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I found it surprisingly difficult to find an organization that would pick up a hospital bed and wheelchairs for donation. I tried several charity groups, the local hospital, a home care service agency and a senior care center. Either they weren’t interested or did not cover the area, though they covered bordering areas. Hiring a junk removal company was easier, but it bothered me to throw away these items that I was sure someone would need. I finally found someone.
After many phone calls and Google searches, I stumbled upon AFYA Foundation, an organization that sends medical equipment overseas, primarily to Africa and the Caribbean. According to their website, “Afya means ‘health’ in Kiswahili…Afya collects and delivers critically needed surplus medical supplies, hospital equipment, and humanitarian provisions for acute and ongoing health crises worldwide.”
I called them to schedule the pickup and they were wonderful. The scheduling process was professional, the driver was prompt and the pickup went smoothly. I recommend contacting them if you have medical-related items to donate.
Glad you persevered – it really would be sad if the equipment couldn’t be used.
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I’m glad too, Ro. We also found a neighbor that works with a homeless shelter in the city and we gave her sheets and blankets. I hate seeing anything go to waste.
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Thank you, Gail! It’s sad that we are so hyper-regulated and unable to deviate from protocol (some healthcare places are contracted to get supplies only from one supplier) that these much-needed items can’t be used locally. Glad they’re going to Africa where they are needed so badly.
I tried to donate a car recently and it took weeks of calls to find someone who would take it. There’s quite a complicated process to doing it in this state.
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Thanks, Beth. I wasn’t aware there were regulations around donations. That would explain why I kept running into roadblocks. It doesn’t seem right.
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