Our Story

Founded in 1998, MedShare is a pioneer of sustainable solutions for critical healthcare inequities around the world.

Our Mission

MedShare is a 501c(3) humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people, communities, and our planet by sourcing and directly delivering surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities in need around the world.

What We Do

Recovery & Redistribution of Medical Products

MedShare works with hospital systems and manufacturers to divert unused medical supplies and high-quality medical equipment from landfills. Through a network of dedicated logistics services partners, we deliver thousands of pounds of essential resources directly to under-resourced communities every year.

What We Do

Matching Needs for Maximum Community Impact

MedShare continually assesses the needs of our partner organizations, including free and safety-net clinics across the U.S. and healthcare professionals around the world. In doing so we match those needs to our donated inventory, providing the tools they need to serve their communities, and ensure that each medical provider only receives what they can actually use to help save lives.

What We Do

Strengthening Health Systems with Biomedical Training

MedShare provides biomedical training and support to healthcare professionals in over 27 countries around the world, ensuring the sustainability of more than 30,000 pieces of medical equipment delivered through our recovery and redistribution efforts.

The MedShare Story & Timeline

In 1998, A.B. Short and Bob Freeman were concerned with the large amount of discarded medical supplies and equipment and the critical healthcare needs of medically underserved populations. In an effort to address these disparities, MedShare was born.

1998

MedShare founders A.B. Short and Bob Freeman first speak out about the large amount of discarded medical resources in the U.S. That same year, MedShare is founded and prepares to deliver the first 40-foot container shipment of medical supplies and equipment to Costa Rica.

2000

MedShare receives its first foundation gift of $250,000 from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation, establishing the nonprofit as a trusted philanthropic organization.

2002

MedShare sees a 50% increase in medical supply shipments from 2001, increasing from fifteen to thirty 40-foot containers delivered to communities around the world.

2004

MedShare pilots a project to provide enhanced biomedical training to recipient hospitals where staff engineers travel in-country to train end-users on how to operate and repair donated equipment.

2005

MedShare doubles its footprint by moving into a 50,000 square foot facility, supported by more than 300 volunteers dedicating their time to the organization every month.

2006

MedShare surpasses $35 million dollars of supplies and equipment delivered worldwide.

2007

MedShare's national expansion begins with the hiring of an executive director for the Western Region.

2008

MedShare celebrates the grand opening of a second distribution center in San Leandro, California.

2008

MedShare is recognized by Charity Navigator with a 4th place ranking on their Top 10 List of Slam Dunk Charities.

2009

MedShare delivers its 500th 40-foot container of medical supplies and equipment to benefit Santa Rosa Maternity Hospital in Ecuador. This shipment was sponsored by the organization's newly-formed Southeast Regional Council.

2009

The Coca-Cola Africa Foundation presents MedShare with a $400,000 grant, the largest program grant received to date.

2009

The state of California recognizes MedShare as a recipient of the Waste Reduction Awards Program (WRAP).

2009

Charity Navigator names MedShare a Top Charity Providing Humanitarian Relief Supplies. The nonprofit is ranked #2 on their Top 10 List of Highly-Rated Charities Relying on Private Contributions; and ranked #2 on their Top 10 List of Slam Dunk Charities.

2009

MedShare claims a $500,000 capital campaign challenge to complete the endowment of the organization's national headquarters and Southeastern distribution center.

2010

For the first time, MedShare delivers over 100 40-foot containers of vital medical supplies and equipment within a calendar year.

2010

MedShare responds to the devastating earthquake in Haiti with one of its most ambitious projects to date, providing 28 containers of critical medical supplies and equipment, 80 medical mission teams, and emergency biomedical equipment training and repair efforts.

2010

In alignment with MedShare's core value of sustainability, all facilities are equipped with energy-saving lighting.

2011

MedShare surpasses 2.3 million cubic feet of reusable materials diverted from local landfills.

2011

MedShare's New York Regional Council, kicking off expansion into the tri-state area.

2012

Charles Redding is appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO).

2012

MedShare delivers its 800th 40-foot container shipment.

2013

MedShare staff, trustees, and council members travel to Haiti to visit hospital partners and clinics.

2013

MedShare hosts the first annual "Share the Good Gala" in New York City to benefit the Northeast Region Volunteer and Collection Center.

2014

MedShare ships its 1,000th ocean container in support of Donka Hospital in Guinea.

2014

Charles Redding is named MedShare's CEO and President following his previous appointment as Chief Operating Officer.

2015

MedShare announces a synthesizing of its efforts into four new programs after refining operational framework.

2016

MedShare partners with Ethiopia's Ministry of Health to ship 60 containers of medical supplies and equipment in support of the nation's under-resourced healthcare system.

2017

CEO & President Charles Redding travels to Liberia to assess healthcare needs as a potential new initiative for MedShare.

2018

MedShare marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating the millions of patients and medical professionals supported by MedShare's efforts in over 100 countries.

2020

MedShare mobilizes to support healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, distributing over 43 million pieces of PPE across the globe over a 2-year period.

2021

MedShare delivers its 2000th 40-foot container in support of the Adult Hospital University in Zambia.

2022

MedShare's response to the crisis in Ukraine distributes over $8 million in aid in the form of critical PPE, wound care, first aid, hygiene, primary care and surgical supplies.

2023

MedShare surpasses $3.5 million in funding provisioned to its medical missions teams.

2024

MedShare Board of Directors announces the appointment of Stacey Koehnke as CEO & Executive Director

2024

MedShare expands support for Free & Charitable Clinics in marginalized communities throughout the U.S.