Goodwill’s Health Equipment Links Program services gives away durable medical equipment, such as bath chairs and shower benches, at no cost to individuals who cannot afford to buy the medical items. There are currently 27 people on the waiting list for free medical equipment items.
HELPs advances the safety, health and wellness, independence and quality of life of community citizens by collecting, repairing, sanitizing and providing needed medical equipment and supplies. HELPs is the only service of its kind recycling used medical equipment and then providing it free-of-charge to those who are in need but do not have the financial resources to purchase them.
“Bath chairs and shower benches are two of our most frequently requested items,” stated Cyndee Sims, vice president of Goodwill’s Missions services. “These items greatly increase the safety, especially of our seniors, and allows them to remain independent and in their own homes for a longer time.”
Bath chairs and shower benches greatly aid in stability and reduce the chances of slips and falls for those who struggle with balance and are unstable on their feet and on slick surfaces. Half of HELPs equipment recipients last year were age 65 or older.
Now in its 15th year of operation, HELPs assisted 6,126 individuals in 2014 with a variety of durable medical equipment needs, including walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, hospital beds and electric scooters. It’s estimated that providing the free equipment saved the recipients, insurance and medical providers, and taxpayers more than $1 million last year.
Donations of these bath chairs, shower benches or any other used or new medical equipment can be made at any Goodwill retail store or one of its many Attended Donation Centers. Do not leave any donation after hours or unattended. A tax deductible donation receipt is available upon request. Visit GoodwillChatt.org to locate the nearest donation facility.
HELPs collects, cleans, repairs and sanitizes donated medical equipment before matching it to someone in need throughout its 23-county service area of Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia. The walkers, crutches, bath benches, wheelchairs and other pieces of durable medical equipment are provided free of charge to people unable to purchase for themselves the equipment they need to live independent lives. Over 24,000 individuals have benefited from this award-winning program since it began in May 2000.
Charitable gift can be made to HELPs to assist in meeting the medical equipment needs of more than 6,000 people this year. A gift of $30 will provide a bath chair, wheelchair walker or other medical equipment item for one individual. Text "HELPs" to 41444 or contribute online,
GoodwillChatt.org