A new student-led initiative is having an upbringing at our school called Wellness Without Borders. In a world where 7000 tons of clean, unusable medical supplies are discarded daily in the United States, students Ashley Jurakhan, Aaradhya Garmiella, Ogechi Idima, Benjamin Semorile, and Sophia Fuentes here at New Rochelle High School have decided to take action. Wellness Without Borders is a non-profit that endeavors to provide medical needs and assistance to third-world countries in need; they aim to bridge the gap between surplus and scarcity by repurposing life-saving medical resources to aid those in need in marginalized communities around the world. 

Wellness Without Borders believes that every community deserves a chance and should be given their basic needs no matter their status. They focus on collecting surplus medical supplies from hospitals, nursing homes, and local donors through donation drives. By raising funds, they also purchase additional supplies and cover the cost of distribution, ensuring no resource goes unused. 

According to NPR, every year, $20 billion worth of usable medical supplies are discarded in the U.S. while millions of people are ignored for their basic health needs. When asked why they wanted to start Wellness Without Borders they shared a reflection: “During the COVID-19 pandemic and conflicts like the war, I saw how fragile healthcare systems became when supplies couldn’t get where they were needed most. It made me realize that so much suffering could be prevented if we simply found better ways to redistribute resources.” 

With many partnerships and collaborators they were able to make this come true with organizations such as the Afya Foundation, Project CURE, MedShare, and Smile Train Inc., the students amplified their impact. These partnerships help provide critical medical supplies and expand the reach of their mission.

The students behind Wellness Without Borders are urging others to join their movement. Whether donating supplies, volunteering time, or spreading the word, every contribution counts. Through action, Wellness Without Borders proves that even small efforts can have a monumental impact. By bridging the gap between surplus and need, these students are reducing waste and saving lives one shipment at a time.

Here is their QR Code If you would like to join: