Each year, our passionate student leaders raise thousands of dollars to pack medical supplies in the U.S., driven by a desire to deliver care to the communities we partner with.
But what if the very process of packing extra bags, navigating customs, filing paperwork, and transporting supplies across borders wasn't the most impactful way to serve?
We’ve experienced this firsthand: entire shipments delayed, customs fees skyrocketing, incorrect paperwork, even supplies confiscated at entry points, leaving teams scrambling and communities waiting.
So we asked ourselves: What if we could do this better?
The Truth About Brigade Supplies
Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:
- The same supplies can be sourced locally for roughly half the cost.
- Local sourcing ensures supplies are culturally appropriate, quickly restocked, and aligned with national healthcare guidelines.
- And most importantly, it invests in local economies, supports our partner pharmacies, and strengthens the very systems we're here to empower.
When you donate toward supplies, you’re fueling local solutions, lowering costs, and ensuring greater reliability.
This Is More Than Logistics. It’s Mission-Driven!
At Global Medical Brigades, we believe every decision is an opportunity to honor our values:- Equity: Local sourcing levels the playing field for underserved communities to access consistent care.
- Partnership: We trust and invest in our local pharmacists, vendors, and health systems.
- Sustainability: Less waste, less carbon footprint, and more long-term support for the countries we serve.
🌍 Let’s flip the script.
Let’s build global health systems by empowering local ones.
And let’s never underestimate how much more we can do, together!
