Domestic distribution network for non-controlled donated drugs, supplies or equipment

Sarah Zalud¹, Koren Odierna¹, Elizabeth Lundeen¹, John Pitman¹, Karen Gottlieb, RN, MBA², and Peter Farnsworth². (1) Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, CT 06511, 8604903886, koren.odierna@yale.edu, (2) Free Clinics, Inc, Americares, 88 Hamilton Ave, Stamford, CT 06902

The Yale School of Public Health and AmeriCares created an online survey tool and database to aid in the development of a national distribution network for donated pharmaceuticals and medical supplies. The objective was to develop an efficient means of linking nationally based free clinics with medical supplies and pharmaceuticals donated to AmeriCares.

The online survey will collect information from US free clinics regarding their individual needs and their capacity to accept various classes of medicines and medical supplies. This information will be electronically merged into a national database maintained at the AmeriCares headquarters. To ensure the legal transfer of medical supplies from AmeriCares to appropriate clinics, each clinic entry will include a link to relevant state and federal regulations pertaining to the distribution of such supplies. An analysis of the data collected by the survey will allow AmeriCares to rapidly identify clinics that will receive supplies and establish a line of communication.

Learning Objectives:

Expected Outcomes/Learning Obejectives

1. Identify the necessary steps and procedures used in creating, distributing, and managing a Web-based survey tool linked to an on-line database.
2. Assess how technology can be integrated into the planning and information-gathering stages of public health initiatives.
3. Understand the importance of fostering partnerships between private donors and public health practitioners, as well as the need to develop effective communications and distribution networks between the two.
4. Apply relevant state and federal regulations to the distribution of product to free clinics.

Related Web page: Not finalized yet

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Using Methodological Tools as a Framework for Services and Planning

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA