Clinics Can Help is the only nonprofit organization based in Palm Beach County that accepts and donates gently used medical equipment and supplies. The grass roots organization, created by the residents of Palm Beach County, uses the simple concept of recycling in an organized way to ensure that everyone in need of durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies can receive it. What has made the program so successful is the nonprofit’s policy of Universal Availability. “We donate DME to anyone in need in Palm Beach County” said the organization’s executive director, Owen O’Neill. “Hospitals and doctor’s offices can refer their patients to CCH for donations of medical equipment, ensuring that their patients have access to this critical aspect of medical care.” 

 

In 2013, thanks in large part to the donations and support of residents of Palm Beach County, Clinics Can Help purchased and installed an automated DME washer that allows the organization to save time and money, making the process of collecting, cleaning, and preparing a piece of equipment to be donated, more automated. Thanks to this device, the process takes less staff and volunteer time and allows the organization to utilize time collecting and donating even more medical equipment. “We are estimating that this device will save us over $7,000 this year,” said O’Neill.

 

Over the past year, Clinics Can Help has served close to 1200 new patients and more than 700 returning clients. “Having access to DME increases recovery time, promotes independence and mobility, and decreases chances of injury and of isolation in patients,” said O’Neill. “We do all that we can to help individuals and families throughout South Florida have access to the proper equipment to manage their illness.