MedShare International

Atlanta – MedShare International, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization that collects and recycles surplus medical supplies and equipment for distribution to healthcare groups in economically depressed countries, and Piedmont Hospital today announced that they are sponsoring a shipment of medical supplies to Nicaragua. The 40-foot container of medical supplies and equipment left the loading dock this morning from MedShare’s Atlanta headquarters.

Approximately 12,000 pounds of supplies and equipment will be distributed among 52 small medical clinics in Nicaragua that serve urban and rural indigenous areas and treat more than 9,000 patients each month.

“MedShare’s humanitarian missions would not be possible with the support of partner hospitals like Piedmont,” said AB Short, MedShare’s Chief Executive Officer. “Piedmont generously donates medical supplies and equipment and provides financial support to sponsor containers of medical items to needy hospitals throughout the world. We are proud to team up with Piedmont to send today’s shipment to the impoverished nation of Nicaragua.” Piedmont also sponsored a medical shipment in 2003.

Robert Maynard, Piedmont Hospital President and Chief Executive Officer said, “Piedmont Hospital is deeply committed to advancing healthcare delivery and providing quality healthcare for our patients. Piedmont’s support of MedShare is an extension of that commitment as the hospital expands quality healthcare to some of the world’s neediest populations and helps save countless lives that would have otherwise been lost.”

Nicaragua is one of the most economically depressed countries in Central America. According to the American-Nicaraguan Foundation, 4 million of the nation’s 5.2 million people live on less than $2 a day. Adding to the daily struggle to survive is the lack of physicians, who in turn lack access to basic medical supplies needed to effectively diagnose and treat patients. The Catholic Medical Mission Board estimates that there only 7.4 doctors for every 100,000 residents.

MedShare is dedicated to providing some of the world’s most vulnerable populations with access to quality medical supplies and equipment. The organization collects surplus medical supplies and used equipment from U.S. hospitals and manufacturers. With generous financial support from container sponsors like Piedmont Hospital, MedShare donates medical materials to overseas facilities. The organization only donates supplies and equipment that are requested by recipients, ensuring that physicians and hospitals get what they need to treat patients and save lives.

About MedShare International

MedShare International, based in Atlanta, collects and recycles surplus medical supplies and equipment for distribution to needy healthcare institutions in economically developing countries. Founded in 1998, the organization has shipped more than $17 million worth of life-saving supplies and equipment to 73 countries around the world through container shipments and medical teams.

For further information on MedShare or to find out how to volunteer or make a donation, call (770) 323-5858 or visit our website at www.medshare.org.

About Piedmont Hospital

Founded in 1905 as a 10-bed sanatorium, Piedmont Hospital is a 500-bed acute tertiary care facility offering all major medical, surgical and diagnostic services. Located on 26 acres in the north Atlanta community of Buckhead, Piedmont Hospital is a private, not-for-profit organization with 3,700 employees and a medical staff of more than 900 physicians. Piedmont Hospital is a subsidiary of Piedmont Medical Center – which includes Fayette Community Hospital, a 100-bed community hospital in Fayetteville; Mountainside Medical Center, a 35-bed community hospital in Jasper; Piedmont Physicians Group, a 54-member primary care physician group with 15 offices throughout metro Atlanta; and Piedmont Clinic, a 436-member physician network. For more information, visit www.piedmonthospital.org.

Contact:

Alyssa Gair
MedShare International
(770) 323-5858

Diana Lewis
Piedmont Hospital
404-605-3372