For many Greek Americans, the realities our families face back home feel as close as ever. Rising medical costs in Greece have left many seniors struggling to afford even the basics. This year, a major effort supported by The Hellenic Initiative (THI) helped ease that burden in a powerful way.
With funds raised during last year’s End of Year Appeal, THI partnered with the nonprofit GIVMED to get essential medicines directly into the hands of older adults across Greece. The impact was larger than anyone expected. More than 10,000 boxes of medicine and health products were distributed to 23 nonprofit organizations, reaching over 1,000 seniors whose treatment had become financially out of reach. The need continues to grow as economic pressures remain high for low-income seniors who depend on multiple prescriptions each month.
GIVMED was founded to reduce medical waste and support vulnerable populations. The organization connects unused and still safe medicines with people who need them.
Through its online platform, donors and organizations can easily locate local collection points. Since launching, GIVMED has redistributed more than 1.3 million medicines and health products in collaboration with 233 community partners and thousands of volunteers and supporters.
In Greece, more than 40 million boxes of medicine are thrown away every year. According to the Ministry of Health, that waste is valued at about one billion euros. At the same time, one in five seniors struggles to afford medication. For many families, this has meant difficult choices and skipped treatments.
GIVMED’s director, Ioanna Dimitrakopoulou Koutava, says the support from THI made a direct and immediate difference. “Thanks to THI, more than six thousand medicines and health products reached over one thousand seventy five elderly people across Greece. These items helped seniors continue their treatments and cover essential health needs.”
Leaders at THI say the mission is simple. “Access to medicine should not be a privilege. It is a right. With GIVMED, we are turning that belief into action,” said George P. Stamas, President of THI’s Board. Chairman Andrew L. Liveris added that GIVMED’s work shows how smart and compassionate innovation can create lasting change.
For many in the Greek American community, programs like this feel personal. Most of us have parents or grandparents in Greece or grew up hearing stories of neighbors and relatives who quietly make do with less. Seeing the diaspora come together to support seniors in need speaks to something deeper about who we are and how closely we remain tied to Greece.
THI plans to continue supporting humanitarian programs like GIVMED as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen communities in Greece and help those facing financial hardship secure the care they depend on.