Results: In 2020 BBF sent 96 healthcare shipments, supported 60 Med-Surg trips, responded to 11 disasters, completed 7 solar projects and 2 WASH projects, and distributed educational containers. In addition, BBF responded to the COVID-19 pandemic and distributed over 3.2 million units of PPE to 14 countries.
Direct beneficiaries per year: 42 countries
Programs: 1. Healthcare: This program is made up of three complementary areas:
a) Pharmaceutical Donations: Since 1972, BBF has been receiving short-dated pharmaceuticals (generally less than one year to expiration) from a number of pharma donors. We work with our partners on the ground in developing countries, to donate this much needed medicine to their patients.
b) Medical Equipment and Supplies: One of BBF's core activities for many decades, this program is centered around collecting medical equipment and supplies primarily from our hospital and other types of medical donor partners. We send these donations, often along with pharmaceuticals, to medical facilities around the globe. The scarcity of available resources makes these items especially useful to help treat patients in hospitals and clinics.
c) Med-Surg Trips: This program focuses on supporting physician led teams, who give of their time and expertise to help patients on the ground in various countries. Not only do Med-Surg Trips connect medical providers to those in need of medical treatment, but it also ensures the short-dated pharmaceuticals BBF receives from our donors are given to those who need them most.
2. Infrastructure: This program focuses on the areas of solar power and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene):
a) Solar: BBF has been working with partners to help install solar panel systems since early 2013. The program first began with supplying batteries to six hospitals in Liberia and has grown since then in both size and scope. By the end of 2020, BBF has worked with partners to equip over 55 clinics and hospitals in Sub-Saharan Africa and Puerto Rico.
b) WASH: This program aims to reduce the risk of water-borne illness and the spread of illness while increasing access to clean water and hygiene education. This program is a new BBF initiative and continues to take shape as we work to identify the areas in which we can have the greatest impact.
3. Disaster Response: This program focuses on working hand-in-hand with first responders and relief agencies to help affected communities impacted by disasters from hurricanes to humanitarian crises here at home and abroad. This includes the sourcing and staging of resources, creating partnerships with transportation networks, and working with local partners and other VOADs (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster), along with engaging with volunteers to sort and send disaster relief supplies.
4. Education: The education program began with publishers donating books to BBF recipients in countries around the world. The program has since grown to working with local communities to help repair schools damaged by disasters, installing solar power panels, providing refurbished computers along with educational software, and providing sporting equipment for a holistic learning experience.
