Towards the end of 2018, 21st Century Rehab at Dallas County Hospital began plans to create what they’re calling a “Loan Closet” for used medical equipment, and now the program is ready to be rolled out.

Caitlin McDowell, an occupational therapist with 21st Century Rehab, spearheaded the program. She says they have collected a large amount of quality used medical equipment, ranging from walkers to wheelchairs, with all of it supplied by the public. “So we’ve had a lot of wonderful donations from the community, and we’ve been able to fill portions of that Loan Closet and meet the needs that we have to be able to open the program to the community. So we have an official start date for when we’ll be able to loan those out, and that’s going to start on February 11th of this year.”

McDowell adds, the Loan Closet will grow as donations continue to come in. She says items they need more of include commodes, shower chairs, and tub transfer benches. However, she says they will accept any donations of medical equipment in good, working condition. As for how people can rent the equipment, McDowell says it will function like checking out a library book, and patients can hold onto the items for a period of three months. You don’t need a doctor’s referral to use the Loan Closet, and there is no fee to check out equipment. All you need to do is stop into the 21st Century Rehab offices at Dallas County Hospital, or give them a call at 515-465-7557.

To learn more, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com