THI Supports GIVMED in Connecting Donated Medicines with People in Need Across Greece
With funds raised during last year’s End of Year Appeal of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) helped thousands in need – especially the elderly in Greece – access vital medicines in 2025 through the nonprofit GIVMED. A recent THI program exceeded expectations, distributing 10,381 boxes of medicine and healthcare product – worth over $100,000 – to 23 nonprofits, directly assisting over 1,000 seniors.
Through givmed.org, users can easily identify local donation points and organizations in need. To date, GIVMED has redistributed over 1.3 million medicines and health products valued at €12.7 million in collaboration with 233 community organizations and thousands of donors. In Greece, more than 40 million boxes of medicine go unused and are discarded each year. According to the Ministry of Health, this waste amounts to €1 billion annually. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 seniors struggles to afford healthcare, often forced to forgo essential treatments due to cost.
GIVMED’s Director, Ioanna Dimitrakopoulou Koutava says, “The support of The Hellenic Initiative has been truly invaluable. Thanks to THI, more than 6,000 medicines and health products reached 1,075 elderly people across Greece – ensuring that seniors can continue their treatments and cover essential health needs.”
George P. Stamas, President of THI’s Board, stated: “Access to medicine shouldn’t be a privilege – it’s a right. With GIVMED, we’re turning that belief into action.”
Andrew L. Liveris, Chairman of THI’s Board, stated: “What GIVMED has built is more than a solution – it’s a model of smart, scalable impact. It proves that when innovation meets compassion, real change follows.”
