On September 29th, students from the Case Western Reserve University Master of Anesthesia Program in Houston volunteered at Project C.U.R.E to help identify, sort, collect, and organize medical supplies that will be delivered to hospitals and clinics in underserved areas throughout the world. Project C.U.R.E. volunteers have been providing health and hope to the world for thirty years. Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E has been delivering life-saving medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics throughout the under-resourced world. The mission of Project C.U.R.E is to identify, solicit, collect, sort, and distribute medical supplies and services according to the imperative needs of the world. They are the world’s largest distributor of donated medical relief, touching the lives of children and families in more than 130 countries. Houston is one of the primary distribution centers, where 181 cargo containers were shipped last year.
Donations include intricate medical equipment to hospital basic supplies. They are donated to the facility in large quantities or as a single item. All equipment and supplies must be tested and sorted and that requires a consistent batch of helping hands.
As a group, the entire Houston campus participated in anesthesia equipment and general medical supplies assembling. Additionally, we sorted these equipment into “C.U.R.E kits” to be delivered to hospitals around the world as well as local hospitals and clinics. We team up with Project C.U.R.E. annually to serve. It is enjoyable to the students as
they recognize the equipment, especially the anesthesia related supplies. Sorting pulse ox, Miller blades, arterial line tubing, and endotracheal tubes creates a sense of familiarity with the tools of their field. This volunteer opportunity provides an avenue for students to engage with the community and make a positive impact around the world. After the day of service, students from the Houston campus gather for a meal at a local restaurant. For the students, volunteering at Project C.U.R.E is a great way to connect with each other, program faculty & staff, and the community.