The MERCI (Medical Equipment Recovery of Clean Inventory) Program diverts clean and unused surplus medical supplies and equipment from UVA Health System's waste stream to local, national, and foreign organizations and humanitarian projects.
Founded as a pilot program in 1992 by a UVA Operating Room nurse, Helen French, the MERCI Program officially became part of the UVA Recycling initiative in 1996. Today, participating sponsors of MERCI have further expanded to include countless other units and departments throughout the Health System and University. MERCI also partners with other hospitals and medical organizations to recycle their clean and unused supplies.
In 2008, over 51,000 pounds of clean and unused medical supplies were kept out of landfills and medical incinerators. That's a value of over 5.2 million dollars!
