A Year of Turning Medical Surplus into Health Access: MedCycle Network’s First Anniversary

A Community of Hope, One Delivery at a Time

On July 11, 2024, MedCycle Network launched with a vision to transform medical surplus into health access for neighbors who need it most. 

Today, we’re proud to share that, in our first year, over $1.6 million in high-quality surplus medical supplies have found a new purpose, serving uninsured and under-resourced communities. 

This is more than a number, it’s priceless moments of relief, safety, and care made possible by the generosity of our hospital partners, the dedication of clinic leaders, and the trust of our supporters, thank you!

“We are honored to support the heroic clinicians on the front lines serving the uninsured and underinsured with the high-quality supplies and equipment they need free of charge.  With new challenges daily to this population and to our planet, our donors and volunteers inspire us to fight for a better future.”

Andy Pines, Board Chair and Co-Founder, MedCycle Network

From Idea to Impact: Our First Year in Motion

We began with a simple question: 

How can we help keep good supplies out of landfills and put them into the hands of caregivers?

What we’ve built is a hyperlocal, tech-forward system that connects medical surplus from hospital to real  community needs. MedCycle Network collects, sorts, and delivers exactly what clinics request, whether that’s gloves, gowns, crash carts, glucometers, or vital equipment for street medicine teams.

Clinic by the Bay shared how a delivery of gloves and diabetic supplies didn’t just stretch their budget—it gave their new dental program a running start and empowered diabetic patients to manage their health at home. 

At Roots Community Health’s STOMP program, our donations meant street teams could meet patients in Oakland encampments and respond instantly, removing barriers to care and restoring dignity.

At San Francisco Free Clinic, every donated box offsets costs and expands access, doubling the impact of every dollar and extending their important and impactful mission. 

“We’re incredibly fortunate to collaborate with MedCycle Network. Their generous donation of supplies effectively doubles the impact of every dollar we receive.” 

Dr. Ian Nelligan, Executive Director and Attending Physician, San Francisco Free Clinic

When the exam paper ran out at Peninsula Healthcare Connection, our team showed up that morning. “It couldn’t have come at a better time,” their manager told us. 

Through an introduction by the Alameda Health Consortium, we met the team at Axis Community Health and quickly started delivering their requests for face shields, walkers, crutches, and masks. 

“Building strong collaborations with organizations like MedCycle Network helps ensure our community health centers have access to the tools and equipment they need to help our communities heal, recover, and thrive.” 

Andie Martinez Patterson, CEO, Alameda Health Consortium

We made our first delivery to Mission Neighborhood Medical Center, a clinic that has championed community-based health equity for over 50 years. Our goal has been to amplify their mission—ensuring that every delivery brings even more support to their dedicated work. 

Just last week at Ravenswood Family Health Network, we experienced a first: a clinic both received and donated supplies, expanding the cycle of giving and caring.

Healing People. Healing the Planet.

UCSF Health and CommonSpirit Health led by example, by joining early and inspiring others to do the same. Their partnership continues to keep care local and strengthens the safety net that many of our neighbors depend on.

Impact goes far beyond the clinic doors. Every delivery helps protect our planet by diverting usable supplies from landfills and reducing the carbon footprint of medical surplus. Through hyperlocal models like our Dock to Dock with MarinHealth and Marin Community Clinics, we minimize transport miles, lower emissions, and maximize the value of every item—proving environmental sustainability and health equity go hand in hand.

“Our partnership with MedCycle Network helps us get critical supplies to providers faster—so we can respond to patient needs in real time and deliver more compassionate, community-centered care.” 

Brenda Shipp, CEO, Marin Community Clinics

Building a Better System—Together

MedCycle Network’s story is really a tapestry woven by many hands. From donors who believe in a healthier, more just world, to visionary hospital partners, to clinic staff who see every day the difference a single box of gloves can make—this is your story, too. Thank you for being part of this journey altogether! 

As we celebrate our first anniversary, we know this is just the beginning. There is still much work to do. Over 25 million Americans remain uninsured, and billions of dollars in medical supplies are still discarded each year. But together, we’re proving a new way forward is possible.

Join Us!

If you believe in turning surplus into access, in neighbors helping neighbors, and that healthcare is a human right — we invite you to join us! With your support, next year’s impact will be even greater. 

Let’s keep the cycle going together by partnering with MedCycle Network or by clicking here to donate now!