Frequently Asked Questions

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 45 years ago, Americares has provided over $23 billion in aid to 164 countries, including the United States

What does Americares do?

Americares supports a network of more than 4,000 health centers in the U.S. and around the world with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies.

Our programs:

• Help communities prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters; 
• Increase accessibility, availability, affordability and acceptability of medicine and medical supplies;

• Improve and expand health services, prevent disease and promote good health.

How is Americares funded?

Americares is predominantly funded through the generosity of corporations, foundations, government agencies 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. Americares has consistently earned a four-star rating—the highest possible—from Charity Navigator, along with a Candid/GuideStar platinum seal and we meet all the BBB Wise Giving Alliance standards for charity accountability. In addition we 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. Americares creates leverage for donors: More than 98 percent of our resources support health programs. For every $10 donated, we can provide $200 in aid.  

Where does Americares work?   

Our health programs and medical donations reach 85 countries on average each year, including the United States. Working with partners, Americares carries out health programs in 30 countries. Americares maintains a global headquarters in Stamford, Conn., with field offices in Colombia, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Liberia, Puerto Rico, the Philippines and Tanzania.   

Do you work in the United States?

Americares U.S. Programs provide health facilities serving low-income and uninsured patients the resources they need to provide accessible health services and support equitable health outcomes. Resources include medicine and medical supplies, education, operational support, funding, training and innovations in health care delivery. Americares U.S. Programs support nearly 1,000 free clinics and community health centers nationwide. Americares is licensed or authorized to distribute prescription medication in all 50 U.S. states and Puerto Rico. 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 product donations from individuals. Medical supply companies (manufacturers and distributors) can learn more about product 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?

More than 98 percent of our resources support health 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