Frequently Asked Questions

• What is CMMB?
• Does CMMB only serve Catholics?
• Does CMMB evangelize?
• I’m not a medical professional, but I would like to become a CMMB volunteer. How do I get started?
• What types of healthcare programs and services does CMMB deliver currently?
• Who supports CMMB?
• Is CMMB supported by the Catholic Church?
• Does CMMB provide program site visits for journalists?
• How is a faith-based healthcare organization, like CMMB, different from other institutions engaged in the same field?
• What percentage of funds is actually used for programs?
• What is CMMB's policy Vis a Vis condoms as a means to prevent HIV/AIDS?
• You talk a lot about HIV and AIDS, but I thought that was under control. Why are you still doing so much work with HIV and AIDS patients?
• How many clergy work for CMMB?
• I see you are headquartered in New York. With rents so high there, does it really make sense for an organization like CMMB to have offices there?
• Can I make automatic donations from my credit card or checking account?
• Can I dedicate my donation to someone or make a donation on behalf of a person?
• Does CMMB accept in-kind donation of medicines or clothes from individuals?

What is CMMB? 

CMMB (Catholic Medical Mission Board) is registered 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization organization dedicated to providing quality healthcare solutions to some of the world’s neediest people. CMMB is unique in that the organization provides a unified approach to healthcare: acquisition and distribution of pharmaceuticals, placement of volunteer Medical Professionals, and the management of healthcare programs to address HIV/AIDS, child health, and neglected tropical diseases.

Does CMMB only serve Catholics?
Not at all. CMMB provides medications and healthcare to people in need all over the world, without any discrimination of religious beliefs.

As a Christian organization, does CMMB evangelize?

No. In all the work we do, CMMB is Catholic first and we promote and give witness to Christ and the Good Word through our work. When we answer “no” to the question of evangelizing, what we meant is that we do not require our people to participate in any form of evangelical program in order to receive our services.

The delivery of health care is so fundamental to life, so clearly a basic human right, that it should not be denied to anyone. In the past, especially, there has sometimes been a perception that in order to receive basic lifesaving assistance (food, medicine, water, etc.), that recipients would have to be converted or at least be open to preaching. We serve all, without discrimination and, by example, proclaim the work we do in Christ’s name.

I’m not a medical professional, but I would like to become a CMMB volunteer. How do I get started?
While CMMB generally places licensed medical professionals, the health institutions we work with overseas are occasionally in need of personnel with other skills, such as finance, administration, or information technology.  In these cases, we will recruit and place volunteers with expertise in these areas.

What healthcare programs and services does CMMB deliver currently?

CMMB integrates its healthcare services with the provisions of medical volunteers and distribution of free donated medicines and medical supplies in developing countries.  Programmatic focus areas include the prevention, control and treatment of HIV/AIDS, malaria, maternal and child health, and neglected tropical diseases.  Additional information about CMMB's ongoing healthcare programs can be found under Healthcare Programs on the website. 

 Who supports CMMB?
Last year CMMB received support from 37,188 individuals, 47 foundations, 54 corporations, 38 trusts and estates, 190 health and religious-affiliated organizations, and administered two grants from the U.S. government. Total support to CMMB in FY2006 was approximately US$161 million. CMMB also receives substantial in-kind donations from pharmaceutical companies.

Is CMMB supported by the Catholic Church?
Not directly. CMMB is fortunate to have solid relationships with many parishes and church-related organizations, but is not financially supported by the Church as a whole.

Does CMMB provide program site visits for journalists?

CMMB is always eager to work with our partners in the media. We are happy to coordinate trips to CMMB sites around the world, arrange for interviews with volunteers and individuals who are helped by CMMB’s work, and even help plan travel logistics for journalists. For more information, please email Barbara Wright at bwright [at] cmmb.org.

How is a faith-based healthcare organization, like CMMB, different from other institutions engaged in the same field?
The importance of the role of faith-based organizations in delivering solutions to the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the developing countries cannot be overstated. The faith-based network within many countries is often the most trusted source of refuge for those seeking help in any way, regardless of creed or color.  Zambia is a prime example. CMMB’s partnership with the Churches Health Association of Zambia (CHAZ) provides it with the opportunity to partner with clinics on the ground to prevent the transmission of HIV.  Similarly, in Latin America and the Caribbean, CMMB has partnered with Catholic healthcare networks in five countries to lower childhood mortality by teaching basic healthcare.

What percentage of funds is actually used for programs?

Of every dollar that CMMB receives, 97 cents goes directly towards providing medical assistance to people in need in the developing world. This positions CMMB among a very small group of charities with such a high rate of contributions applied directly to services.

What is CMMB's policy Vis a Vis condoms as a means to prevent HIV/AIDS?

CMMB does not purchase or receive donations of condoms. The education programs CMMB supports focus on individual responsibility, monogamy, abstinence, respect, religious faith, and basic healthcare. We provide to our partners complete and accurate information about condoms as part of our prevention efforts. CMMB follows national guidelines established by the ministry of health, and those of the presiding Conference of Catholic Bishops in each country where we have HIV and AIDS programs.

You talk a lot about HIV and AIDS, but I thought that was under control. Why are you still doing so much work with HIV and AIDS patients?
While deaths due to AIDS have declined in the United States in recent years, HIV and AIDS continue to devastate families, communities, and nations across the globe. This health crisis warrants all of the attention CMMB is providing.

How many clergy work for CMMB?
This is a little difficult to answer because CMMB works with many organizations throughout the world. Some of our partners include parishes, church-run hospitals and clinics, stand-alone programs administered by church-affiliated folks, etc. Whether as employees, volunteers, or as part of their work with other organizations, CMMB is fortunate to work with a great many clergy at any one time.

I see you are headquartered in New York. With rents so high there, does it really make sense for an organization like CMMB to have offices there?
CMMB’s mission has long resonated with supporters. Because so many people believed in CMMB early on, we were able to purchase a building for our administrative offices. This investment allows CMMB to devote substantial resources directly to the people who need assistance, without having to worry about monthly rent payments.

Can I make automatic donations from my credit card or checking account?
Absolutely. Please contact our Philanthropy Department at (800) 678-5659 or info@cmmb.org and we will assist you further. Also, visit our Current Campaigns page for our currently active campaigns. 

Can I dedicate my donation to someone or make a donation on behalf of a person?
Yes. A gift to CMMB is a wonderful tribute to a loved one, friend, favorite clergyperson, or colleague. You can specify your gift to be in honor or in memory of anyone you choose. This information is entered in the Honor/Memorial Donation section. CMMB will mail a Tribute card to your recipient announcing that an Honor or Memorial donation was made by you. You will also receive a letter acknowledging your gift. Please allow 2-3 weeks for your friend or loved one to receive the card.

Does CMMB accept in-kind donation of medicines or clothes from individuals?

CMMB is able to help hundreds of thousands of people every year, thanks to the generosity of our donors. Because staff resources are limited, we do not have the capacity to accept and distribute contributions of medications or clothing on an individual-by-individual basis.

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