SOS improves global health and the environment through recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies.
We are a global health non-profit that meets critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities around the world by collecting and distributing surplus medical supplies and equipment. This mission gives us the power to deliver health and hope to 106 countries, including our own. Partnering with hospitals, clinics and manufacturers to recover and redistribute what would otherwise go into local landfills, SOS promotes environmental stewardship. Since 1993, our operations and mission has saved more than 4 million pounds of non-biodegradable medical equipment and supplies from landfills.
Our Story
The U.S. produces more than 5.9 million tons of medical waste every year, of which 2 million tons annually, or 5,500 tons per day, is reported to be unused or still in working order. Many of those items thrown away and destined for a nearby landfill, have the capacity to change or save a life. SOS steps up to disrupt this cycle, collecting these usable resources – from syringes to x-ray machines and everything in between – and responsibly redistributes them to improve health in communities, both across the globe and in our own backyard.
Established in 1993 by Dr. Norton Waterman as a program under the Greater Louisville (KY) Medical Society, SOS became an independent Louisville-based global health organization in 2010. Focusing on global health, SOS is the region’s only medical surplus recovery organization (MSRO) in the Midwest and is only one of 7 accredited in the US.
In addition to meeting critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities, SOS promotes environmental stewardship, partnering with hospitals and others to recover and redistribute what would otherwise go to landfills. Since 1993, we have saved more than 4 million pounds of medical equipment and supplies from landfills, and brought health and hope to millions of people.
Our Staff
These are the people who make SOS work! Our small but effective staff works alongside our extraordinarily dedicated volunteers to realize SOS’s unique, compelling, and important mission. Together with our volunteers, interns, board, and friends, these individuals work day-in and day-out to grow the organization’s impact, and deliver a world of health and hope. Read More
Our Board
Our Board of Directors is the SOS governing body, responsible for overseeing the fiduciary and strategic direction of the organization. This group represents a broad cross section of the community, and is united by a passion for creating a healthier planet and a healthier world. Members serve without compensation. Read More
Our Partners
SOS relies on these medical supply, corporate, and service partners for support on many levels. Our partners share our passion for global health and a healthy environment, and are instrumental to making SOS work. Read More
Our Financials
SOS is committed to delivering maximum impact for each dollar invested in our mission by generous donors. During the period 2016-2020, we have quadrupled the numbers of lives impacted for each dollar received. Today, every dollar donated to SOS delivers life-changing impact to four individuals in need.Read More
SOS improves global health and the environment through recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies.
We are a global health non-profit that meets critical health care needs in medically impoverished communities around the world by collecting and distributing surplus medical supplies and equipment. This mission gives us the power to deliver health and hope to 106 countries, including our own. Partnering with hospitals, clinics and manufacturers to recover and redistribute what would otherwise go into local landfills, SOS promotes environmental stewardship. Since 1993, our operations and mission has saved more than 4 million pounds of non-biodegradable medical equipment and supplies from landfills.
