Supporting safety net clinics for underserved US populations facing COVID-19

Philips Foundation is supporting global humanitarian organization MedShare in providing supplies to clinics and shelters in underserved communities in the US.

Georgia, United States – The current health crisis has resulted in limited resources and funding for health clinics and shelters in underserved communities, communities that often have higher rates of comorbidities and are more susceptible to COVID-19. As a result, the Philips Foundation has opted to provide financial support to global humanitarian organization MedShare.

Through MedShare, the Philips Foundation will help equip the safety net clinics – local primary care clinics, shelters and hospitals – with the necessary protective supplies that allow clinicians to work in safety. This will allow them to care for infected patients and help provide the access to quality care their communities need during this difficult time.

MedShare is a humanitarian aid organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of people, communities and the planet by sourcing and directly delivering surplus medical supplies and equipment to communities in need around the world. The organization helps increase the capacity of health systems and provides biomedical equipment training and service to healthcare organizations and medical professionals, for the benefit of people in need.  

“The need for equipment and supplies right now is tremendous,” said Charles Redding, CEO and President of MedShare. “The rapid response from the Philips Foundation has been incredible, and we are extremely grateful for the support. It will enable us to help 170 free and safety net clinics in North America and over 40 homeless shelters in the southeastern part of the US. These free clinics help close the gap on healthcare disparity, giving our underserved populations access to care they need, while providing staff with the protective equipment they need to safely deliver care.”

The Philips Foundation, whose mission is to reduce healthcare inequality by providing access to quality healthcare for disadvantaged communities, believes collaboration with humanitarian organizations across the globe can solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Leveraging Philips' expertise, innovative strength, talent and resources, it can help make an impact where it really matters during the global COVID-19 crisis.