serves such a vital role in channelling
our unwanted medical supplies to poorer countries.

ajspinney Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I was visiting Pittsburgh for a week and wanted to find a way to get involved in some volunteer work that makes the city so great. I found Global Links, and ended up spending a large amount of time there. It was easy to see the amazing vision that has resulted in a truly world-changing nonprofit, and my passion for it has not lessened since returning home. It was easy to jump in and help, which I loved, and I think that's one reason it's such a strong organization.

denisev Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I enjoy volunteering with Global Links so much that I have bugged them about what all of their volunteer opportunities are. They have openings all the time for anyone to volunteer. I tend to volunteer twice a month. They do evenings and weekends to fit in people who work day jobs. The staff is wonderful; always open to suggestions and ideas on how to make things work better. Everyone is super nice and very comfortable and friendly to be around. They are also environmentally friendly, there are a plethora of recycling options at the office and the whole organization is a recycling shop. They take medical supplies that local hospitals/medical providers were going to throw away and send them to people in need.

Nmolina85 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

All of my experiences at Global Links have been fantastic. The staff is always friendly and accommodating. Before volunteering they gave my group an introduction to their nonprofit and the populations they serve. They were tireless answering all of our questions and were so forthcoming with information that I felt very exited to be helping out. Global Links gave me the best experience I have ever had cleaning crutches for children!

graz Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I still remember the day when Global Links got its name. I was there.
Many years ago three intelligent women got together and started this organization without money but with vision and great dedication. They wanted to help people who where ill and had no resources. For many years now the organization still does that. They find things that nobody will use here anymore and send them to those who needs them.
Global Links is a very special organization. Every time I come to Pittsburgh and visit them I am amazed how many new projects had been accomplished and how hard they work.

Dan Kovalik Board Member

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Since being on the Board, Global Links has shipped around 80 containers of medical supplies (all re-claimed from healthcare facilities here) to 9 Latin American & Caribbean countries, keeping our environment clean and saving lives at the same time! This is the best charity I've had the honor of being involved with.

Sue Ann Langfitt Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I work in a hospital that recycles unused equipment and new medical supplies that we no longer use through Global Links. It is amazing to see the products acculmulate that in the past would have been disposed of but are now used in underdeveloped countries. Global Links presence in our organization has raised awareness for recycling in the broadest sense and the follow-up by their representatives continues to reinforce our diligence.

donnatabor Client Served

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Global Links has continually donated much needed supplies for the community projects of Building New Hope (also a Pittsburgh-based NGO)
that is at work in Nicaragua. THeir donations help to serve individuals in need, small clinics, and an animal health care center. They do so willingly and with an "eye" for our needs --- often contributing very useful material that we are not aware of but indeed useful.

Because of GLobal Links we are able to manage our small budget that is kept afloat by indiviudal donations. We serve countless more people in need that we ever expected.

DOnna Tabor, Project Coordinator
Building New Hope
Granada, Nicaraga

pghqtpie Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I volunteered with Global Links a few months ago and it has forever left a lasting impression on me... Their goal is to collect and distribute surplus medical supplies to countries in need. Just walking into their facility and seeing the amount of some of the simplest materials was overwhelming... how much we waste!

Before starting our work, we were shown a wonderful video presentation on the purpose of their mission, how the supplies are collected, where they are distributed, and how and by whom they are used. This was fantastic because it really drove it home for me and made me feel like this volunteer work really had a purpose... and I knew because I could "see" the benefits. We then worked to sort through bins of the items and determine what was still usable, etc.

Quite simply, this organization SAVES LIVES.... it deserves national attention and support from around the globe. If everyone took the initiative to follow in Global Links footsteps and conserve their surplus supplies and put them to a good use, imagine the possibilities!!!! :-)

jenpaty General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I found out about Globel Links thru NAPO. We collected items from the public to donate. That experience has stayed with me and I let everyone I know about their great work. It is awesome to know that they take the time and effort to help people that are in such great need. They have come up with creative ways to recycle that inspire not only adults but children as well. As a parent it gives me great hope knowing there are people willing to take the time to come up with solutions to what other wise would be wasted.

steve45220 Client Served

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I have been affiliated with the Schweitzer Hospital in Haiti for over 20 years as a physician. during much of that time we have had the good fortune of having a relationship with Global Links in Pittsburgh Pa. The organization has provided us with vital supplies including sutures and other essential equipment. They are well organized, efficient and always send durable functioning equipment which can immediately be put to use.

StephTeres Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I became aware of Global Links when I did a search for where to donate used crutches. There page was very informative. At the time, they were accepting used medical equipment to help victims of the earthquake in Haiti. The donation center was easy to find + the staff was friendly. It is wonderful what they do to help others by reusing and transporting supplies that would just be discarded.

Joann Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Working for a major Level I trauma hospital center in an urban setting (also non-profit), everyone working in the facility is extremely busy. Even though all who work here are very busy, helping those who are underserved is extremely important as well - even if they are not walking through our doors. Partnering with Global Links was a way to help those in need outside our doors. Global Links made it so easy for our organization to donate items no longer used by our facility to organizations that could put them to good use. They are a no muss, no fuss organization which is exactly what a busy Level I trauma hospital needs!

L. Wesley B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Untold numbers of people die, every year, for lack of sanitary supplies that clog American landfills! Global Links takes those things (that would otherwise be thrown away) and matches them with health centers in other countries that desperately need them. It's a DOUBLE benefit!

Carol Elsesser Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I've volunteered for a few years now as a member of PAPCA (Pittsburgh Area Peace Corps Association). We are a group of returned Peace Corps Volunteers.

Global Links is great! They solicit donations of medical equipment that is otherwise going to waste and send it to folks who need it. Much of the equipment goes to the Caribbean and Latin American area. This is particularly fitting for me as I served with PC in Costa Rica and was a trainer there and in Ecuador. It is a way to remain connected to the people in that area.

Global Links reduces, reuses and recycles. Reduces the waste by putting to use unused hospital supplies that would otherwise go to landfills. Reuses by collecting from the community at large items such as crutches, wheelchairs and home care supplies. Recycles--well, we are recycled Peace Corps Volunteers.

Additionally, in their parking lot Global Links maintains a dumpster for their own paper products. It is available to the entire community. They also made use of AmeriCorps volunteers and countless community volunteer groups like ours. They are so conscious of the value of volunteers that they designate times for individuals who not a part of any organized group to volunteer.

jmaich Donor

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

This tremendous non-profit, Global Links, operates out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My husband and I became aware of the organization many years ago, as we got to know someone central to its inception. We have watched the organization grow and develop over the years and marveled at their continued efficiency. Their work involved taking medical supplies and equipment that would normally be discarded in America, though still effective, and sharing them with the rest of the under-supplied world. This is a non-profit of great integrity, with a wonderful staff and volunteer force, intent on changing things, one hospital bed and antibiotic packet at a time.

MegFrank Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

Global Links has a very simple plan. They gather unused hospital equipment and supplies that would normally be discarded in America and send them to needy hospitals in Haiti and other countries. They do this at little cost. We volunteered with this group and the process was so simple. They utilized our time immediately and effectively. We left with a feeling of accomplishment and it was easy to see how much we helped. Their mission serves a double purpose. First, they help out these poor countries and in turn, help out the most needy patients. Secondly, they prevent the excess of our hospitals from ending up in our landfills. It was a very enjoyable experience and I would recommend this charity to anyone wanting to make a difference in our environment.

Martha R. Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

This program recycles medical supplies that would normally be discarded.
It helps 3rd world countries immensely.

Paola Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

A medical student friend was going to Malawi with her husband, and she was volunteering in a maternity hospital. She saw a huge need for very basic items. A group of us helped sort donated medical supplies at Global Links and Global Links sent life saving monitors and other supplies to the maternity hospital.

Debra Callahan Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I have been volunteering at Global Links for four years packaging medical supplies for Third World countries. I volunteer with a group of women from the Junior League of Pittsburgh and we chose Global Links as the focal point for a group volunteer effort. The staff is extremely professional, organized and friendly effectively utilizing our time to benefit their organization as well as providing us with deep satisfaction for our efforts. Super Organization that does important work!!!

rose Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

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

pebb Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2011

I am pleased that Global Links is able to use refurbished materials and equipment in order to help others around the world. Their mission is inspiring.

chris Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/06/2011

Sharing Surplus. Saving Lives. No one should die for lack of what we throw away ! Their motto says a lot, but not all of it. Global Links does more than conserve the environment -- they save lives and sustain the environment as a by-product of what they do. This is because they do it intelligently; i.e., they collect the huge amounts of medical supplies and equipment that would otherwise end up in landfills and target these to specific programs that need and will use them, Therefore they will not end up in landfills in the recipient nations.

A thoughtful, humanitarian Mission, carried out by committed, dedicated staff applying their principles in intelligent and consistent ways to do the most good. They fill a need and deserve recognition and support.

MaryR Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/06/2011

It is a real privilege for me to volunteer at Global Links and be a small part of such a great organization. Following are just a few reasons why I think Global Links is so special: It has a small core of very dedicated staff members. All aspects of its work are extremely well organized and efficient without any waste with an absolute minimum outlay for administrative costs. The office and warehouse are housed in no-frills, bare bone buildings. Executive Director, Kathleen Hower, who co-founded the organization more than 20 years age was a visionary, and, with her quiet strength, still guides and sets the tone for Global Links today.

Each Wednesday afternoon, as I leave the Global Links office, I can hardly wait to return the next week.

elah Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/05/2011

Global Links is absolutely amazing. When you volunteer your time with this organization, you know that you are truly making an impact. Any item that can be helpful to another individual is sent, no matter how small or seemingly unimportant. Looking at the specific needs of medical institutions in other countries, Global Links makes sure that no supplies go to waste. This is the most wonderful place that any individual could hope to volunteer their time and efforts!

nalmeida75 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/04/2011

I am a volunteer on Friday mornings, a regular non afiliated, not associated group of individuals who sort and batch several medical supplies together.
I simply love Global Links concept: the fact that it was created in Pittsburgh by three women makes it even more real and inspiring.
The whole waste in medical supplies for reasons hidden behind safety or otherwise wasteful quality consumer standards, and its channeling through Global Links to South America and other at risk or short supplied areas is simply efficient and ethical.
We are under supervision of highly trained staff, who are very efficient, personable and excel in time efficiency for our efforts and energy. Every Friday I leave my volunteer assignment at 12pm, feeling richer and emerged in a sense of great self-accomplishment. I highly recommend this Organization for any award that might increase its visibility and expand its work. Also, they are very careful in recruiting volunteers, they are extremely ethical, giving a tour to all and presenting the founders and staff, who are are always friendly, although very focused.

shristi.aqua Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/04/2011

I feel very happy when I realize that the smallest of effort I put in volunteering at Global Links helps to save Lives of people in underdeveloped nations. It's a truly amazing organization!

diane.pittman Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/04/2011

I find Globallinks to be the perfect organization to give my time to. When people get stressed at work about getting a job done, I like to remind them that "we're not savin' babies here." Volunteering at Globallinks, we really ARE. And the waste of perfectly good things makes me bonkers--Globallinks saves babies with stuff that would otherwise go to waste. It doesn't get any more perfect than that.

The organization is experienced at handling volunteers efficiently. When we arrive, there is already a task set up for us, the supplies are ready, the signage is up-to-date, and the staff person working that night understands what needs to be done and can explain it well (and patiently). This helps me feel like I'm actually accomplishing something, not just standing around waiting.

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aarondztan Donor

Rating: 5

08/13/2010

This will be my biggest donation since I`ve pledged to donate 20% of any monetary income several months ago. I wish it could be more, but I`m only a rising college freshman. My money does far more in your hands than in mine. Your organization practically satisfies all of my main concerns: relieving suffering, conserving resources, and a CEO who works for the people, not the money. I wish you the best of luck in your efforts!

11

Gene Lauer Board Member

Rating: 5

05/05/2010

I have visited two of our program countries with executive staff to inspect the materials that we sent, and was most imprsssed with the comments of gratitude and admiration for Global Links. I heard great affirmations that we sent only useful materials, and were careful to determine what they really needed. I have attended many events to meet potential donors and personnel with collaborating organizations and have made many valuable contacts for Global Links. In so doing, I was delighted to discover how well our organization is regarded in many circles. I have gotten to know the staff and am very impressed with their idealism and their willingness to do labor--intensive processes in order to ensure that we are sending only usable materials, in the most efficient and effective ways.

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Board Member

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I have been on the Board of Directors of Global Links since its inception in 1989 and am amazed at the remarkable progress we have made in the last twenty years. From its modest beginnings with its three young founders, we have grown to a staff of twenty (full time and part time) members, who sent processed and sent 207 tons of medical supplies and equipment to our recipient countries in 2008. A great number of faithful and deeply-motivated volunteers contributed over 6000 hours of service in that same year to help us achieve our goals. I have been especially impressed with the research that our staff members do in order to ensure that the recipient countries are actually able to use everything that we send. I have heard from hospital directors and doctors that they are always confident that, when a shipment arrives from Global Links, every item will be in good shape and fit their immediate needs. I have great hopes that we will be able to achieve even greater success in our future.

13

mwward Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/03/2010

I have volunteered for 16 years after retiring from West Penn Hospital GI Lab. It is a wonderful experience seeing the needed medical supplies that would have been discarded sent to needy countries.

11

luther Client Served

Rating: 5

04/22/2010

My experience with the institution has been excelent - exemplary professionalism coupled with a dynamic performance. Their pre- and post evaluation helps to establish a positive collaboration that leads to a positive donation. I truly appreciate their support of our projects, particularly during the the critical moments of the program development.

10

lka8 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/20/2010

Global Links is a leading example of environmental sustainability and accountability, because they develop ongoing relationships with health care facilities in specific countries that can utilize the surplus medical supplies from Pittsburgh area hospitals. Foreign Institutions receive 40-foot sea containers of medical aid carefully selected to meet their specific needs. By developing relationships with specific institutions or regions of a country, Global Links makes a sustained impact on the ability of recipient institutions to deliver health care to their patients. They foster international partnerships to promote environmental sustainability and redirect medical surplus to supply developing countries with medical supplies that would otherwise be sent to a land fill. From the organization’s mission of redirecting medical surplus to the recycling receptacles in the staff and volunteer eating areas, this organization is the definition of a non-profit that promotes environmental sustainability. The Johnson Institute for Responsible Leadership at the University of Pittsburgh recently gave Kathleen Hower – co-founder and Executive Director of Global Links, the Exemplary Leadership Award. Each year, the Johnson Institute selects an outstanding community leader who demonstrates values of ethics and accountability in their service to the public to receive this award. I am graduate student studying international and public affairs and am participating in the Johnson Institute Leadership Portfolio program. I am serving on the board of Global Links as a part of this learning opportunity. It has been an honor to be invited to participate with this extraordinary organization, because they are an international example of what a non-profit organization should be.

7

a-davis Board Member

Rating: 5

04/19/2010

I sought to become actively involved with the organization after learning of their incredible mission, both from a humanitarian and environmental perspective, and coming to know their tireless leadership. I have been involved with small nonprofits and have never seen one accomplish so much with so little. The organization strives to maximize resources in every aspect of their operation, with only ~3% of donations contributing to administrative efforts – an incredible feat for any nonprofit. This has been accomplished through the vision of the organizations leadership, the growth and nurturing of a dedicated volunteer organization and the forming of strategic alliances. These alliances, both local and international, have enabled the organization to save thousands of tons of usable, life-saving surplus and redirected it to countries based on specific needs. This organization is responsible in every aspect of their existence and I am thrilled to be a part of working with this team to expand their ability to responsibly impact more lives.

7

laurah1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/19/2010

My husband, son and I were looking for a way to participate in the Haiti earthquake relief efforts, and we found our way to Global Links, where we spent an afternoon packing medical supplies. This organization has the most wonderful mission...providing aid to those in need while caring for the environment by recycling supplies that would have been otherwise thrown in landfills. They do a fantastic job!

7

mary16 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2010

Global Links can best be described as a no-frills, extremely well organized non-profit that is run by a small core of very dedicated staff. It successfully achieves its commitment to collect and distribute surplus medical material to less developed countries without any waste and with an absolute minimum outlay for administrative costs. The Executive Director, Kathleen Hower, who co-founded the organization 20 years ago was a visionary, and with her quiet strength, still guides and sets the tone for Global Links today. It is a real privilege for me, through my volunteer sorting and packing, to be a very small part of such a great organization.

