This is a general question that we are asked periodically. In fact, we have addressed it here in the past. In light of the hurricane damage suffered by many Americans, and the damage from wildfires in the western United States, it has come up again.
YES. Donated prostheses and orthoses are welcome.
Sometimes patients find that they no longer need a particular device or supplies. Occasionally a patient passes away and a family member wants to make sure that the device can go to good use to someone in need. Recently a patient asked us if we could pass on some supplies to someone in need. These supplies were actually found by a friend at a thrift store who asked if they could be useful.
For orthoses, gently used is best. For prostheses, if the device cannot be used as is or with minor repairs, then the parts can be used. We receive the device and provide you with a receipt which itemizes your donation. We do not assign a dollar value - that is up to you. Since all organizations we work with are non-profit, then this donation is a tax deductible item.
Once you leave it with us, we evaluate the device for its best use, and sort items into a holding place until we can move them along. We often donate pediatric orthoses to an orphanage in China (you can read about that patient story New Day Foster Home in our archive by clicking here.) Other devices make their way to organizations we work with in Mexico, St Vincent and the Grenadines, or Guatemala. We have also sent practitioners on mission trips to work with patients and they take devices with them. Sometimes we send devices to organizations who make specific requests of us. Recently we sent supplies to one of our professional partners to help Puerto Rico.
We are always grateful that our patients and their family members recognize that others can make good use of items that they may no longer need and that we can facilitate that donation. If you have any other questions about donations, please do not hesitate to give us a call!
-Mark Hopkins, PT, CPO, MBA, CEO and President Dankmeyer, Inc.