Medline recently donated hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, valued at more than $2 million, to nonprofit organizations serving low-income communities within the Mississippi Delta, and those impacted by hurricanes Fiona and Ian in Puerto Rico and Florida.

The donations have gone to more than 40 nonprofits, including Heartland Hands, an organization providing food and other assistance (approximately 20,000 low-income individuals per month) throughout the Mississippi Delta.

“Medline has been a key player for us, helping us to supply greatly needed hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes throughout Mississippi,” said Mike Higgins, pastor and co-director of the Heartland Hands Food Pantry. “The flu is rampant right now, but Medline’s investment through Heartland Hands has kept it from getting out of control.”

Other organizations receiving product donations included SOS International and Direct Relief, aiding families in Southwest Florida and Puerto Rico impacted by recent hurricanes. The two organizations received disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer donations. The Illinois Network of Charter Schools (INCS), representing nearly 60,000 students in member schools in Chicago and across Greater Illinois, received hand sanitizer.

Helping to eliminate pathogens

“Medline ramped up its hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe production during COVID-19 resulting in surplus product,” said Karen Frey, Medline senior philanthropy manager. “Through these donations, we’re ensuring the full and appropriate use of these products, while helping to eliminate the spread of pathogens in hurricane-ravaged areas and in low-income communities especially vulnerable to what is expected to be a robust cold and flu season.”

Product donations in the U.S. and throughout the world are among the many ways that Medline is helping to address social determinants of health—the economic and social conditions that impact disparities in health status and care, as well as life expectancy. Since 2018, Medline has donated 984 metric tons of medical products and supplies, valued at more than $12.9 million.

Learn more about the many ways that Medline is working to create positive social and environmental change, here and around the world.