This past month REquipment Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Reuse Program hit an important milestone. Since our program was first piloted in 2013, we have now refurbished and delivered over $10 million worth of durable medical equipment to seniors, people with disabilities including children and veterans, and those with a temporary need throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. How many devices does this add up to? 5,535 power and manual wheelchairs, scooters, standers, lifts, rollators, bathroom devices,… REquipment Hits $10 Million Milestone!

A power wheelchair was recently donated to REquipment with an anonymous note intended for the next user. Get out your tissues and never underestimate the power of a wheelchair (or a reuse program!)  To the recipient of this chair: I am truly sorry about the circumstances in which you find the need for this chair. I can only hope it brings you as much enjoyment, comfort, and peace of mind as it did for my… The Power of a Wheelchair and REquipment!

With sadness, I regret informing everyone that we are reducing our service capacity effective July 1st and for an undetermined length of time.  The state of Massachusetts is behind this budget-making season and the state’s fiscal year ends June 30th.  Our funder, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, can only commit to a 6-month contract and at a significantly reduced amount from last fiscal year. The net result is an 80% reduction in REquipment’s funding. As you… Effective Immediately — REquipment’s Budget is Cut 80%

It’s been almost four weeks since we last delivered DME due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. I’m writing to report that as of yesterday we are again making deliveries from our Worcester location. We are not yet accepting many donations, but we are making progress toward providing more services. Here’s how this is rolling out: REquipment is an “essential service” – Yay! Recently the state determined REquipment provides an “essential service” and can, therefore, remain… REquipment’s Covid-19 Update – Good News!

In the nursing home, no one thought he could talk. He did it so rarely. A proud African-American father of two school-aged children, “Andre” was in his late 30s when he experienced a series of strokes that resulted in partial paralysis to his left side. He spent two years in a substandard nursing home, leaving bed rarely, silent with resignation. Three months ago, MRC’s Acquired Brain Injury program moved Andre to residential living. Funds available… DME Is Dignity

Recently Dan Perkins, REquipment Donations Coordinator, made a follow-up call to Kelly McDermott, a physical therapist with the Boston Public Schools. Kelly had received a tilt-in-space pediatric wheelchair from REquipment and Dan called to hear how it was going and help troubleshoot any problems or concerns. Kelly has helped many families acquire the equipment their children need through our program, but Dan soon heard this case was special. They decided it was a story to… Our Big Difference for a Remarkable Little Boy

Folks- I’m writing to let you know that while it’s going to be a while before we can take your donations or deliver your equipment, REquipment is not closed. We are working to get through this period of uncertainty, mindful of how important our services are to individuals and families who need us. Here’s what’s happening: Currently, we are not able to take donations or make deliveries because we do not have access to our… REquipment and Coronavirus Safety

Last week, 130 employees of Dalkia Solutions ended their regional training with a team bonding event that will make a big difference for the REquipment program inventory. Thirteen groups of ten assembled new manual wheelchairs from boxes of component parts. They then held a relay race, maneuvering the chairs through an obstacle course egged on by cheers and popular music. The winners won bragging rights. The chairs were donated to REquipment. Needless to say, I… Team Bonding with Dalkia Solutions

REquipment Durable Medical Equipment Reuse Program, Inc. has two positions open. A full-time Site Coordinator/Technician at the Canton Reuse Partner site and a part-time Technician/Cleaner at the Worcester Reuse Partner site. The Canton Site Coordinator position is 37.5 hours per week. $18/hour. Accrued vacation and sick time. No health benefits. For more information go to the Canton posting on ZipRecruiter. The Worcester Technician/Cleaner is 24 hours per week. $15/hr. Accrued prorated vacation and sick time.… Position Openings at REquipment DME Reuse!

High school students are learning about more than electronics in Rochester. Last February, REquipment was contacted by Dan Brush, an electronics engineering instructor at the Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical School in Rochester, MA. Dan was reaching out because his students had just repaired a donated scooter. He was looking for help finding it a new home and sharing the cost of repairs. I was excited to learn of high school students eager to fix… Hands-on Service Learning with REquipment!