List of Changes to the Handbooks since 2024 version
January 2026 Updates
- Usable Medical Supplies (p. 7)
- Removed "expiry" dates as usable example
- Medical Supplies NOT Generally Shipped (p. 8)
- Added new bullets
- Items with past expiry dates & expiry within 12 months of the shipment month
—For going through customs and ensuring the safety of the items, we are not allowed to send any expired/soon expiring items. (Items without expiry dates are continuing to be appreciated.) - N95 masks & face shields
—There are enough supplies in the hospitals. (Surgical masks are commonly used and appreciated.)
- Items with past expiry dates & expiry within 12 months of the shipment month
- Removed CPAP machines
- Added new bullets
- Hospital Linens (p. 9)
Added Maternity Department items- Maternity Department needs (Please label them clearly for “Ekoumdoum Maternity”):
- Wash cloths
- about 10 " square or 25.5 cm square (not smaller)
- a heavier weight. (They need to be put in an autoclave. Thin, lightweight wash cloths are not acceptable.)
- Towels for receiving babies. These need to go in an autoclave.
- a heavier absorbent cotton material that we typically use for drying dishes.
- Not bath towels or soft, plush towels. Please, NO microfibre material.
- The size should be about 68 cm x 45 cm.
- Maternity Department needs (Please label them clearly for “Ekoumdoum Maternity”):
- Dental Needs (p. 10)
Added dental supplies collected- Dental supplies are also collected. Please separate and label items by category:
- Dental floss, waxed (Up to 1000 pks per shipment)
- Tooth brush, adult (Up to 150 dozens/1800 pieces per shipment)
- Tooth brush, child (Up to 80 dozens/960 pieces per shipment)
- Dental supplies are also collected. Please separate and label items by category:
- Layette Assembly (p. 16)
Added an option to bundle layettes in drawstring bags- (1) The best option is... assemble all the layettes securing them with a ribbon, yarn, or drawstring bag (see the next page for examples).
- Baby Clothes Option 3
Buttons should not be used for baby layettes.- 1x shirt with zipper or snaps...
- 4x4 Squares bundling instruction (p. 25)
Tieing the bundles are our default method. Removed the shoe shop arrangement to avoid paying for the stitching service.- Tie the bundle with a string/ribbon or similar material that can withstand high temperatures. Make sure that they are tied securely.
- The bundles can be stitched together. If you are stitching them...
- Tie the bundle with a string/ribbon or similar material that can withstand high temperatures. Make sure that they are tied securely.
- White Cross USA Ministry Centre Address change (p. 33, 60)
- The Ministry Center – NAB White Cross
1112 S. 12th St., Suite B...
- The Ministry Center – NAB White Cross
- Items No Longer Needed (p. 45)
- Surgical masks for children or adults... > N95 masks for children or adults
- Surgical Caps and Masks (handmade) > Surgical Caps and Masks (handmade/reusable)
January 2025 Updates
- CBC Stats (p. 1)
- Numbers are updated for 2024 data
As of December 2024, CBC Health Services is operating 15 hospitals, 27 Integrated Health Centres, and 54 Primary Health Centres. In addition, CBC Health Services runs five training institutions. Annually, CBC Health Services provides essential services to over 1 million patients.
- Numbers are updated for 2024 data
- Page 3 and throughout, re: Canadian Shipping Centre
- Renamed to WCC Ministry Centre, and the Volunteer Coordinator is now Ministry Centre Coordinator
- All drop-off/delivery arrangements are to be made with the office at info@whitecrosscanada.ca or 780-733-2380 ext. 4, as Bert H retired.
- Packing & Delivery (p. 4)
- 2. add "do not tape to the outside of the box"
- Guest House Supplies (p. 10, Appendix 9 & 10)
- Added:
- Mattress pads,
- Mattress covers,
- Pillow protectors,
- Shower curtains, and
- Bath mats
- Added:
- Layettes
- Added McCall's Pattern #2490 A as another option for bunting bags (p. 17)
- WCUS is accepting purchased zippered sleepers only . No sleep sack options. (p. 17)
- Blankets can be quilted with multiple pieces of flannels if seams are properly inside. (p. 18)
- Medical Books (p. 26)
- Updated: Medical Books Due to the lack of equipment and training, some medical techniques in Cameroon can be “years” behind North American practices.
- Added: Books that are published within the past 5 years are needed, and anatomy books published in the past 10 years are acceptable.
- Appendix 2, Individual Contribution Details
- Canada only: Designated donation can be made by attaching a Contribution Form (instruction added)
- Appendix 5, Sample Lists of Usable Medical Equipment
- Change Walkers to Walkers with 4 legs (No rollators)
- Appendix 8, Items No Longer Needed
- Added:
- Face masks for children or adults, disposable and reusable
- Rollators (also known as 4-wheeled walkers) with Seats
- Added:
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