6

gnb Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/15/2010

I like the idea of not wasting the excess supplies and equipment produced by the medical industry. Global Links is a great idea.

9

maracay Client Served

Rating: 5

04/15/2010

Global links is so great, they really help me to send to my grandmother who is 85 years old, and life in Venezuela to have some medical supplies, on Friday I did email Angela Garcia, buy Monday everything was ready to pick up, Angela,Marisol, and Jennifer, and everybody there are so wonderful they really made an impact in people's live. We are so grateful to have Global Links, and all the wonderful Humans beings to work there. Muchas Gracias, Norma Arbujas

5

Dani Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/14/2010

Volunteering for Global Links is one of the most important items on my weekly to-do list. I very much enjoy the company of the other volunteers, the knowledgeable and friendly team and most importantly the mission we are on and supporting.

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Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

In January of 2009 I decided to start volunteering for a non-profit organization. GlobalLinks caught my attention by learning about their impressive vision and mission. Collecting still useful (and in most cases new) medical supplies from US hospitals and giving them a second life in third world country's hospitals where the items are most needed. At the same time GlobalLinks intensely focuses on environmental protection and recycling. Right from the beginning I was impressed by the professional and very organized manner both staff and my fellow volunteers care about each detail in the sorting and packing process. GlobalLinks is an amazing organization. They achieve so much with so little resources. Keep up the good work!

5

aaron3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/14/2010

Volunteers are given opportunity to own the process of re-packing medical supplies, making decisions about how to pack, with supervision, working in small teams or on your own. Volunteer feels he has really made a difference in the world.

10

linda17 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/13/2010

Global Links is an organization that fulfills many functions. First as a green organization, it keeps medical supplies out of land-fills. Secondly it supplies much needed medical equipment to countries where the need is so great and most importantly makes sure the materials are both useful and will be used by the peoples Global Links has targeted as most needy. In my menial role as a sorter, counter and packer of supplies; I feel the profound impact my volunteering is having on peoples in remote areas of developing countries of this hemisphere.

5

acs2 Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/13/2010

I chose this organization with care because of their specific work and because of their reputation. I fulfilled my orientation, which I find very necessary, and was very impressed with my first day of volunteering. I now just look forward to my next day to volunteer.

5

Global Links Volunteer Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/12/2010

Global Links could be one of the finest examples of how a nonprofit should operate. Everything -materials,manpower,and money is utilized to its fullest extent. Global Links reduces the environmental impact of our U.S. hospitals and provides much needed and site-specific medical supplies to their partner countries. The director of Global Links,Kathleen Hower, is intelligent,diligent, and forward thinking. The same can be said of her energetic staff and board. All the volunteers are kept quite busy and are valued for the role they play in sorting and packing medical supplies. The budget is carefully considered and all money is spent wisely and never frivolously. Although I have volunteered at Global Links for many years, I have to say that I continue to be amazed and feel great joy when I step into the Penn Ave. office or the warehouse. It is heartwarming to be part of this well run organization knowing that the Global Links mission is succeeding and impacting so many lives. Please come and be a part of what Global Links is doing! If you can, please donate your time, your talents, an/or your money. You'll be glad you did.

Previous Stories
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Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

One day a week I look forward to volunteering at Global Links and I have done so for the past eight years. Global Links saves lives in underserved countries by retrieving still useable hospital supply cast aways primarily from Pittsburgh hospitals. These hospital supplies are sorted and packed in boxes and shelved. The shelved boxes are retrieved for a shipment after careful assessment of the needs of the receiving hospital. Only what they need and can use is ever sent. Global Links combines efficiency,passion to their mission statement,and a team effort that could serve as a model for other nonprofits. And it does all this while keeping an eye on environmental impact. Boxes from the homes of staff and volunteers are often reused at Global Links. The boxes and the sea shipping containers are packed without wasted space so it maximizes the shipment while minimizing the carbon footprint. The retrieval of the local hospital supplies is carefully choreographed so that gasoline is not wasted. Global Links is committed to recycling the byproducts of packaging and papers in-house and also has a dumptser outside for us to recycle newspapers,magazines, etc. The thermostat is set appropriately to conserve heating and cooling energy which also saves money. Global Links wastes nothing. Donations are spent wisely and never frivolously. Time is never wasted. The working environment is one of commitment and partnership and great enthusiasm. It is a trifecta of saving surplus, saving lives, and saving the environment.

5

suzannelee17 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/10/2010

When the Haiti earthquake struck, I heard about a need for volunteers for Global Links. I was told they recycle medical equipment to the Caribbean. I thought this would be a way I could immediately respond to the Haitian crisis. I was overwhelmed by the type of work and recycling they do. For Haiti, I have cleaned and restored crutches (lots of crutches) and wheelchairs. I have packed orthopedic braces, syringes and other items that typically would have been wasted by American hospitals. Global Links connects to area hospitals and gleans unwanted medical equipment for use in another part of the globe. Work still continues for Haiti and will for some time. I have become a regular volunteer along with my husband. We are amazed at what we will pack each time we show up. From sharps containers to biohazard bags, Global Links is reusing and providing needed medical supplies and equipment to countries in need.

5

mbkassdc Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/10/2010

I have volunteered with Global Links about eight times now. I continue to be impressed with their mission to recycle hospital materials (from unused syringes to used hospital beds, from sterile unused needles to ultrasound machines...). We spend our time sorting everything by date, by size, or by whatever parameters the coordinators offer us. We work solidly for two hours, until we have sorted, counted, grouped and boxed thousands upon thousands of instruments, tubing, etc. This non-profit organization is helping third world countries have the medical equipment and supplies that they need to work under horrendous conditions. I am proud to work with them.

9

azbd Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/09/2010

Global Links.is extremely well organized and safety minded. My job has been to separate and pack. The volunteers there are very explicit in what they want done, and very helpful. This is a wonderful organation.

2

paulkoch8 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/09/2010

I had no idea how many usable medical supplies and equipment are discarded every day by health providers. Bravo to Global Links who recycles supplies that do not bear an expiration date to hospitals and clinics in South and Central America. I believe Global Links provides the volunteer with an opportunity to act locally and think globally. This non-profit contributes in a significant way towards greater environmental sensitivity while providing a viable way to act responsibly.

7

valerie4 Donor

Rating: 5

04/08/2010

I've had a few experiences with Global Links, one being a building project in the Yungas, in Bolivia. What I appreciate so much about this organization is their consistency, honesty, and integrity. So many organizations are partially honest and so on, or sort of, but my experiences with Global Links has been positive across the board with no regrets about working with them. I appreciate the efforts they go to for getting what seems to us to be the very simplest things to people who desperately need simple things and otherwise would never get them.

7

jancurl Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/06/2010

I have volunteered for a few years now and every time I do, I feel a sense of peace when I leave. This is such a great organization on so many levels. Not only is there an environmental component but the aspect of passing on of energy through medical supplies to help people I will never know is very rewarding. I hope to support this local organization for years to come.

