Commercial bandages are often expensive and in short supply, so rolled bandages are needed in many countries. They are made from rolled strips of used bed sheets, white only, and any cotton or cotton-blend material is suitable.

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You can construct a simple bandage rolling machine. See below for details.

The wire crank is a double wire. When bandages are being assembled, the leading edge of the roll is placed between the wires to get the roll started. When the desired quantity is rolled, the crank is slipped out and the bandage roll removed and packed for shipping to GHM.

Here are some guidelines for rolling bandages:

Pre-wash material
Rip into strips two to four inches wide
Sew ends together
Assemble strips into rolls about one to two inches in diameter.
Secure with masking tape to keep the bandages from unrolling
Pack the bandages in small boxes, no bigger than about 12"x 18"
Use the cheapest possible surface rate when shipping to GHM

The bandages must be:

White
Clean,
Evenly and tightly rolled,
Loose threads pulled off,
If more than one strip is used in a bandage the strips must be sewn together end to end, and
The end of the roll fastened with a small piece of masking tape.

GHM appreciates any financial gift to defray shipping costs to the final overseas destination.

Linens are also welcome. New or good clean used sheets, towels and other linens are also needed by the hospitals/clinics.

For futher information, please contact Global Health Ministries.