Recycled Hospital Equipment Offers a Chance for Better Care in the Developing World
The Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis is a multicultural congregation committed to live the Gospel of St. Francis of Assisi. The sisters are dedicated to a common mission that brings Christ's healing presence to humanity and supports creative ways of responding to the sick and poor. The sisters have been involved in domestic and foreign mission work for more than 130 years.
In 2002, the sisters organized Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach to provide assistance to their sisters in Haiti and Tanzania. Through this program, they continue their missionary work with education and awareness programs and a medical equipment distribution and recycling program.
Since January 2006, Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach has shipped over 270,000 pounds of equipment and supplies to more than 11 countries, including the United States. Recycled medical equipment and basic health care supplies are stockpiled at the Mission Outreach warehouse in Springfield, IL.
Partnering health systems are vital to the recycling program of Mission Outreach. Hospital Sisters Health System's 13 hospitals, located in Illinois and Wisconsin, have set the precedent for others to follow. Other participating partners, such as Memorial Health System, Provena Health System, the U.S. Navy Project Handclasp Program, and numerous faith-based organizations have also joined in support of Mission Outreach. Volunteers from across Illinois have come forward to assist with many tasks including the sorting and shipping of donated supplies.
Because of the dedication and commitment to the sister's vision, Mission Outreach continues to grow. The program offers meaningful opportunities to understand the developing world through education and volunteerism, while providing medical supplies and equipment where they are needed most.