February 5 Meeting Notes

Everyone was so happy to see Sue Tinker-Roseman back! Rotary Magazine has a good article on the Peace Fellowship Program this month.
 
 
 

Our district project this year is to renovate the eight women's bedrooms in the Haven of Rest. This will cost each of the seven clubs in our district $650 to get the matching grant. Gloria will have more on this later.

The Rotary District Conference is April 25-26 in Warrensville Heights. See the website for information.

Speaker: Britta Latz, CEO of MedWish/Medworks

Gloria introduced Britta, a Hudson resident of 30 years, alked awho attended WRA and graduated from the College of Wooster and got her MS from the University of Kentucky, Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce.
 
Britta talked about how she became involved with MedWish, which was founded by Dr Lee Ponsky, currently a University Hospitals physician. MedWish and Medworks merged to create a stronger impact on Northeast Ohio and the world. 
 
Paula Shaw, also a Hudsonite and volunteer at MedWish/Medworks, shared her experiences with the organization. Cheryl Maimona is also a volunteer.
  • Dr. Ponsky knew that the US had excess medical supplies and other parts of the world had needs for them
  • He started a program to collect surplus supplies and send them to countries with needs
  • 115 countries are now being serveed by this organization
  • Their supplies come from three sources primarily
    • People who have supplies at home who donate them
    • Manufacturers who have older equipment to donate
    • Hospital systems with equipment, supplies, etc. that they no longer need
  • Around 2018, MedWish started a trial program to provide for domestic needs. They started with 12 partners. When Covid hit, the program really took off with needs from frontline workers. The program now works with 300 organizations.
  • MedWish International and Medworks have merged to provide even more quality medical resources to those in need.
  • Zach Ponsky started free pop ups in Cleveland for health care including dental and vision
  • Salaries for the 18 paid employees come from grants, philanthropy and fundraising.
A follow up discussion to come on whether we would like to visit the warehouse and volunteer for a day.