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ONEshot Global teams up with TOMS, facilitates life-saving vaccines


ONEshot Global
October 06, 2011

“We are just a group of college kids in ripped up jeans trying to save the world,” explains Tyler Eltringham, founder of ONEshot Global.

After winning the $10,000 grand prize in the 2011 ASU Innovation Challenge, Eltringham set to work on building his business. Replicating the “One for One” business model set forth by Blake Mycoskie of TOMS Shoes, ONEshot Global donates one meningococcal meningitis vaccination to the meningitis belt directly south of the Sahara desert in Africa for every shot given in the U.S.

“We are a local solution to a global problem,” said Eltringham. “I did research and found out that there are around 4,000 cases of meningitis every year in the U.S. and 40,000 reported cases in the meningitis belt of Africa. With our model, one shot can save two lives.”

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and is caused by infection with viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms. The Center for Disease Control recommends that students receive a meningitis shot, but does not require it for college entry. By facilitating these free vaccines, ONEshot is seeking to end the spread of this communicable disease on campuses around the country.

“We had our first vaccine drive the weekend of Aug. 13-15 on both the Tempe and Downtown Phoenix campuses, and provided over 300 free vaccinations to incoming college freshmen,” said Eltrigham.

Recently, ONEshot Global was featured in Mycoskie’s debut book “Start Something That Matters," along with noted entrepreneurs such as Tony Shay, founder of Zappos.com and Lauren Bush, founder of Project Feed.

“When I got the phone call asking us to be a part of the book it was surreal and I started crying,” said Eltringham. “Before ONEshot was started I wanted to be Blake Mycoskie and find a way to do good in the world. We knew from the start that TOMS would be important in our journey.”

Eltringham advocates that anyone with even the smallest idea pursue their dreams. He says that the key to success to is believing you can do it and having a clear focus of how you want to change the world.

ONEshot is focused on expanding to additional universities, and is currently recruiting for Local University Chapters at ASU, NAU and UA. To become a part of the One Saves Two movement, contact the National Board at info@oneshotglobal.com.