REMEDY at Duke is a volunteer-run program modeled after a similar program started at Yale. It was organized in 2004 to recover usable surplus medical supplies from Duke Hospital and donate them via Duke-affiliated and other non-profit global health projects to areas of need.
The Surplus Problem:
In an effort to improve safety and convenience, the U.S. health care system utilizes a wide array of disposable, “single-use” items. Strict regulatory and risk-management practices, frequent changes in technology and supply sourcing often make it difficult to recycle, re-process or return many of these usable supplies. As a result, U.S. health systems produce about 6 million tons of solid waste each year, resulting in high purchasing and disposal costs and increased carbon emissions. Meanwhile, patients in medically under-served communities around the world suffer from the lack of even the most basic medical supplies.
Our Mission
We work with Duke Health System administrators and staff to promote environmental sustainability at Duke and support Duke’s global health and community service missions:
- Reduce waste and promote resource sustainability through the recovery and recycling of usable surplus medical supplies
- Reduce disparities in global health care through the donation of medical supplies to areas of need
- Promote awareness of global health issues within the Duke and greater Durham community
- Provide a community service opportunity for Duke students, faculty and staff
Our Team
REMEDY at Duke is an all-volunteer program run by Duke staff and students who have an interest in global health, environmental sustainability and community service. While REMEDY is not administered by the Duke Health System, it works closely with Procurement & Supply Chain Services, Sterile Processing, and other hospital units to promote its mission.
Our Impact
As of 2025, REMEDY at Duke has made over 300 donations to 50 different countries. We collect the equivalent of about two tractor trailer loads of supplies a year that would otherwise have been discarded. This is accomplished with the help of approximately 200 volunteer-hours annually. While the exact value of all this recovered surplus is difficult to determine, it would represent hundreds of thousands of US dollars if purchased new. However, the value to those patients who benefit from these donated supplies is immeasurable.