4

Shirish Client Served

Rating: 5

03/23/2010

The Wanless Hospital, Miraj Medical Center was founded in 1894 in the small town of Miraj, Maharashtra, in southwestern India by Sir, Dr. William Wanless, (1865 to 1933) a missionary physician of the American Presbyterian Church and has served the people of this area for over one hundred years. Today, Wanless Hospital is the most fully equipped referral center for an area of 50,000 square miles with a population of 20 million. It is a multi-specialty Charitable Hospital and has provided low cost care to the very poor and underprivileged sections of society who have no hope of receiving treatment from any other center in India. The Miraj Heart Institute at the Wanless Hospital is a Tertiary referral Centre for Congenital & Acquired Cardiac diseases as well as Thoracic & Vascular problems, both Elective as also Emergent, catering to the needs of patients from the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. The Miraj Heart Institute is committed to provide COMPREHENSIVE CARDIAC CARE WITH COMPASSION AND CHARITY and present an effective Witness through its Advanced Cardiac Care to the poor and un-affording class of patients. We treat almost the whole spectrum of Congenital and Acquired Heart Diseases as well as perform Thoracic and Vascular Surgery. Cases are as widely ranging as a few days old baby taken up for a Blalock Tausig’s Shunt to a 70 year old person undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery. The cost of Cardiac Surgery in India is very high (over $5,000 per patient) and such facilities are available at private Corporate Hospitals, which are affordable only to the upper middle and rich classes. The Miraj Heart Institute provides subsidized Cardiac surgical care, (about $2,500 per patient) with a very high level of professional skill and a compassionate Christian approach. This has been made possible by the generous help that we continue to receive in the form of Funds, Equipment and Disposables from various organizations. The cost of disposable items constitutes a major part of the expenditure on Cardiac surgery. Cardiac suture is a very important and fairly costly ingredient of the operation. Furthermore good quality suture is imperative for an optimal surgical result. Our average cost of suture per Open Heart Surgery varies from $250 to $500 depending on the type of surgery. Global Links, USA (www.globallinks.org) a charitable organization have been kind enough to donate us Cardiac surgical suture. Global Links has been helping my program since 2007 by regularly donating these expensive Cardiac sutures. These ongoing donations of valuable sutures from Global Links for the past 3 years have substantially helped to keep our operative costs low. Our average cost of suture per Open Heart Surgery varies from $300 to $500; depending on the type of surgery. Till date I have used these sutures supplied by Global Links in over 100 Open Heart surgeries and have been able to cut down my operating costs by at least $200 per patient. It is because of such continued support that we are able to run our program and care for the un-affording sections of patients in this part of our country. Beyond doubt as always the loving hand of our Lord and Master Jesus Christ was at work and we all thank and praise Him for the great Humanitarian work that Global Links continues to do for the poor and needy. It is said that ‘A STITCH IN TIME SAVES NINE’. But our experience in working with Global Links is such that ‘A STITCH SENT IN TIME SAVES A LIFE.’ Truly Global Links have made this priceless difference between Life and Death so very true for so many of our patients. We the staff of the Miraj Heart Institute, Wanless Hospital and all our patients are grateful to Global Links, USA for this enormous and ongoing donation of costly Cardiac suture material. We shall forever remain extremely indebted to Global Links and all their staff for their continued, kind and compassionate help offered to our Institution.

11

david-thompson Client Served

Rating: 5

03/03/2010

For the past 10 years Global Links has sent our hospital in Gabon, Africa packages of suture at no cost. This has allowed us to operate on thousands of low income patients and keep our prices below $100 for a major operation, including all the hospital costs. Dr. David Thompson, Surgeon, Bongolo Hospital

4

mary6 Client Served

Rating: 5

02/27/2010

Glboa Links has provided sutures to mission hospitals where I have worked for over fifteen years. Communication and cooperation is excellent. They always provide what you ask for if at all possible, and let us know what else is available in case we might be able to use it. The best thing about Global Links is that they do not send junk to Africa.

7

jslif Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/17/2010

As an occassional volunteer with this organization, I am constantly amazed at their methods to keep their work relevent, up-to-date and responsive to their recipients needs. The last thing anyone in need needs is something they don't need. I've always been impressed with how global links listens and meets REAL needs in an efficient and timely manner. Their network with donors around our city is unprecedented and groundbreaking.

7

amy-pk Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/16/2010

Although many organizations often state how much they need volunteers, my experience in answering the call is often that they are so disorganized that the time I spent trying to volunteer was not at all effective. Not so at Global Links! This is one efficient, organized group of folks that makes great use of every volunteer for every minute that they are there. Their packing system is so streamlined that as an individual or small group we were consistently able to prepare a significant volume of medical supplies in a short time. It was really a good feeling to know we made a difference in the health care of many people and promoted international good will as well as diverted perfectly good equipment from a landfill. And it's fun! What a great bunch of people to work with.

7

christina1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/16/2010

I enjoy volunteering in my community quite a bit, so I have some experience being a volunteer. My experience with Global Links has been nothing short of wonderful. The staff is always very well organized, clear and concise with their directions, and welcoming. The tasks are never very difficult, but you still feel as if you are making a huge impact. The Global Links family is very inclusive - always keeping volunteers in the loop with newsletters, special bulletins, emails, and invitations to functions and parties. It is by far my favorite organization with which to volunteer.

7

marie9653 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/08/2010

This organization was outstanding in terms of recognizing our need and fulfilling our request for supplies for relief medical work in Haiti. I called them threee days before my departure and they had packaged supplies ready to go the day before I left! Very valuable service!

9

dl Volunteer

Rating: 4

02/06/2010

Quic sevice as I headed out the door to Haiti - helpful and friendly. Well stocked with useful supplies. Wish I would have had enough time to get medicines which takes a bit longer or that could have been as quick as the supplies.

4

Cheryl Donor

Rating: 5

02/02/2010

After the Earthquake in Haiti, There was a lot of press in PIttsburgh about organizations that were helping. My kids wanted to help the victims in some way so e organized a crutches/walkers/wheelchairs drive to get my kids involved in the helping process. We collected about 18 pairs of crutches, one wheelchair and 8 walkers. It was a great way to help teach my kids about giving, empathy, and how they are members of a much larger community than just Pittsburgh. When we dropped off the donation, the staff at the warehouse was courteous and helped unload all of the stuff. It felt great to be able to help people in other parts of the world.

23

Tom C Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/30/2009

I actually heard about Global Links years ago, but it wasn't until this past September that I finally got around to contacting them. Since then I've been volunteering 8-10 hours per month, on average, and I've come to look forward to the hours I get to spend working with them. They're wonderful people to work with, and they have great taste in music. Much more important, of course, is what they do. It's so clearly a benefit to everyone on the planet, from the hospital personnel and businesspeople who would rather not have to dump something still useful into a landfill, to the people like me who get to (carefully) handle fancy medical gadgetry we've not even imagined before, to those people whom I will never meet but whose lives I have in this way touched as a result of what the Global Links staff has made possible. It's like sending a post card to a friend you don't know. My thanks to Global Links, who have truly made this a better world.

25

gingercarlson Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/29/2009

Ever since I was a gradute student at the University of Pittsburgh in a program called, "International Development Education Program, or IDEP" in the 1980's, I have wanted to go to the underdeveloped countried I was studying, but I never go to go. So when my daughter told me about Global Links and how they help to send medical and hospital supplies to those same countries that I had wished to travel to, I jumped at the chance to volunteer to sort, pack, and send these supplies to people who need them. I am a retired woman who finds great satisfaction in volunteering for Global Links and who enjoys the company of a band of committed women and men who like doing things for others.

24

Robert Bartolacci General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/29/2009

I am so proud to have an organization in Pittsburgh's back yard that touches so many parts of the world so profoundly. The humility of the Global Links organization coupled with its impact on the lives of the poor is such a strong reflection of Christ, that I believe His Spirit carries the organization. Their stewardship of all resources, dedication and effectivenss in continuing the mission despite impediments, and commitment to the "renewable" concept makes them the paragon environmental non-profit. Bravo Kathleen.

23

evansickel Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/29/2009

I've been volunteering weekly at Global Links for about a year and knew from my first visit that it was something I was really interested in. It's a win-win situation. We collect, sort and pack surplus medical supplies that would have been discarded by hospitals in the U.S. to send to hospitals in underdeveloped countries.

30

Pennyroyal General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/29/2009

Global Links is unique in that it not only helps donors dispose of their "trash" responsibly, but it provides much needed medical equipment to underserved countries. "Green" is not just a slogan, but part of its mission.

23

Lin Haberman Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/29/2009

I heard about Global Links through a friend of mine...and was mesmerized by the story of how the organization began and what it has become through the years! The idea of reconditioning and donating medical supplies that would have ended up in a landfill and send these supplies to developing countires was a not only a strike of genious--but taking that idea and making it a reality is nothing short of a miracle!! How many of us see things everyday tossed aside-and say--what a waste--there are people that would love to have this or that...and then to actually have that thought --and work out a plan to have this idea take effect and actually work to help other nations--is an awesome story in itself. It gives you hope that the smallest deed is better than the grandest intention! For a long time I contributed to this organization through United Way--I liked that they didn't have much over head and that my donation went to real help. This year I decided to volunteer --and I got to see what hard work and workers are out there everyday making this non profit a success. I cleaned and painted IV poles --and when you scrub in an empty dusty warehouse for 7 hours --you leave sore--but happy! It kind of gave me a glimpse of the satisfaction these workers have everyday. Knowing that what they do has such a profound effect on so many. The story of this organization and the tour of the facility--made me cry. I was so proud to be a part of this effort for that day! And to think --this effort doesn't just help those that need it most--but also helps the environment in the process--just an awesome ---AWESOME venture!!!! God Bless this organization -- the effort the workers put into this and the love--was so obvious. Never met a group so committed!

