Based in Spring Lake, Mich., the organization runs a medical equipment refurbishing operation with five biomedical engineers who prepare donated equipment for export. They ensure that the equipment is compatible with the receiving country's electrical system. "[Engineers] make sure the equipment is in working order and ready to go. They have training manuals and will provide education on how to use the machines whether it be support via email or phone," said spokesperson Patrick Kane.

International Aid donations often come from nearby Spectrum Health in West Michigan. In addition to the new GE partnership, International Aid works with Dow Chemical Company, Pfizer, the Kellogg Foundation, and Johnson & Johnson for donations to support relief efforts, including emergency response around the globe.


The agency's extensive equipment-related operations are currently under review by the United Nations and other organizations evaluating best practices for overseas healthcare delivery. "International Aid has built partnerships around the world with other nonprofits, churches, and faith-based health care organizations...that really plug them into the indigenous population to coordinate transport, for example to reach remote villages," Kane said.

During its 2006 fiscal year, International Aid shipped nearly 1,400 donated therapeutic and diagnostic devices to needy communities worldwide. Its related equipment-training program has trained nearly 500 technicians from 18 countries to maintain and repair an array of medical devices. As part of its work, International Aid maintains what it believes to be the world's most extensive database of product operation manuals for donated medical equipment.

"GE Healthcare is continually searching for new ways to extend the reach of our technologies and services," said Omar Ishrak, President and CEO of GE Healthcare's Clinical Systems business unit. "This innovative partnership gives us the opportunity to bring our global medical technologies to International Aid's global relief solutions. Together, we increase the opportunity to improve access to healthcare for the world's patients."

International Aid will coordinate the transport of GE Healthcare's donated equipment from the company's Wisconsin-based facilities to International Aid's headquarters facility in Spring Lake, Mich. There, International Aid's team will refurbish the equipment for distribution overseas and manage all related logistical arrangements.

International Aid is also known for its innovative, lightweight water purification system providing clean water to areas of the globe plagued by parasites and contamination.


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