One of the ways the Maryland Department of Aging has been working to provide assistance to Marylanders with disabilities is the, perhaps under-advertised, Durable Medical Equipment Re-use (DME) program.
As the name suggests, it is looking to help local residents secure second-hand medical equipment but notably at no cost to the recipient. All the equipment is donated, and the department provides assurances that it is comprehensively checked, rehabilitated and cleaned up before being passed on to a new consumer.
The department is always looking for more donations and has a number of centers around the state where you can drop off such items as wheelchairs, walkers, shower chairs and even home hospital beds.
If you, or someone you know, is in need of medical equipment there is a request form to fill in. If you have some form of medical insurance, you’ll also have to go to them first and see what they can give you.
For more information on the DME you can go to the webpage here: Maryland Durable Medical Equipment Re-Use