20

eliz Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/28/2009

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.

19

john Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/27/2009

I was so impressed at the efficiency of Global Links when I came to volunteer for the first time. Their film tells a worthwhile story and their employee, Lindsey, was dedicated, informative ,organized and responded well to every question. Their mission is an easy goal for all of us to embrace: making the world a more healthy place to live and survive. We owe that to the under privileged citizens in so many countries. We have so much to give.

26

abers331 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/27/2009

Global Links is doing amazing work both for the environment and for people in need around the world. I was astounded at the statistics that were shared with me- 9 billion dollars of unused medical supplies are thrown away every year! This organization is meeting needs and saving lives.

21

doug Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/25/2009

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.

16

running_swede Donor

Rating: 5

04/24/2009

Global Links is at the top of my list of charities to which I make regular contributions, because I know they will put the money to good use helping people who really need it with little waste for administrative overhead. Their newsletter keeps me informed of their activities with capturing stories and pictures.

16

Connie Client Served

Rating: 5

04/24/2009

Global Links is one of the most efficient and well-run organizations I've come into contact with. The main focus of the organization is compassion and respect for the populations served. They are meticulous in achieving the dual mission of helping underpriveleged people while helping to preserve our planet.

17

blossom Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2009

It is fifteen years now that I have been experiencing the relief that Global Links brings to countries across the world who need help in the health sector. I have been particularly impressed by the care they take in donating equipment and supplies that will work in the receiving countries. Their focus and concern is for the health and well being of the people of the country they assist. They take the time to find out the needs of the receiving country and what works best there. Their donations are of the highest quality and durability. It is not so much what they do at Global Links, but how they do it …with respect, dignity and compassion. Blossom Laidlaw Volunteer – Health Sector -Jamaica

16

Jocelyn Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2009

Global Links provides desperately needed medical supplies while also serving an environmental service. The staff is dedicated and the volunteers are wonderful, interesting and diverse people to meet and work with. I've volunteered there for over 4 years and always leave there feeling that I've contributed in a worthwhile way.

16

darlane mcgill Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/23/2009

I think that volunteering at global links has been an amazingly eye opening experience. I never knew so many things would wind up in landfills if it were not for global links salvaging these items and sending them to others who could put them to good use, people who are so appreciative to receive them. To play a small part in this endeavor, has been very rewarding to me. The staff has been very imformative, answering all of my questions and keeping me informed on healthcare in the countries they service. They showed me that I could help them to acquire even more donations. These donations have helped improve and expand heathcare treatment for those who receive them by allowing them to provide care for those who would otherwise go untreated.

14

Gabriel Vivas Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

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.

14

Indyra500 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

The people here are very friendly, and it is always a joy to know we are helping save lives all over the world.

14

klauer Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

What a great organization! Global Links' work is not only important to the countries they serve, but also to the environment. By keeping tons of still-useful supplies out of landfills, they truly provide a domestic service. Thanks for all you do!

17

Mollie Price Donor

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

We visited the Global links 'warehouse' and witnessed the work in progress. The staff worked to acquire donated supplies (sterile sutures, delivery beds, etc) from hospitals throughout the U.S., then used various methods to transport needed supplies to specific hospitals throughout the world, responding to requests from physicians and administrators at the sites. Newsletters include letters from recipients expressing gratitude and photos of Global Links supplies being used. Excellent feedback and communication with donors.

15

paigebeal Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

I have volunteered several times to help at Global Links and have also donated money. These folks run a dedicated non profit that succeeds in not just achieving their goal of recapturing value in surplus hospital supplies by shipping them to medical facilities in need, but also by mobilizing many volunteers. The opportunity to support their efforts by manually helping to clean, pack and ship the items allows them to be inclusive and expand beyond just a donor base. Global Links is a wonderful example of a sustainable non profit that meets their mission. Five stars!

16

lori General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

I've had the privilege to volunteer for Global Links for the past 5 years. Having met Kathleen and her team of dedicated humanitarians gives me hope.

16

AnnieO Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

When you volunteer at Global Links you feel like you've just worked with Rachel Carson, Albert Schweitzer, Mother Teresa and Al Gore in to one fell swope! You learn to share, respect others, give thoughtfully, to be creative and participate. The list can go on - but basically it is always a boost to volunteer there - they are so effective at what they do - one can't help but feel they've not only improved another life but their own life has improved too. I have been photographing the good deeds of this bold humanitarian organization for 12 years. I considerate it to be some of the highest quality time I ever spent on this planet.

Previous Stories
12

Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

When you volunteer for Global Links it is an education in conservation, diplomacy and mindful giving. After photographing Global Links' efforts for 12 years, I have become a better person by learning from their actions and philosophies. I have a better understanding of what impact each individuals decisions and actions make. This bold humanitarian organization needs to be placed front and center on the world stage! It would soon be a better planet indeed!

14

fvprice Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

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.

14

donnatabor Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

Global Links is a no-hassle, fast delivery, no nonsense, eager-to-help organization that has saved the day for our organization, Building New Hope, countless times. There are not many organizations that allow their clients to feel that WE are helping THEM! GLobal Links is genuinely pleased to be of service to those that we serve here in Nicaragua. THe individual Global Links volunteers have all gone 'the extra mile' to come through with every request that we have made of them. THere is comfort in knowing that they are always near us, with us, for us. GLobal Links suppies Building New Hope with medical/clinical supples for remote area health centers as well as a community animal spay neuter clinic in Nicaragua. THeir donations have allowed us to provide a constant stream of health care to this community because of their efficient donation system. Donna Tabor, Project Director Building New Hope Granada, Nicaragua

14

Dr. Dan Board Member

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

I have been involved with Global Links almost since its inception. I had a wonderful opportunity to travel to Cuba in 1997 as part of a GL team. As a member of the Board for over ten years I have seen the development and growth of this unique NGO and can attest to their most worthwhile work in developing countries. They provide hundreds of tons of surplus medical supplies, equipment and medicines to the poorest of the poor. Global Links saves lives !!

14

milena Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

Global Links is an incredible organization that collects and distributes useable discarded medical supplies from local area hospitals to partner hospitals and medical centers in the Caribbean and Central America.

13

dick pantalone Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/22/2009

i have been involved with global links for over 15 years. As a surgeon and recipient of their aid , in addition to working with them in their office as a volunteer ,I have witnessed first hand the passion and integrity with which they pusue their goal of furnishing needed medical supplies to the underserved throughout the world .Most of these supplies would have ended in land fills without first having gotten the opportunity to fulfill the purpose for which they were manufactured. Globaal LInks runs on a shoe string budget and yet they are able to send thousands of dollars worth of valuable medical equipment all over the world. I have personally packaged and hand carried some of this equipment to Haiti and Ethiopia where without it i would have been unable to perform some of the procedures needed there.

13

ddgerson Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

I wrote this for a class last semester. Global Links is an amazing organization. From the staff to their mission--Global Links is by far the best place with which I have volunteered. :) In the center of Homewood sits a desolate building - an old warehouse with a few broken windows, a semi parked out front, and a half rusted door. The only sign of life on the outside of this building is the eleven-inch sign to the left of the entryway. What lies on the other side of this heavy chunk of metal attached to old rust-colored brick is an incredible graveyard. Hundreds of IV poles stand lifeless like skeletons. Old hospital mattresses are piled to the ceiling casting shadows onto the gravestone-like gurneys. Particles of dust slow dance in the ghostly light that floats down through the broken window near the roof. A wasteland of defibrillators, exam tables, suture kits, wheel chairs, autoclaves, ventilators, surgical instruments, scrubs, stethoscopes, scales, and bandages - to name a few - are piled in small mountains from wall to wall. Only narrow pathways are left for the daring to navigate. Flip the switch on the industrial-sized ceiling fans, kick over the ignition on the old fork lift, and open the double-bolted steel door, and this place comes back from the dead. This would be a land fill, a huge garbage dump, where the hospitals dispose of a 'surplus' or 'old' materials. One element is crucial in bringing this place to life - the volunteers and staff - they are the heart and soul who give all of this wasted equipment a second chance. When I was guided through for the grand tour, chills shivered through my body. ALL of this would just be thrown away. The most amazing part of it is knowing that the people I was surrounded by wanted to be there out of the generosity of their hearts. They weren't there for the money; they were there to help. That day we spent hours resuscitating those IV poles. With a little bit of multi-purpose surface cleaner, a few old rags, and a bucket of fresh white paint, they were shiny and new. Drills buzzed in the background. Sandpaper scratched. Brooms brushed. People talked and laughed. Wheelchairs reupholstered, old lights fixed, walkers dusted, computers revamped, all of these noises flooded the once ghostly and lethargic warehouse. I realized then that shipping this equipment to the nine countries Global Links works with wasn't about just sending it for that 'green' tax break. It was about increasing the quality of life. It was about helping other people, not only with hospital equipment, but QUALITY hospital equipment that we would trust to use on ourselves and our loved ones. - Danielle G.

