More than 4,000 pounds of donated wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and other medical equipment will be redistributed to St. Louis-area families after a community collection drive aimed at helping residents who struggle to obtain needed home care items.
The equipment drive, hosted by Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in partnership with STL Help, collected 4,045 pounds of donated medical equipment for reuse across the region.
STL Help, a nonprofit that provides free refurbished medical equipment, serves families facing insurance delays, limited coverage and high out-of-pocket costs for mobility and home care equipment. The organization collects donated items, refurbishes equipment that can be safely reused and lends it to residents at no cost.
Hospital officials said the need can be especially difficult for families caring for children with complex medical conditions who depend on specialized equipment after leaving the hospital.
“Because of insurance delays or cost barriers, securing what a child needs to be discharged by the time they need it can sometimes seem impossible for caregivers,” said Kristin LaRose, chief nursing officer at Ranken Jordan.
LaRose said many families face challenges obtaining equipment needed for home care, particularly as children grow and require new sizes or adaptations.
STL Help Executive Director Karen Lanter said the donations will support families recovering from illness or injury while also keeping reusable equipment out of landfills.
“Every wheelchair, walker, shower chair or pediatric mobility item donated today represents relief for a family facing a health crisis,” Lanter said.
The donated items included wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and pediatric mobility equipment. STL Help said the equipment will be cleaned, refurbished and redistributed to residents across the St. Louis area.
To learn more about Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, visit RankenJordanFoundation.org. For more information about STL Help, visit STLHelp.org.