Durable Medical Equipment DonationsLester Julian McRae, Intern

Michael Prasad, Director of Disaster Support Functions

Purpose

Outcomes

Evaluation

Significance

Acknowledgements

Methodology

I would like to thank my intern supervisor, Michael Prasad, and my intern coordinator, Anita Franzione,

for giving me the opportunity to become part of a wonderful

experience. Much appreciation for all the support, time, and knowledge

provided.

Increase knowledge and awareness about having necessary Durable Medical Equipment (DME) available at shelters during a disaster

Maintain the independence of people with Access and Functional Needs (AFNs) by providing needed DME

Increase execution during a disaster by having disaster relief plans in place

Decrease the amount of adversity faced when a disaster strikes by having qualified people and functional equipment

Gave Northern New Jersey health care facilities an alternative to disposing durable medical equipment

Received donated equipment and encouraged the sites to donate on a frequent basis

Established partnerships to loan equipment during a disaster

Placed a sufficient amount of equipment at each Red Cross trailer in each county

Added 6 wheelchairs, 36 walkers, 16 commodes, 21 canes, and 21 pairs of crutches which are key components to 6 shelter trailers

Request DME in the form of donations or loan agreements from healthcare

organizations and facilities

Form partnerships with organizations to loan equipment during a disaster

Receive and store key items with the inventory in shelter trailers

Distribute items to shelters during a

disaster