Project C.U.R.E. might be described as a worldwide recycling effort for medical equipment and supplies.
The initiative collects hospital gear that is being replaced, reconditions the equipment and distributes it to hospitals and clinics in Third World countries.
Coordinating the project locally is Downtown Rotarian Gary Collins, who likens the effort to "a medical equipment chop shop."
Collins quickly points out, however, that the project is a shared effort supported and strengthened by people and organizations throughout the community.
He identified and we commend:
• Capitol Region Medical Center and St. Mary's Health Center for donating medical equipment and supplies, including cardiac and blood pressure monitors, treadmills, and pediatric warming tables and examination tables.
• Businesses, particularly Walmart, for providing empty semi-trailers when available and destined for cities such as Houston, the site of one of four Project C.U.R.E. distribution centers nationwide.
• Retired Circuit Court Judge Ralph Haslag of Rolla, a driving force in the effort, and Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary Rhodes Russell, the Downtown Rotary president who embraced the project as an international outreach for the club and tapped Collins as coordinator.
• Fellow Rotarians, National Guard members, college students and other community members who have gathered on short notice to fill the trailers.
Collins explained the donated equipment is stored at a local facility owned by St. Mary's. When a trailer becomes available, volunteers are called to bubble-wrap the equipment and load the trailer.
He said three trailer loads have been distributed so far and the local group expects to average about one load a month.
The many compassionate, community-minded people involved in Project C.U.R.E. may never get to witness the outcome of their efforts. They may never meet the man in Africa who is assisted by a pacemaker or hold the Central American infant who is alive because a pediatric warmer was available.
But in their hearts they will know their time and energy has resulted in healing, happiness and saved lives.