14

eas46@pitt.edu Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

First, let me say they are a great organization!! I became involved with Global Links while attending PITT as an undergrad, and an organization I belonged to formed a group and volunteered there. After that one exposure, I was hooked!! I became a volunteer on a weekly basis, and I continue to love just about every minute I'm there!!! Keep up the good work!! (maybe someday there will be many branches across the United States)

13

mwar Donor

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

Making a huge difference in the 'going green'. Was 'green' way before most. Global Links makes a profound difference using our medical discards to help others in so many ways!

13

ara43 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

I became involved with Global Links while I was an art student in Pittsburgh and it changed the course of my life. I learned at Global Links that performing work with the clear purpose of helping others is far more satisfying (for me) than painting a pretty picture. Global Links is especially effective because it feeds two birds with one scone by reducing waste in the United States while providing needed supplies to hospitals abroad. Who wouldn't want to get behind a mission that is both humanitarian AND environmental? Volunteers usually sort and pack medical supplies so that they can be sent abroad. The work is very simple yet, as an essential piece of what happens there, so important. I think it is wonderful to play any size role in such a wonderful operation.

13

Jeannie Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

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.

14

lkester Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

Global Links is a phenomenal organization that provides an essential service by distributing surplus medical supplies to underserved countries. The efficiency by which this organization operates is astounding. Supplies ranging from sutures to bed linens that would otherwise be discarded are systematically inspected, sorted, packed and shipped to countries in grave need of these supplies. The enthusiasm and devotion of the staff and volunteers is palpable and it makes me proud to be a part of this organization. My experience volunteering at Global Links has made me considerably more aware of the wastefulness of our medical institutions and the discrepancies in medical care throughout the world. I have been a packing volunteer at Global Links for 2 years and will continue to volunteer for this organization for as long as I am in Pittsburgh.

14

Genevieve Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

Global Links is such a fabulous organization. It's amazing how much of a difference the small things that hospitals discard - sutures, bandages, iv tubing - make such an amazing and profound difference in the lives of so many people abroad. I feel lucky to have been involved with the organization over the years and had it been such a big part of my life.

16

janete Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

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!!

14

Celia Barnes Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

The Jamaica Medical Assistance Committee has had the good fortune to be associated with Global Links for over twenty-five years. Together we have assessed the needs of the hospitals and clinics which fall under the ambit of the local Ministry of Health in Jamaica and have been able to respond to their requests for medical equipment and supplies. The equipment, including office furniture is always in good condition and are durable, which alleviates the need for constant replacement. The staff at Global Links led by Kathleen Hower are unfailingly helpful and always willing to go the extra mile. It has truly been a pleasure to be associated with this Company and we are very grateful for the efforts made on our behalf to ensure that we have appropriate equipment and supplies to respond to demand island-wide. Celia Barnes Coordinator The Jamaica Medical Assistance Committee 39 Hope Road, Kingston 10 Jamaica, West Indies

19

Swatters Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

This is one of the best non profits I have worked with. Their work is meaningful and touches a large group of individuals in need. They do an outstanding job of circling back with the community so that we are able to see the work they are doing. They've re-energized our staff into looking at things we may no longer use-being of value to others.

18

ljphoto Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

As a photojournalist for 30 years I have seen the work of many non-profits that work in developing nations—many of which bring agendas, attitudes and material/equipment that are burdensome and unsustainable. The difference in Global Links is that they are guided by the actual needs of the medical staff, facilities, patients and culture they are working with. I have seen with my own eyes and documented numerous times, actual lives being saved and bettered due to materials and equipment that Global Links has provided. Is not this the perfect test of value and success—lives saved.

19

ph Donor

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

I have been a financial supporter for many years. I work in a hospital in Maryland and am aware of the routine waste that occurs due to many factors in our current health care system. I am honored to be even a small part of an organization that recognizes and acts upon a world need for what we waste. I am also impressed that so much of what I financially donate is not used for administrative purposes, but for the mission itself.

19

Eileen Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

I have had the privilege of being associated with Global Links for 11 years, serving on its volunteer advisory board,consulting on fundraising, programmatic and organizational issues, and providing pro bono legal services. Throughout that time I have been greatly impressed with the organization's consistency of vision and mission:Global Links is dedicated to improving the quality and accessibility of health care services for underserved people in targeted developing countries, while concurrently serving as stewards of the environment, through the redirection of sitll-useful mdical equiment and supplies away from U.S. landfills. Global Links has been doing a great job for 20 years, with its effectiveness and impact increasing over the years, thanks in large part to continuial self-examination and efforts to improve. a dedicated and active Board of Directors, and increasingly effective fundraising efforts. Global Links works strategically and collaboratively with recipient countries and facilities, enabling the organizaiton to respond to actual needs, rather than needs as conceived by outsiders. Working through long-term programs and relationships, Global Links has been able to effect significant and cumulative changes in medical facilities and systems gthroughout Latin America and the Caribbean, helping to meet the core needs of the affected populations. The organization is defined by its dedication to delivering high quality and immediately useful material aid -- from complex medical tachnology to critically needed basic medical and hygiene supplies. The efffectiveness of GL's strategies has been recognized by the World Health Organization/Pan Americdan Health Organization, which has provided support and collaboaration for almost two decades. In recent years GL has become more directly involved in related efforts in community health education and training of in-country medical personnel, consistent with the overall goal of improving the quality of and availability of healthcare services in the countries in which they have programs.

17

kmpolsky Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

This is a responsible organization that I am very enthusiastic about. For various reasons, the US medical system creates a lot of waste of perfectly useful and valuable items. While many organizations have thought to collect and send some of these materials overseas, Global Links has found a very effective and efficient way of doing so. They describe it better on their website than I can here, so I will just point out that I also like the way that the process depends on volunteers. In this way thousands of Pittsburghers engage in the issue of preventing waste in the US and improving health overseas. I would also like to mention that this was a wonderful place to work.

23

Laura Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

I have only been working with Global Links for a short time, but have been impacted not only by the dedication and passion of the staff for the people that they serve and the planet that they strive to protect, but also by the careful attention to detail in how their operations are managed and organized. In every aspect of operations, they strive to minimize waste and employ best practices. It is clear that they are committed to making sure that every donation received, whether medical equipment or financial gift, is maximized to generate the greatest benefit to those in need. It is an honor to be a part of what they are accomplishing.

20

drpettigrew Board Member

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

Congratulations to Global Links,the role model for other organizations who wish to become expects in the areas of medical equipment procurement and distibution that saves lives while protecting the environment. I have volunteered in under-resourced countries as an OB/Gyn physician and have witnessed lives saved with sutures,gloves and medical equipment donated by Global Links. Children and adults breath easier with donated nebulizers that have made the difference between life and death. Twenty years of service to both local and global communities have been the unwavering committment of the Global Links management, staff and volunteers.

