Summer Blog Series Week 3

BBF’s Healthcare Program addresses critical healthcare needs through three complementary areas: pharmaceutical donations, medical equipment and supply shipments, and support for med-surg volunteer teams. Together, these initiatives help expand access to care in under-resourced communities across Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and the United States.

BBF’s pharmaceutical program dates back to 1972 and remains one of the organization’s longest-running efforts. We receive medicine from manufacturers, wholesalers, and suppliers, and ship these donations to a global network of partners. All items are requested by the recipient and are distributed through hospitals, clinics, and local health systems.

In addition to pharmaceuticals, BBF ships medical equipment and supplies—ranging from hospital beds and diagnostic tools to gloves and surgical kits—collected from hospitals and other donors. These shipments are tailored to each partner’s needs and often help strengthen health system infrastructure. Read about the impact of a recent BBF healthcare shipment to Malawi here.

BBF also supports physician-led teams that provide direct care in underserved communities through med-surg trips. In 2024, BBF supported 26 such teams working across 16 countries. See how a recent medical mission brought surgical care to Nigeria.

To address healthcare disparities closer to home, BBF launched the Mobile Health Clinic Program in 2022. These clinics—built into fully equipped vans—bring medical services directly to patients who face transportation and financial barriers. BBF has supported mobile clinics in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Florida, including two vision and diabetes screening units, two primary care vans, and a new audiology clinic set to begin service this summer in partnership with the Eye & Ear Foundation. Learn more about how one mobile clinic is expanding access in the Pittsburgh area.

In 2024, BBF’s Healthcare Program sent 134 shipments of medical aid to 19 countries, with a total value exceeding $170 million. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and supporting local providers where the need is greatest.