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Partners for World Health

 

2026 Goals

PWH continues to expand its Medical Equipment & Supply Collections Program throughout New England with a special focus on Massachusetts health care partners. We now have a Hospital Network Relations Manager focusing on procurement across the state. Meanwhile, the organization has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people utilizing the local Medical Supply Purchase Program, which makes medical equipment and supplies available at drastically reduced costs to low-income and new Mainers. PWH is also expanding its Container & Shipment programs, providing vital medical equipment and supplies to the Global South and other areas in critical need, with an ambitious goal of 35 shipments in 2025. We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our volunteers. Whether they’re micro-sorting in the warehouse or traveling on a medical service trip, over 180 routine volunteers make the work at PWH possible, and we’re always recruiting more!

 

Fundraising events/Opportunities

PWH offers a wide variety of events to support the organization’s work, 90% of which is conducted by volunteers. We celebrated our 15th anniversary in 2024 and continue to look for corporate sponsors for events such as our signature Blue Wrap Runway event, the Thanksgiving Day 4-Miler, and our International Artisan Fair.

 

Giving Opportunities

PWH offers opportunities for corporate sponsorship at various giving levels, each with associated benefits. The organization routinely seeks funding through direct appeals and welcomes support from individuals for its annual fund, biomedical equipment fund, and emergency response fund. PWH also offers monthly donor programs, major and planned giving support, intern support, and container shipment sponsorships to communities in need of humanitarian support. In addition, PWH hosts in-service days for businesses large and small, and offers volunteer opportunities at both the individual and group levels.

 

Volunteer Opportunities

PWH can achieve so much with a small, dedicated staff because of the many volunteers who help with every aspect of our operation. We need people to drive our trucks to collect and deliver supplies. We rely on warehouse volunteers to sort, evaluate, and pack supplies, then prepare them for shipment. We need office volunteers, sewists for various projects, and medical and social work staff for medical service trips. PWH is always eager to find talented, connected people to help with committees, task forces, and board work. Folks can volunteer for a few hours or for longer periods; we also have opportunities for those who want to work on particular projects. Large groups are welcome for in-service days. The organization has a strong focus on volunteer engagement.

At A Glance

Established: 2009 / Employees: 17 / Annual revenue: $2.1 million

Top funding sources

61% Philanthropy private donations

22% Earned revenue – Container and Supply Programs

11% Grants

5% Gifts in kind/other

Contact

40 Walch Drive

Portland, ME 04103

(207) 774-5555

www.partnersforworldhealth.org

Awards/Accolades

• Eco-Maine Excellence in Sustainability Award 2022

• Koalack District Senegal Commendation for Achievement Award for Medical Mission: 2023; 2024

• Tivavourve District Senegal Commendation for Achievement Award for Service to those in need: 2024

Mission Statement

To improve health care and reduce environmental impact by collecting surplus medical equipment and supplies and distributing them to communities in need globally and locally.

Service locations

PWH is a Maine-based organization with a strong presence throughout New England that addresses health inequities locally and globally.

Leadership

John Kuehnle, MPH, MBA CEO

Board Officers

Claire Deselle, Chair, Retired

Fran Girard, Vice Chair, Retired

Ellen Tobias, Treasurer, Retired

Karen Thorpe, Secretary, Retired

Board Members

Corrine Axelrod

Gordon I. Erikson Jr.

Jaimee Farrin

Ann Glennon

Nancy Kennedy

Egzona Morina

Judy Parkhill

Andrew Stickney

Laurence Wintersteen

Of Counsel

Chris Branson, Esq.

Jon Oxman, Esq.