WHAT: HELP is a service of Project Access of Durham County (PADC), a non-profit agency, www.projectaccessdurham.org. PADC links people without health insurance into a local network of clinics, laboratories, pharmacies, and hospitals that donate their efforts to help those in need. WHO: The 230,000 adults and 65,000 children in Durham County who may be uninsured or underinsured. Health insurance do
es not always cover needed medical equipment or approve equipment you think you need. People with access to Medicaid and Medicare qualify for certain equipment only once every five years. HOW:
(1) Refurbish gently used durable medical equipment: sanitize it, make minor repairs, and then loan to Durham County residents in need. (2) No fees will be charged to borrow the equipment. HELP accepts gently used equipment. A full list can be found on the website. HELP will be staffed two days/week by a part-time program manager and a cadre of volunteers. WHY:
(1) Patients have increased mobility, comfort, and dignity during periods of recuperation. (2) People who cannot afford equipment are served, and donors can benefit by income tax deductions. (3) Recuperation can occur at home instead of in the hospital. (4) Patients, family members, and caregivers have less stress. (5) Equipment is not discarded into landfills.
