John Kuehnle, CEO of Partners for World Health, brings a global public health perspective to Maine through his leadership of an organization that transforms surplus medical supplies into lifesaving resources for communities locally and around the world. In this episode of Radio Maine, Kuehnle joins Dr. Lisa Belisle to reflect on a career shaped by service—from four years in the Peace Corps in Nicaragua to more than a decade working with USAID across Africa. Now based in Maine, he leads an effort that collects unused medical supplies from hospitals across New England, redistributing them to healthcare systems in need while reducing environmental waste.

Kuehnle shares how thoughtful partnerships, cultural understanding, and sustainable planning help ensure that donated equipment truly benefits the communities receiving it. He also discusses the organization’s lesser-known work supporting Maine residents with refurbished medical equipment. Along the way, he reflects on art, photography, and the value of global perspective in solving complex challenges..