22

DRLOU Donor

Rating: 5

04/21/2009

As a Pediatrician with over 35 years of experience, I have worked with many volunteer organizations. I have watched one such organization, Global Links grow from a tiny organization 20 years ago collecting outdated surgical sutures working out of a warehouse office to send to the Medically needy to the outstanding, well run, truly non-profit organization that it is today! Without doubt it has become one of the most successful organization of it's kind, helping many thousands of Medically needy providing tons of medical supplies that otherwise would have ended up in landfills. Although their primary mission is to help the needy and save lives (Global Links has helped to save many) the environmental benefits are significant. By keeping tons of used and expired medical equipment out of landfills and placing them where they can do the most good Global Links has provided both improved health for those in need while improving the environment at the same time. And you know what? They are still working out of a warehouse office! I believe Global Links is the best of the best doing outstanding work for the world's Medically under-served while helping to improve the environment. Louis A. DiNicola, MD FAAP

24

Jean Gabor Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

For the past 9 years I have been privileged to be not only a volunteer at Global Links, but also to witness first hand the impact that Global Links has on the recipients of the medical supplies they provide. I am a member of a group which supports an orphanage and a clinic and hospital in Guatemala that provides medical care to the impoverished Mayan people. Our group has volunteered at Global Links for 9 years, always impressed with the dedication and passion of the staff. During this time, we have traveled annually to Patzun, Guatemala, transporting much needed medical supplies from Global Links to the clinic and hospital, and then have helped with medical and dental care of the indigenous people, especially those in remote villages with no access to medical care. Their gratitude was overwhelming, but without Global Links' help we would not have been able to do this. Saving lives with what would otherwise be landfill is the ultimate 'green' organization.

23

melanie Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I worked at Global Links prior to attending veterinary school. I started as a volunteer and then was an employee. As an employee, I was in charge of procurement from local hospitals and medical organizations. I was impressed with every level of this organization. As a volunteer and an employee, I was inspired to not only decrease medical waste in the United States but to have an awareness of and desire to help those in need in developing countries. The spirit of global links lives on in me and always will. It's a wonderful organization with leaders who live the mission. In a recent trip to Mexico to work on a spay/neuter project, I thought about how my experience at global links opened my eyes to the various ways we can all give.

16

Jeff Board Member

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I have been a Board member since 1991. I contunue to be touched by the many lives taht are save or improved through Global's efforts and impresses with management's ability do do so much with so little.

23

eric Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

Wonderful company that deserves accolades for their efforts. Very organized and professional. I would recommend their program to everyone possible. Great job Global Links!

17

meghan314 Client Served

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

Global Links has continuously donated supplies to help the women in our program. We have received large amounts of baby formula and feminine hygiene products. Global Links has been very generous and consistent with these donations. The contribution to our organization helps provide necessities to the women of HEARTH who are trying to get back on their feet. HEARTH is a transitional housing agency for homeless women with children. the participants are required to enroll in some type of post secondary education. As the women complete their education and raise their families, it can become overwhelming. The supplies Global Links donates to HEARTH goes directly to the women and helps lessen their burden tremendously! Thanks Global Links!!

17

robin Board Member

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

This is truly one of the greatest nonprofits I have ever worked with. The duel mission of sharing medial surplus in a meaningful, responsible manner in oder to save lives was innovative 20 years ago when Global Links first started and remains at the cutting edge today. What this organization does is nothing short of miraculous, and every volunteer, donor, recipient, employee and board member knows that they are part of that miracle.

18

barb Donor

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I have been a donor to Global Links for many years, both directly and through United Way. Why? It's simple. This organization demonstrates how the commitment and drive of a few can help so many. Gathering surplus, usable, medical supplies, equipment, etc. that would otherwise be wasted; then economically sorting, evaluating, repairing, packing and shipping them to where they are most wanted and needed. It creates extremely positive energy emanating from the small, but mighty staff, the volunteers, the donor and recipient medical communities, and ultimately the individuals whose lives are bettered from the efforts. What a great force for good!

17

Marnie Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I first connected with Global Links years ago since I was so impressed with their mission and vision about improving people's lives as well as helping with a huge environmental problem. The dedication of GL staff is impressive and the consistency of their work is clearly shown in the amount of shipments they make. The partnerships they cultivate in vulnerable communities in Latin American are long-lasting and beneficial for all - both abroad and here in the United States.

16

Chris Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I've had the privilege of volunteering for this wonderful organization over the past few years. Always impressed by how well run the volunteer events are -a lot is accomplished in a short period of time. Very satisfying to know I've contributed to a mission that combines providing needed medical supplies with environmental responsibility.

17

Nancy Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

Of course GlobalLinks fundamental mission is the epitome of a green nonprofit. I'm especially impressed with the fact that they're determined to work SMART and green. GL uses customized computer databases to streamline all of their functions from warehousing to organizing their shipments to donor tracking and email blasts. They understand the importance of not just doing right, but doing it efficiently.

17

Mary General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

Global Links is a wonderful example of community working together in a number of ways to benefit our Pittsburgh community and our global community. It is a green initiative, contributing to the earth's well being by keeping needed medical supplies out of landfills, helping people overseas who don't have access to supplies that we take for granted, helping other local non-profits, and managing UPMC's surplus furniture to help sustain their mission. I recently toured and was amazed by the committment, organization, attention to detail and dignity and respect given to those who receive the supplies. Everything is sent over in top shape, cleaned, repaired, labeled and ready to use.

17

ChristineB Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

I volunteered for over 5 years in my retirement (until my own health issues prevented be from doing so), and continue to support financially. The mission of Global Links, the staff, and the fellow volunteers are all passionate about capturing all medical materials that do not need to be disposed of- their enthusiasm is contagious. To be able to work with such a group was a privilege.

18

janicle Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/20/2009

Global Links is an amazing organization. There are about $9 billion worth of medical equipment and supplies thrown into landfills in the U.S. yearly. Global Links collects, cleans, repackages and ships these otherwise discarded items to developing nations where people are literally dying because of a lack of these needed supplies. The staff is friendly, dedicated to their mission, and make volunteering there a learning, fun experience.

17

newsoul Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/19/2009

5 stars is hardly enough to commend the work done by Global Links. I've had the pleasure of interning there over the past 4 months with the Country Programs officers and it's been such a rewarding experience. I've participated in many different ways, including: exploring new sources of funding, seeking donations of supplies and equipment, and translating documents. Everyone at Global Links is wholeheartedly committed to the mission and the positivity is infectious. It's truly a visionary concept and I'm very proud and grateful to have had to opportunity to contribute.

16

DooWopPA Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/19/2009

How can anyone be against what these folk do? They collect surplus medical supplies from hospitals in the United States and send them to clinics and hospitals in nine Latin American countries. I volunteer at Global Links and can only wish that there were 50 more organizations doing the same work.

18

Mimi Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/18/2009

This is an amazing organization that does a huge amount of great work with a very small amount of resources. They effectively utilize thousands of hours of volunteer time to collect pack and ship retreivable medical equipment and supplies to developing countries. Their tireless quest prevents valuable, useable materials from going into landfills and directs them instead to exactly where they are desparately needed.Their work save sthe environment and saves lives. In the last few years that I have been involved I have seen them perform as a highly funtional team and a learning organization.

18

Gabriel Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/18/2009

When I was a nursing student, I helped Global Links to check blood pressure units and other basic equipment for donation to primary care clinics overseas. What impressed me most was the care that went into the donated shipments. Medical supplies were sorted and neated packed. Equipment was checked to make sure it worked correctly and was complete. Nothing was sent that was not needed. It is amazing when I think that all of these things which would have ended up in a landfill are now helping doctors and nurses to provide care to their patients and save lives. The organization and dedicated staff are an inspiration to me. If you want to volunteer to make a difference in the world, your time will not be wasted here.

16

jamie Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I take a group of ESL students here to volunteer every year. They come from countries far and wide and are always, always, always impressed with the experience: the environment and staff at Global Links are very welcoming, the mission is superior, the work is meaningful, and the exposure our students get from this experience helps shape their perceptions about our country and its citizens' humanitarian efforts.

17

Charles Board Member

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global links has an incredible dual mission of going green and building healthcare capacity and access in the developing world. Global links has a nealry 20 year track record of recycling medical supplies and equipment from US hospitals and matching and donating these to the needs of the healthcare systems in some of poorest countries in the world. Truly a double bang!

Previous Stories
15

Board Member

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global links has been a trend setter in the green movement for nearly 20 years. Recycling surplus medical equipment and supplies, much of which would wind up in the waste stream, and donating these to healthcare organizations in the developing world with documented need is an incredible dual mission of "greening" and "human service." This double bang makes global links a very effective and wothwhile charity especially when you look at the volume of materials removed from the waste stream and impact that their donations have had on building capacity and increasing access to healthcare services in some of the world's poorest countries.

