Kenton Rotary Learns About MESA’s Global Medical Supply Mission

Barney Beckman, Rotarian and MESA Program Speaker joined local Kenton Rotarian Scott Johnson to enlighten the group about MESA.  Mr. Beckman has been involved with Rotary for over 22 years and is an avid bicyclist and is passionate about service.  He has volunteered for disaster relief services, the YMCA and currently helps with the West Ohio Food Bank, Challenged Champions Horse Therapy and MESA. 

MESA stands for Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad and as founded in 1981 by Northwest Ohio Rotary clubs in District 6600.  MESA collects and sends medical and educational materials around the globe.  Where we see need, MESA collaborates with global organizations to provide needed technology, medical supplies and hope to areas of the world where there is little or no hope. In the United States, there’s a huge wealth of usable medical equipment and supplies that are no longer in service.

The second-hand surplus in our country is often state-of-the-art to the healing needs of developing countries. Rotarians have the resources to collect, sort, identify, store and ship millions of dollars of still- usable medical supplies and equipment. The supplies and equipment go from MESA’s warehouse in Fostoria, OH, into a shipping container, and then into the port of a local Rotary Club for distribution.  Items from the medical/ dental fields (medical beds, dental chairs/ tools) and other humanitarian supplies. Visit: rotarymesa.org/join to learn more about what items are accepted for donation.   Contact your local Rotary club member for collection arrangements.

The major fundraiser for MESA is a bicycle ride.  Each year riders gather for MESA long ride (250 +/-), the TOUR. A multi-day event.  The shorter, one day routes are called the MESA ONE (30-50miles) in a single day around Northwest Ohio.  For more information about the ride, visit: rotarymesa.org/mesa-tour.

Submitted by Sam Norris