Heather Clark

Afya is a unique medical supply recovery organization (MSRO) that collects surplus medical supplies from healthcare centers in the United States and ships these critical materials to public health missions in African and Caribbean nations. Our regional network of medical suppliers and volunteers allows Afya to meet immediate humanitarian needs in countries devastated by natural disasters and supports our long-term programs to address chronic health disparities in developing nations. By reducing the amount of unused medical supplies generated in the US, Afya promotes efficient healthcare practices at home while sustaining life abroad. Since 2008, Afya has shipped over 7,000,000 pounds of medical supplies and equipment abroad, with a value over $27,000,000 to 70 countries. Afya is uniquely positioned in the local community with our 12,000 square foot warehouse and have an ongoing need for volunteers to inventory, sort, label and pack donated and recovered medical supplies. Our volunteer programs play a critical and robust role in Yonkers by providing structured volunteer programs for high school, middle school and elementary school students as well as for adults and youth in marginalized populations. Every year, we welcome over 1,500 volunteers who contribute a combined 28,000 hours of service to inventory and pack our medical supplies. Each week we host 27 volunteer groups from 14 different agencies that serve individuals with mental and physical disabilities in our Yonkers, NY warehouse. Afya provides the at-risk volunteers with the opportunity to engage in meaningful altruistic activities and work on specific pre-vocational training skills for potential employment. All volunteers come to the warehouse to join a heartfelt community while simultaneously contributing to a mission that is both locally and globally significant.