The Journal Distribution Project (JDP) at Case Western Reserve
University disseminates clincal medical literature to medical schools,
libraries, and clinics throughout the world. Greater domestic access
to electronic medical databases in the U.S. combined with the dearth
of journal access in resource-poor settings has created an opportunity
for a mutually beneficial use for old medical journals. Many
physicians throughout the world lack exposure to contemporary medical
texts, limiting their preparation for emerging diseases and their
effectiveness in dealing with existing maladies.

Increased international readership increases both the spread of new
knowledge and the accuracy of existing knowledge. JDP facilitates
this increased readership by channeling existing publications to those
who otherwise may not have access to them. The program returns
journals to their original purpose - filling minds instead of filling
landfills. By collecting relevant donations from Case School of
Medicine, JDP hopes to serve areas where the lack of clinical
literature is an obstacle to improved health care.

JDP has made great progress since its inception in 2003. Working
with international medical relief organizations JDP has arranged for
many deserving medical clinics and libraries to receive donations.
JDP has sent journals to Basra University, Iraq, Cape Town, S. Africa,
and Jordan, Israel. Currently JDP is exploring shipment opportunities
to Zambia, Nigeria, Uganda, Haiti, and Cambodia.

To date, JDP has collected over one thousand issues of medical
journals from the gracious Cleveland medical community. In its short
life JDP has overcome many initial obstacles and looks forward to
making a significant global impact.