17

julieann2681 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I love volunteering at Global Links- every time I have so much fun and really feel the impact of my efforts!

17

bonnie Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I have been associated with this organizations for many years and have continually appreciated their creative and valuable approach to the "repurposing" of surplus medical supplies. As a healthcare professional myself, I have often been appalled- witnessing the waste of expensive and still useful medical supplies and equipment. Finally someone ( Global Links) came along and created a way to redirect these items for the good of less advantaged people. Global Links functions on a very tight budget, with most of the work being done by volunteers. When people make a donation to them they can be assured that almost 100% of it is being used directly by those who need it the most. Global Links is truely dedicated to its mission.

19

Christine Donor

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I have provided pro bono services to Global Links for many years. It is an amazing not-for-profit organization, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Very low administrative overhead and very high impact. So much thought and care goes into every donation to ensure each facility receives exactly what it needs and can put to good use. (Well-intended but inappropriate donations can be a huge burden on a recipient -- imagine getting a tractor-trailer load of equipment or materials you can't use!) Global Links has carefully built up partnerships with local hospitals, international governmental organizations, recipient hospitals in developing countries -- all to ensure it can have the highest, most beneficial impact in the countries it serves and make best use of the materials it reuses. Humanitarian, eco-friendly, well-run -- it's a great organization.

16

JP Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links recycles surplus medical supplies and devices that would otherwise be discarded in landfills or incinerated. They send these items to clinics and facilities in developing countries that would otherwise be unable to care for needy people. I have volunteered at Global Links for three years and I am always impressed by the generosity and caring that the people at Global Links display toward the humankind and the environment.

19

Ruth Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links is a wonderful organization. It is using materials that would be thrown out and donating them to hospitals that our without resources to help their patients. I am happy to be volunteering for this organization.

18

DH Client Served

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links plays a vital and unique role by doing meaningful work simultaneously on TWO fronts. First, Global Links is improving the environment by significantly reducing the wastestream of healthcare institutions. Second, Global Links is improving the lives of scores of individuals in developing countries through the recycling and reuse of medical equipment and supplies. Changing the environment and changing healthcare are two giant tasks and Global Links makes a positive impact on both with a level of competence and professionalism rarely seen.

18

Steve Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I am an administrator in Community Relations at the University of Pittsburgh. One of my responsibilities is to place volunteers from among our 13,000 faculty and staff with local non-profits. Since my experience with Global Links began in 1995, they have consistently supplied well-planned and meaningful voluntary service activities, with a strong educational component, to groups of University staff, faculty and graduate/professional students with near monthly frequency. Global Links is environmental to the extent that they recycle massive amount of medical supplies & equipment that would be otherwise headed for landfills.

18

Sun Flower Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links is the most wonderful organization! Here medical equipment goes back into the cycle which would otherwise fill landfills. Global Links also reuses and recycles in every thinkable way during the process of packaging and shipping the items to countries who are in desperate need. What an outstanding contribution to humanity and our environment!

17

Landerson Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links is a pioneer in its approach to both environmental stewardship and development assistance. Every year, the organization makes a measurable, direct and immediate impact in the lives of thousands of our world's poorest - and it does so using materials that would otherwise be thrown away in U.S. landfills. I have worked with few other organizations that have such a profound sense of their responsibility both at home and abroad and such an enduring commitment to protecting both our planet and the people on it.

16

ssmith Donor

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Having limited resources ourselves, my wife and I are very careful about the nonprofits to which we make contributions. Global Links has become our number one choice, bar none. GL is able to do so much with so little, and always in a warm, professional and caring manner. Clearly, the administrative overhead is well managed. Instead of the big glossy communications pieces some of the big guys send you, GL relies on simple attractive mailers, e-newsletters and web site. When you lead with heart, you can accomplish big things. That's what GL does.

17

susan Donor

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I want to express what a humble organization global links is. An executive director who starts the coffee pot in the morning. Board meetings at a big table in the office, steps away from medical supplies waiting to be sorted. This is a no-frills, no-fuss organization that focuses on one thing: getting our medical excess to those in need. They do it simply and quickly, but at the same time they do it with great respect for their partners, making sure that each receiving hospital or clinic is getting just what it needs.

17

elo Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

I am absolutely impressed with Global Links' ability to be truly resourceful in simultaneously addressing the problem of excess/waste from the hospital/pharmaceutical end and the problem of lack of medical equipment and supplies in the third world due to economic and infrastructural disadvantage. It is not only an ingenious environmentally-friendly organization that recycles what could become waste, but one that also quietly and effectively fights for human rights on a global level in terms of equal access to quality health care.

19

misty555 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

They do incredible work at Global Links. What better way to recycle than to take medical equipment that was going to be thrown away and send it to countries that can desperately use it.

20

danrosie Donor

Rating: 5

04/17/2009

Global Links is an amazing organization. With a small dedicated staff and well-managed volunteers, they retrieved and sent 34 shipping containers of usable medical equipment to serve the health needs of poor citizens around the world. This highly-focused recycling program is extraordinary. Global Links staff make visits to donating and receiving hospitals, communicate directly with hospital administrators, doctors and surgeons to determine precisely what is needed. This organization represents the best in environmental protection coupled with improved healthcare worldwide. They are terrific!

15

ritaleedesign Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

What I have seen exhibited at Global Links more than other organizations I've volunteered or worked for is a true commitment to reducing waste to an absolute minimum. Whether it is re-purposing and re-directing perfectly good medical supplies to its constituents, or simply performing its own internal day-to-day activities, Global Links keeps a reduced footprint at the forefront of its operational objectives.

16

kristen tsapis Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

Global Links is one of my favorite nonprofits. They excel at three different things: (1) working with local health centers to retrieve appropriate furnishings, supplies, and equipment and divert them from landfills; (2) working volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and educating them on their mission; (3) working closely with overseas health centers to identify their specific needs and capabilities and sending them only what they need and ensuring it will be properly used and maintained.

18

devillec Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

I am familiar with globalinks for now over 12 years. While I have seen many organizations collecting unused medical material or supplies for developing countries, Globalinks is outstanding by its ability to combine environment friendly processing and matching of donors needs. Many others NGOs collect the equipement, they barely clean it and "dump it"on health facilities in poorer countries. Instead of being destroyed safely in the US, the medicines and material, which in most cases in unsusable or inappropriate, are discarder in hazardous conditions or clogged the corridors of the hospitals and warehouses. GlobaLinks is standing out by its genuine concern for quality, appropriateness of the equipement and its support in terms of spareparts. Reusable surgical supplies instead of being lost sometimes without being used once are benefitting of an extended life. Environment and patients both benefit!

18

Dan@USW Board Member

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

Global Links is the best and most enlightened charity I have ever had the honor of being involved with. It serves a dual function which is incredibly necessary in today's world: (1) it takes perfectly good medical surplus which would otherwise be sent to a landfill, and (2) sends it to 9 Latin American countries where the people desperately need it. In addition, the staff is incredibly dedicated and friendly. I feel that my time and money are put to great use by this organization, 97% of all donations going directly to the charitable mission itself rather than overhead, and I am proud to be a Board member.

18

armc82 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/16/2009

I think this is a great organization with two very important goals - reducing waste that is tossed needlessly into landfills and sending much needed medical supplies to underdeveloped countries.

18

upjgirl@hotmail.com Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/10/2008

It is a wonderful organization that keeps America's landfills from filling up with still useful medical supplies that are sent and utilized in needy countries.

18

Lindsay Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/30/2008

GlobalLinks does a fantastic job of saving the environment and people's lives by taking excess medical supplies that would end up in a landfill and distributing them to hospitals in need in developing nations. As a volunteer, who sorts and packages the supplies, I know that I am making an incredible difference in the lives of people who have not done anything wrong, but just don't have access to a resource-rich healthcare system. By utilizing volunteers, overhead costs are kept down and a higher percentage of monetary donations may be utilized for programmatic tasks, such as shipping costs. GlobalLinks may be my favorite nonprofit!

18

pittalum07 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/29/2008

Great organization!! They do very important work and are always excited. They are very organized and have work organized for volunteers. It is always my pleasure to volunteer for this organization!

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