article atm-icon bar bell bio cancel-o cancel ch-icon crisis-color crisis cs-icon doc-icon down-angle down-arrow-o down-triangle download email-small email external facebook googleplus hamburger image-icon info-o info instagram left-angle-o left-angle left-arrow-2 left-arrow linkedin loader menu minus-o pdf-icon pencil photography pinterest play-icon plus-o press right-angle-o right-angle right-arrow-o right-arrow right-diag-arrow rss search tags time twitter up-arrow-o videos

Suggested Content

Frequently Asked Questions

Americares FAQ answers questions about who we are, where we work, how we save lives, when we respond to disasters and what you can do to help.

See Our Work

What is Americares?

Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster. Since it was established in 1979, Americares has distributed more than $18 billion in humanitarian aid to 164 countries.

What does Americares do?

Americares supports a network of more than 4,000 health centers worldwide with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies.

Our programs:

  • Help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters;
  • Increase access to critical medicine and medical supplies;
  • Improve and expand clinical services;
  • Prevent disease and promote good health in vulnerable communities.

How is Americares funded?

Americares is predominantly funded through the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals. In addition to financial contributions, Americares receives product donations from pharmaceutical and health care companies.

What sets Americares apart?

We are an efficient, accountable and highly respected, health-focused global aid and development organization. We have a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and receive donations from many of the largest and most respected health care organizations in the world. Because we use contributions in tandem with donated pharmaceuticals, each donation gets leveraged many times over. For every $10 donated we can provide $200 in aid.

Where does Americares work?   

Our health programs and medical donations reach more than 90 countries each year, including the United States. Americares carries out health programs in over 20 countries and maintains offices in nine countries including Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Liberia, Malawi, the Philippines, Tanzania and the United States, including Puerto Rico.

Do you work in the United States?

Americares U.S. Program is the leading nonprofit provider of medical aid to the U.S. health care safety net. We support a network of 1,000 clinics and health centers serving more than 7 million patients in need. Americares provides medicine, supplies, education and training that help partner clinics increase capacity, provide comprehensive care, improve health outcomes and reduce costs for patients. Americares also responds to emergencies all across the United States and operates the largest free clinic program in our home state of Connecticut.

How can Americares provide $200 in aid for every $10 donated?

Americares has longstanding relationships with more than 200 pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors that donate hundreds of millions of dollars in pharmaceutical products and relief supplies every year. Those donated medicines and medical supplies allow us to multiple your impact.

Do you accept donations of medicines, medical supplies, clothing, food, etc.?

Americares accepts donations of medicine and medical supplies from manufacturers and distributors. Americares does not accept products donations from individuals. Medical supply companies (manufacturers and distributors) can learn more about production donations HERE 

How can I help?  

Take action to improve health and save lives today. Americares relies on your support to help others. Donate now through our website, americares.org, or send a contribution to:

Americares
88 Hamilton Avenue
Stamford, CT 06902

You can also connect with us on Facebook at americares.org/facebook and Twitter at americares.org/twitter

If you have more questions about donating to Americares, please visit our donor FAQ page.

How much of my donation goes to help those in need?

98 percent of all donated resources are used for programs.

The percentage is calculated using all donated resources, including donated medicines and supplies.

Can I volunteer?

Americares has volunteer opportunities at its free clinics in Connecticut. For more information please go to www.americaresfreeclinics.org

In addition, Americares has volunteer opportunities for medical professionals and logistics experts who want to join our roster of trained emergency responders. To learn more about the volunteer roles available, please visit our Global Roster page.

How do I apply for assistance from Americares?

Americares provides medical care to patients in need through its health care clinics in Colombia, El Salvador, India and the United States, and through its network of more than 4,000 partner health clinics worldwide. Americares does not provide direct financial assistance to individuals.

What employment opportunities are available?  

Please visit americares.org/jobs for information about career and internship opportunities with Americares.

Who should members of the press contact?

Members of the press with inquiries should contact VP, Media Relations Donna Porstner at 203.658.9579 or dporstner@americares.org