Rush Remedy, a grassroots movement, was created by medical students at Rush University Medical Center because they believe medical supply recovery and recycling not only helps the environment, but also helps those in need in other developing countries while significantly reducing hospital costs.  With full support from the Rush Community Services Initiative Program, which is an umbrella for several student-led outreach programs designed to address the social and health care needs of residents in neighboring communities, the students who run Rush Remedy have collected 2,000 pounds of unused medical supplies a month to donate.

Each year in the United States, 2,000 tons or $200 million worth of unused medical supplies that are rare and valuable in some other parts of the world are disposed of. 

“This waste represents much more than an unnecessary burden to landfills or a financial loss incurred by hospitals,” said Dr. David Ansell, chief medical officer and faculty adviser for Rush Remedy.  “When viewed in contrast to the severe shortages of medical and surgical supplies for hospitals in developing nations, this excess illustrates the need for a nation-wide system of material recovery and reuse.”

With the medical supply recycling program at Rush, any overstock that might not be used before the expiration date is donated.  Also, any older hospital equipment that has been replaced with new equipment can be refurbished and donated as well.  

To learn more, read the full news release.