I N T E R V O L
We Repurpose Unused Medical Supplies
Repurposing unused medical supplies reduces solid waste, saves money, and benefits underserved communities. InterVol coordinates a team of caring individuals that collects, sorts, and ships to more than 80 countries as well as 65 local and national non-profits.
Our impact in 2024
5379
Volunteer
Hours
9
Countries
Supplied
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48
Local & National
Non-profits Supplied
3
Sponsored
Medical Trips
$965,079
Value of
Supplies Shipped
Repurposing Unused Medical Supplies
InterVol’s Recovery of Unused Medical Supplies program (RUMS) began in 1989 as a recycling operation running out of founder Dr. Ralph Pennino’s garage, and by 1994 had become one of the first supply recovery programs to be described in healthcare industry literature. Today, endorsed by the American Medical Association, the RUMS program has grown into multiple health systems, recovering and donating thousands of pounds of medical supplies annually.
Collection
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Our collection bins can be found in 100+ clinical locations including units in Rochester General Hospital, Unity Hospital, Strong Memorial Hospital, etc.
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Individual donors bring donations of unused medical supplies into our office weekly or call to schedule a pick-up.
Sorting
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First sort - volunteers come in and sort all donations into our 200+ categories (no medical background or knowledge necessary)
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Second sort - volunteers with knowledge of medical supplies sort through full boxes (from first sort) and ensure the contents belong together; then they package up the box and get it prepared to go to the warehouse
Shipping
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Finished boxes are taken to our warehouse to be stored until requested
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Customers submit supply/equipment requests and we ship based on available inventory