Yonkers, NY — October 31, 2025 — As Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm with 185 MPH winds, devastated parts of Jamaica, Haiti, and the surrounding areas, Yonkers, NY distribution center.

One day after Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, Afya shipped 20 pallets of medical supplies, valued at $130,000, in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) to reach local health networks on the ground. This first shipment included critical items such as wound-care materials, gloves, Afya plans to send much more aid throughout the long recovery and rebuilding phase.

“When Hurricane Melissa struck, we immediately activated Afya’s relief network to get medical supplies where they were needed most,” said Danielle Butin, MPH, OTR, Founder & CEO of Afya, “Thanks to our partners and volunteers, we were able to ship life-saving aid from New York to Jamaica the day after Melissa made landfall—turning surplus into support for communities on the front lines.”

Afya continues to coordinate additional aid shipments as recovery needs evolve, drawing on its established network of hospitals, corporate partners, and volunteers. Through its partnership with the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), Afya recovers surplus medical supplies across the region, ensuring that high-quality materials are redirected to communities in crisis. Hundreds of local volunteers have joined Afya’s sorting sessions to prepare medical supplies bound for hurricane-impacted regions.

Afya’s Hurricane Melissa response has been featured by Fox 5 New York, News 12 Westchester, and PIX 11, spotlighting the organization’s swift action and community impact.

“In moments like this, Afya’s model comes to life. We know what to do – we helped with relief and recovery during Hurricanes Maria, Beryl, Dorian and many others that brought down healthcare infrastructure in the Caribbean,” said David Bourns, COO of Afya, “We rescue surplus medical supplies from New York’s hospitals and direct them where they can save lives—fast. Every pallet represents the compassion and commitment of our volunteers, partners, and donors.”

How to Help

Afya is actively fundraising to sustain and expand relief shipments in the weeks ahead. Donations can be made at www.afyafoundation.org/melissa.

About Afya

Founded in 2008, Afya rescues surplus medical supplies and equipment from U.S. healthcare facilities and redistributes them to under-resourced health systems worldwide. To date, Afya has delivered more than 13 million pounds to over 90 countries and 24 U.S. States, improving health outcomes and reducing environmental waste.