FOX 2 News -KTVI St. Louis, Kelley Hoskins takes a closer look at
Medical equipment is expensive , but there's help for those who can't afford it. St. Louis Help, a non-profit organization, is a place where you can get items , such as crutches or a wheel chair for free. St. Louis Help provides individuals with mobility problems and disabilities access to free assistive technology medical equipment through the recycle and reuse program that enables them to live as independently as possible and remain contributing members of the community. The agency strive to continually understand and accommodate the increasing and changing needs of the individuals they serve, regardless of their resources.
The fight to regain physical mobility and independence after a serious illness or injury, or to maintain these freedoms as one ages, can be a challenging experience. For many, partial recovery means reliance on special equipment to help them achieve their fullest potential."To our knowledge it`s the only kind in the country where we take this medical equipment and recycle it to those who need it." said Dennis Guilliams, St. Louis Help board president.
The agency service the entire St. Louis metropolitan area. People who need medical devices , but who are unable to obtain the equipment through medical insurance or other means receive the vital items they need. Everything like wheelchairs, scooters, canes, walkers , hospital beds and a whole lot more. "There are people that are constantly on a waiting list for various piece of equipment from hospital beds to wheelchairs to walkers to tub and showers benches that are needed for people," said Dennis.
Behind every medical device there is a story. Roosevelt Word knows first hand what it's like to struggle with mobility. It was hard for him to get around . However, St. Louis Help stepped in and provided him with a free wheelchair "It's been a big help to me because it's allot of things I need. I call them up and they help me out. Many places don't have this stuff and it's real expensive so it is a big help, said Roosevelt Word. St. Louis Help accepts donations of almost every type of home medical equipment and assertive devices, except oxygen.
If you would like to contribute new or used equipment, please call us at (314) 567-4700 to make arrangements. They accept donations of manual wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, scooters, canes, crutches, walkers, shower chairs, grab bars, toilet seats, portable commodes, lift chairs, seating cushions, back supports, manual and electric hospital beds, ramps and chair lifts. St. Louis HELP accepts donations of nearly every type of assertive technology device
