Intervol

Connecting needs with solutions

InterVol likes to keep their mission simple, to connect the world’s neediest to medicine, resources, people, and opportunities. The volunteers at InterVol go forth with the humanitarian spirit on which they were founded whether they are onsite sorting unused medical supplies or halfway around the world on a medical mission trip. The newest initiative is to develop and deliver state-of-the-art telemedicine to those in need.

Intervol’s Story

InterVol was founded over three decades ago by Dr. Ralph Pennino, Chief of Surgery at Rochester General Hospital and alumni of Notre Dame Class of 1975. InterVol’s charity work is based on the premise that unused, functional medical supplies and equipment that are being disposed of in the US to make way for new technology are desperately needed in other parts of the world.

Intervol worker takes inventory of PPE supplies

The idea for InterVol came to Ralph over two decades ago, when he was doing volunteer work with AmeriCares in Siberia, Russia. On that trip, he realized that what they needed in Siberia, was something we throw away every day in the United States; medical supplies and equipment that was still functioning but technologically dated by our standards. Ralph graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1975 and received his M.D. degree from Georgetown University in 1979. He is board certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Hand Surgery. Since InterVol’s inception in 1989, Ralph has coordinated medical missions in Haiti, Belize, Somalia, Sarajevo, Belize and the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota.

Dan Palmier of ONE Foundation presents donation to Intervol

In addition to recycling unused medical supplies and equipment, co-founder Dr. Timothy O’Connor, and Dr. Pennino came up with the concept of trying to put a group together locally and go with the people they worked with every day, as well as from the community. That evolved into InterVol’s Volunteer Medical Professionals program, which includes doctors, nurses and allied medical personnel volunteering their services.

InterVol is also committed to improving general health in the communities in which it serves. One example of this is the Home of Hope Orphanage, where InterVol was able to provide the children with beds, shelter, and funding for education to help Haiti become sustainable in the long term. In conjunction with these programs, InterVol provides education through Friends Across Borders (FAB) which strives to enhance the lives of children by teaching through doing; providing an opportunity for civic engagement and service learning. InterVol has been instrumental in working with Notre Dame’s Haiti Program and was also inspired by the late, great Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh.

In 2019 and 2019, the ONE Foundation sponsored Daniel Palmier and InterVol in the Marine Corps Marathon, providing more than $200,000. In 2016, Daniel Palmier, businessman, and philanthropist, has run the Boston Marathon several times to benefit InterVol as well as other organizations and efforts. He ran the 2014 Boston Marathon for the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing victims and Lieutenant Walsh – Firefighter Memorial Funds. He also ran the New York Marathon and the Boston Marathon in 1994 and 1996, raising funds for the American Liver Foundation. ONE Foundation matched all funds raised by 100%.

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“InterVol is an incredible organization and a longtime charitable partner. I’m proud of our entire team for raising a sum that will greatly impact their mission, and thankful to everyone who contributed. The hurricanes have upended many lives, and knowing this donation will aid in recovery for those individuals, along with many others, is extremely gratifying.”

Dan Palmier