Venture MEND’s 30-year mission to reuse medical gear nonetheless rising

SAN ANTONIO – Settled into its new 16,000-square-foot facility within the Medical Middle space, Venture MEND’s huge transfer in January 2022 couldn’t have come at a greater time, stated Cathy Valdez, the nonprofit’s CEO.

“We simply serve an increasing number of and extra,” Valdez stated. “The quantity will increase, the necessity will increase.” By 12% over the previous two years, stated Kristy Walston, Venture MEND chief improvement officer.

Given what it’s seen to date, Walston stated Venture MEND initiatives this 12 months it should present 2,100 shoppers with 5,000 items of donated medical gear of every kind and sizes for reuse by kids, adults and veterans.

Walston stated Venture MEND is the biggest of its type in Texas, and the one one with a state licensed sanitation system for each bit of kit earlier than it leaves the constructing.

“It’s such a blessing,” stated Ricarrda Alfaro Munoz, whose mom and grandmother every have medical gear made attainable by Venture MEND.

As a substitute of leaving unused medical gear in a closet or the storage, Munoz stated, “There’s folks that actually want it.”

Not solely did the walker and motorized wheelchair or scooter change her mom’s high quality of life, Munoz stated it improved her outlook on life.

“I might hop on and off the bus and get some issues executed that I hadn’t executed for a 12 months,” Nadal stated. “They’re outstanding.”

As a substitute of paying for costly medical gear which will or will not be lined by insurance coverage, Valdez stated Venture MEND solely has a $20 annual membership payment.

Valdez stated as soon as enrolled, Venture MEND has a report of somebody who will want medical gear now or sooner or later.

All that’s required, stated Valdez, is a prescription from a medical skilled.

“We want that particular person to inform us medically what’s it that they want,” Valdez stated.

A big room is jammed with wheelchairs, walkers and extra which are virtually stacked to the ceiling to fulfill the rising demand.

One other space is devoted to cleansing, repairing and refurbishing the gear earlier than it’s sanitized and prepared to be used.

Valdez stated the constructing was designed to accommodate the almost fixed circulation of things coming in and going out.

She stated Venture MEND prides itself in serving to shoppers get adjusted to no matter gear they’ll be utilizing.

“Our job is to make folks glad, and that’s what we do,” stated Carlos Gomez, a listing specialist. “If somebody’s in want and wishes slightly help, we’re there for everybody.”

KSAT Group will probably be internet hosting a cellphone financial institution on July 20 to boost cash for medical gear objects.

Venture MEND will probably be accepting gently used medical gear throughout their Gear Up for Mobility- A medical gear donation drive from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 22 on the Wonderland of Americas (4522 Fredericksburg Highway, close to Pastime Foyer).