Pink October at Medline Europe: A Story of Hands, Hearts, and Hope

26 Nov
2025

Every October, something special happens across Medline Europe. Pink ribbons appear in our offices, healthcare partners share their stories, and conversations that are often difficult to start finally find the space they deserve.


This year was no different, but it felt more meaningful than ever. Under the theme “The Power in Your Hands”, our teams and partners brought Pink October to life with purpose, humanity, and connection.

 

 

A Day in Barcelona: Where Awareness Meets Action

 

On 16 October, the lobby of Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau in Barcelona felt different. Pink gloves, simple, bright, and symbolic were unpacked. The doctors and nurses paused between patients to greet us. Families walked through the reception area, some slowing down to look, others stopping to ask questions.


What stood out most was how quickly the barrier between “supplier” and “hospital” disappeared. Conversations flowed naturally. Stories surfaced. Smiles were exchanged.


Núria Font i Díaz, Supervising Nurse of the Onco-Haematology Department, told us:


“I'm truly proud that companies like Medline support us at key moments like this to raise awareness of breast cancer. Having these pink gloves helps increase visibility among users, professionals, and visitors. These little things matter; they help society recognise and talk about what’s important.”


Our presence was about more than just delivering products. It was about showing up, listening, and connecting with people.


“It was inspiring to see how our pink gloves could bring awareness, hope, and connection throughout the hospital. Hearing the stories from nurses and patients reminded us why every small action—and every donation—matters. We are really looking forward to seeing more hospitals join this initiative in the future, so together we can keep increasing the impact and donations year after year,” said Pablo Dominguez, Product Manager for Iberia.

By the time we left the hospital, the boxes were open, gloves were already in use, and the atmosphere felt just a little brighter.

Awareness can begin with something as small as a pair of gloves and grow into something much bigger.

 

A Wave of Pink Across Our Seven Sites

Five days later, on 21 October, the colour pink spread across our Medline Europe offices in seven countries.

Employees arrived wearing pink and decorated offices. But it wasn’t about the colour. It was about what it opened up: conversations that might have felt difficult, personal stories shared between colleagues, reminders to book check-ups and encourage loved ones.


What started as a visual gesture turned into something deeply human.


Our HR team captured the essence of that day.


Maria Martinez, Senior HR Manager shared her thoughts: “Pink October isn’t just a moment on the calendar—it’s a moment of connection. Seeing employees across Europe wearing pink showed how much we care about one another. When we create space for health, empathy, and honest conversations, we strengthen not only awareness, but also our culture.”

 

 

 

Turning Values into Action


Pink October at Medline isn’t simply an annual campaign.

It’s the intersection of our purpose and our people. We supply hospitals, but we also stand beside them. We provide products, but we also provide presence. We operate across Europe, but we act as one community. And our commitment is not only symbolic, but it’s also tangible.

For every box of Generation Pink Nitrile Exam Gloves, Medline donates €0.20 to Think Pink Europe, supporting awareness campaigns and the vital work done for those affected by breast cancer.


Each glove used in hospitals becomes part of a larger ripple of support, visibility, and early detection. We will keep supporting our healthcare partners, keep amplifying awareness, and keep showing up on the ground, in hospitals, and within our own teams.


Because the power to make a difference is, and always will be, in our hands.


About Medline

 

Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions serving all points of care. Through its broad product portfolio, resilient supply chain and leading clinical solutions, Medline helps healthcare providers improve their clinical, financial and operational outcomes. Headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, the company employs more than 43,000 people worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries and territories. To learn more about how Medline helps improve healthcare delivery and outcomes, visit www.medline.eu