Global LinksGlobal Links
Apply to receive suture for your hospital

Global Links will accept hospitals into the program if we are able to supply the suture they need, and if the hospitals meet our requirement for providing care to the poor. In order for Global Links to consider accepting a new hospital, the following information is necessary:

  • Name and location of facility. Because suture donations may be sent by mail, the correct mailing address for the institution is essential. Please note any special shipping considerations and whether or not the mail service is reliable.
  • Name of Chief Hospital Administrator and Chief Medical Officer.
  • Number and types of surgeries performed annually.
  • Name of individual responsible for monitoring suture use, and description of institutional arrangements for security in usage and storage.
  • A list of the particular types and sizes of sutures needed. Global Links provides up to 1000 sutures a yer per institution, and more as supplies permit. Certain widely used sutures may be in short supply.
  • Information regarding possible couriers to carry sutures from the United States to your facility.
  • Proof that participating hospitals are providing care to poor patients. Global Links’ policy is to donate to institutions where patients are not turned away because of inability to pay.
  • Please indicate if you are interested in receiving recently expired sutures and/or surgical blades and needles.

In order for us to properly evaluate the effectiveness of the program, it is essential that we receive complete follow-up information from participating facilities. Subsequent requests for suture must be submitted with a report regarding use of the previous suture donation. This report should describe how the donation has helped the institution, and should explain any problems associated with its use.

For more information contact:
Global Links
Manager, Suture Donation Program
4809 Penn Avenue , 2nd floor
Pittsburgh , PA 15224
telephone: 412-361-3424 , ext. 203
fax: 412-361-4950
email: suture@globallinks.org