Mission Statement

World Medical Relief’s mission is to help the medically-underserved both at home and abroad by collecting and distributing medicines, medical equipment, medical supplies, and related materials.

Brief Background of the Organization

Near the end of the Korean War in 1953, Irene M. Auberlin founded World Medical Relief.  She learned through the news media that war orphans in Inchon, Korea, desperately needed medicines, clothing, cribs and other household items to make their living conditions bearable.  Moved by their plight, Mrs. Auberlin began collecting these items and shipping them to Korea.  Over the years, WMR’s mission expanded to include other countries as well.  Mrs. Auberlin persuaded local businesses, hospitals, doctors, and concerned citizens to donate goods and services of all types, especially medical equipment and supplies.  Since 1953, WMR has given medical aid to thousands of sick poor people in over 140 developing nations worldwide.  That mission continues to this day.

In 1966, WMR began focusing more on local issues in addition to international services.  United Foundation (now United Way for Southeastern Michigan) approached WMR to develop a prescription assistance program for low-income seniors citizens in the Detroit area.  These seniors, the elderly poor, had no health insurance, were ineligible for Medicaid, and did not have the financial resources to get their prescription medicines.  With United Foundation’s support, the State of Michigan granted World Medical Relief a pharmacy license.  WMR opened an on-site pharmacy, hired a pharmacist, and began dispensing prescriptions to the elderly poor.  Last year alone, WMR staff and volunteers filled more than 43,000 prescriptions. 

World Medical Relief operates several other local programs that address community needs. The Durable Medical Equipment provides low-income people with walkers, wheel chairs, commodes, and other medical equipment.  Local Shipping provides tri-county area clinics with medical supplies and equipment, and the Medical Supply Program offers basic home health care supplies to individuals for a minimal charge.  In addition, through a partnership with the American Red Cross, WMR helps local shelters with medical supplies, hygiene kits, blankets, and other items at no cost.  

How you can help

Interested people can volunteer at WMR during the day M – F from 8:30 – 4:00 or every other Saturday from 9:00 to 11:30.  Volunteers can sort and pack medicines, medical equipment, lab/surgical equipment, supplies, etc.  WMR needs medical professionals to help guide the sorting process.  We also need repair people (to fix wheelchairs, etc.) and bio-technicians to help repair and certify high tech medical equipment.  General clerical help is welcomed.

 How to donate time and/or contributions:  Contact Carolyn Racklyeft, Director of Local Programs, at (313) 866-5333, ext. 222 or email WMR at info@worldmedicalrelief.org.

Come visit us! 
WMR hosts information tours, “Around the World in 60 minutes,” the last Monday of each month from 11:00 a.m. until noon.  Please contact us.