Chapter’s UN Day Celebration Highlights Sustainable Development Goals
Afya, a Yonkers-based global healthcare not-for-profit organization, will be honored by the Westchester chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA on October 27 at Manhattanville University’s Reid Castle.
“We’re honoring Afya because of its incredible impact in sending $49.5 million worth of lifesaving medical and humanitarian supplies and equipment to countries in need around the world,” said Marcia Brewster, president of UNA Westchester. “The theme for our annual UN Day celebration is ‘Why the World Needs the UN and the UN Needs Us,’” she added. “Afya CEO Danielle Butin and the entire Afya organization are making a difference—they’re the ‘us’ the United Nations needs to further its global sustainable development goals, which seek to improve health and education, confront climate change, and preserve our shared resources.”
Butin founded Afya (the name translates to “health” in Swahili) in 2007 to be the bridge between unused medical supplies and those who need them. Afya connects with providers and hospitals worldwide to learn what supplies are needed and deliver them.
“We’ve shipped more than 16 million pounds of supplies to 87 nations and 23 states, diverting tons of surplus from landfills as a result while providing unused and sterile medical supplies to people who need them, often for lifesaving treatment,” said Butin. “I’m honored that the Westchester chapter of the United Nations Association of the USA will recognize our work and bring more attention to sustainable development goals and the need for global partnerships to improve conditions around the world. We believe access to healthcare is a human right.”
The award-winning non-profit sent 30 pallets of essential supplies (equivalent of nearly 13,766 pounds and total value of more than $113,300) for its Hurricane Helene response with another 62 pallets of supplies prepared for shipment, and is preparing to send supplies to Hurricane Milton survivors. In addition, the organization just announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Greater New York Hospital Association that invites every New York City hospital to donate unused medical supplies to Afya for delivery to physicians and hospitals in need around the world.
About Afya
Launched in 2007 by Danielle Butin, a former healthcare executive, Yonkers-based Afya envisions a world where all people have access to quality healthcare. The award-winning nonprofit rescues surplus medical supplies and diverts them to providers around the world to deliver optimal health care to compromised communities. Since its inception, it has delivered $49.5 million worth of lifesaving supplies to 87 countries, helping millions access healthcare. Afya has a 95% Charity Navigator rating. To learn more and donate, visit https://afyafoundation.org/
