Summer Blog Series, Week 2

BBF’s History and the Four Core Areas That Guide Our Work

Brother’s Brother Foundation was founded in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1958 by Dr. Robert A. Hingson, a renowned innovator in public health. During his career, Dr. Hingson developed several medical devices crucial in alleviating pain and distributing vaccinations and inoculations. His most well-known invention, the needleless jet-injector or “peace gun,” dramatically increased medical capabilities in developing countries by allowing for the inoculation of 1,000 people per hour with several simultaneous vaccines. Dr. Hingson’s vision of a world free from diseases such as smallpox, measles, cholera and more led to the creation of Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF).

In the years that followed, BBF’s mission expanded to meet the broader needs of the communities it served. During a medical mission to Liberia in 1961, Mrs. Gussie Hingson, wife of Dr. Hingson, observed that many schools lacked even the most basic educational materials. As a result of this trip, BBF’s Education Program was formed, and the first shipment—100,000 school textbooks—was sent to Liberia in 1962. The program has since grown to not only provide donated educational materials but also to support the repair of schools damaged by hurricanes and other disasters.

Today, BBF serves communities in more than 35 countries across five continents through programs focused on Healthcare, Infrastructure, Disaster Response, and Education (H.I.D.E.). The organization helps bridge the gap between aid and sustainability by supporting localized programs and providing essential resources where they are needed most. BBF prioritizes long-term impact, local partnerships, and the delivery of high-quality, requested goods and services to support stronger, healthier communities.

Healthcare

BBF’s Healthcare Program remains a cornerstone of the organization’s global impact. Since 1972, BBF has provided millions of doses of donated pharmaceuticals to hospitals, clinics, and healthcare systems in underserved regions. These medicines are sourced from trusted healthcare partners and routed through BBF’s global network to reach patients who would otherwise go without. In addition to pharmaceuticals, BBF distributes medical supplies and equipment, supports physician-led surgical missions, and funds trauma care, mental health services, and training programs for healthcare workers serving communities in crisis.

To further address healthcare disparities within the U.S., BBF launched the Mobile Health Clinic Program in 2022 to bring essential care directly to underserved communities. Each clinic is a van equipped with specialized medical equipment and staffed to deliver high-quality services at reduced or no cost to patients who face transportation or financial barriers. BBF has provided mobile clinics to partners in Pennsylvania, Kentucky and Florida. To date, these have included two vision and diabetes screening mobile clinics and two primary care vans. Our latest addition to support these efforts is an audiology clinic that will come into service this summer in collaboration with the Eye & Ear Foundation. These mobile clinics play a crucial role in promoting health equity and improving access to care where it’s needed most.

Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Program extends BBF’s commitment to long-term development by supporting renewable energy systems and clean water access projects. BBF has helped install solar power systems at schools and health clinics in Liberia, Ghana, and India, ensuring consistent access to electricity for patient care and classroom learning. Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) projects have included the construction of latrines, rainwater harvesting systems, and handwashing stations in communities facing limited access to clean water. These initiatives improve public health, enhance daily living conditions, and support long-term resilience for the communities they serve.

In 2022, BBF furthered its commitment to sustainability by installing solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations at its headquarters and warehouse in Pittsburgh. The solar array offsets 92 percent of the building’s annual energy use, reducing operational costs and environmental impact while reinforcing BBF’s dedication to responsible infrastructure investment.

Disaster Response

BBF’s Disaster Response Program mobilizes quickly when emergencies strike, delivering essential aid both in the United States and abroad. Relief shipments may include clean water, generators, medical supplies, shelter materials, and hygiene kits, depending on the needs of affected communities. In 2024, BBF responded to 15 major disasters and coordinated shipments and grants to food banks, clinics, and grassroots organizations working directly with impacted families. The strength of this program lies in BBF’s long-standing relationships with local partners, transportation networks, and international aid groups, allowing for fast and reliable delivery of critical supplies.

A central part of this effort is BBF’s Hygiene Kit Program, which provides individuals and families with basic personal care items during times of crisis. Assembled by volunteers at BBF’s Pittsburgh warehouse, including local Pittsburgh residents and corporate groups, the kits are a tangible way for the community to support those in need. This hands-on involvement strengthens BBF’s local connections and ensures a ready supply of kits for rapid deployment. In recent years, hygiene kits have supported individuals affected by hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies, as well as those experiencing homelessness. The program meets immediate needs while promoting dignity during times of upheaval.

Education

The Education Program has been a core focus of BBF’s work since the early 1960s, when the foundation first began shipping donated textbooks to schools in Liberia. Today, the Education Program includes a wide range of initiatives that support students and educators in underserved communities around the world. In addition to textbooks and classroom supplies, BBF sends digital learning tools such as tablets and computers, and helps rebuild and rehabilitate schools damaged by natural disasters. In 2024, BBF supported education programs in countries including Ghana, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Malawi, and also invested in local initiatives in Pittsburgh. These efforts have included creating libraries, equipping computer labs, supporting digital literacy, and expanding access to STEM education and workforce development training.

BBF continues to maintain a strong presence in Pittsburgh and across the U.S., supporting mobile medical clinics, public health partnerships, and volunteer-driven initiatives such as the Hygiene Kit Program.

With a vision of a world where aid leads to sustainable development, BBF connects donors and partners to build lasting change. What began in Pittsburgh now reaches across the globe—delivering essential resources like healthcare, education, and disaster relief to individuals and communities that need them most.

Next week, we’ll take a deeper look at BBF’s Healthcare Program and how it continues to evolve to meet global and local needs.