As a global humanitarian aid organization dedicated to increasing access to healthcare for underserved communities around the world, MedShare continuously monitors the world’s healthcare landscape to understand the evolving challenges facing medically vulnerable populations. By prioritizing areas of greatest need, MedShare is better able to collaborate with our partners, such as governments, corporations and other NGOs, to deliver responsive, sustainable, high-impact solutions.
For 25 years, the primary focus of MedShare’s work has been centered on bolstering the under-resourced healthcare systems of developing countries in regions of Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and southeast Asia – areas where healthcare access is a significant challenge for millions and millions of people. We are particularly proud of the work we have done in countries like Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, where maternal and infant mortality rates, once disproportionately high, have been steadily declining over the past several years thanks to the contributions of MedShare’s Safe Birth Initiative, a collaboration with Coca-Cola and the Ministry of Health.
Evolving Challenges: New Opportunities
However, since 2022, MedShare has faced a more complex operating environment, shaped by a range of challenges including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting donor priorities, logistical hurdles, and an escalating need to support the healthcare safety net within the U.S. While our international work remains a cornerstone of our mission, the landscape has evolved significantly. As both the former COO and recently appointed CEO & Executive Director of MedShare, I have witnessed firsthand the global supply chain disruptions, rising shipping costs, increasingly stringent regulations, and shifting geopolitical dynamics that have made it more difficult to deliver large shipments of donated medical supplies and equipment internationally. These factors have restricted the volume of aid we have been able to provide over the past two years.
Despite these challenges, MedShare’s impact remains significant. Our international work will continue to address urgent health needs, strengthen resilient healthcare systems, and prepare communities for future pandemics and emergencies. As we look ahead, MedShare is committed to taking a more balanced approach to our international and domestic initiatives, ensuring we amplify our impact globally while supporting critical healthcare needs here in the U.S.
Meeting Healthcare Needs at Home: Supporting the U.S. Safety Net
The healthcare safety net in the United States is under increasing strain. Millions of uninsured and underinsured individuals—particularly in low-income communities—rely heavily on free and charitable clinics to access vital health services. While the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded coverage for many, gaps remain, particularly in Medicaid expansion and affordability, leaving millions of Americans without adequate access to care.
At the same time, free and charitable clinics are experiencing rising patient demand, increased operational costs, and a continuing need for donated medical supplies and equipment. MedShare is eager to play an expanded role in strengthening the U.S. healthcare safety net by partnering with free clinics across the country to ensure they are adequately resourced to meet growing needs. Our goal is to support these clinics with essential medical supplies and biomedical equipment as well as technical training, so they can continue providing quality care to underserved populations.
Domestic Impact: Expanding Our Reach
One example of our growing domestic focus is MedShare’s recent collaboration with Emory University’s Urban Health Initiative and the Healing Community Clinic. Together, we supported UHI’s Mobile Medical Back-to-School events this summer, which provided free medical evaluations, immunizations, and screenings for hundreds of children in marginalized communities in the Atlanta area. For most of these children, this was their only opportunity to receive the health services required for them to enter the public school system in Georgia.
In addition, our partnerships with the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, the Georgia Charitable Care Network, and other state-level associations are helping us stay attuned to the needs of free and charitable clinics across the country. Currently, MedShare is responding to the needs of NAFC clinics in western North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida impacted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.
We are very grateful for the ongoing support of corporate partners such as BD, Kaiser Permanente, Philips Healthcare, and athenahealth, as well Buckhead Church and the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, funding partners who share in our vision of a stronger healthcare safety net in Georgia and throughout the U.S.
Looking Ahead: A Holistic Approach to Mission Delivery
As we move forward, MedShare is committed to a holistic approach to our operations that balances our international and domestic work, recognizing that both are critical to the long-term health and wellbeing of communities worldwide. While the challenges of the past few years have underscored the increased need for flexibility, adaptability, and collaboration, we are more determined than ever to continue our mission of improving access to healthcare for those who need it most.
Stacey Koehnke
CEO & Executive Director
MedShare
Read more about new MedShare CEO & Executive Director, Stacey Koehnke
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