A critical resource for local seniors, people with disabilities and injured children and adults, providing assistive technology and mobility equipment on loan, free of charge.  Items loaned include wheelchairs, walkers, transfer benches, power-operated vehicles, hospital beds, shower chairs and other medical equipment needed to be independent, mobile and safe in their own homes and communities.  Basic activities such as going outside, engaging in community events, bathing, and living independently are all facilitated by the use of this medical equipment.  This is CARE Chest’s most accessed program, serving 32% of clients (2,963 client services in 2012).

Diabetic Program

Children and adults with diabetes receive free access to diabetic supplies and medications needed to manage their disease, remain in school and working and prevent secondary conditions.  Clients are provided glucose meters, lancets, a six month supply of test strips and up to $100 annually for insulin and oral diabetes medications.  The Diabetic Program provided 2,645 client services in 2012.

Provides immediate prescription assistance to individuals suffering from illnesses, infections and chronic diseases that can prove fatal if left untreated.  Adults receive up to $50 annually and children and disabled adults up to $100 annually to fill prescriptions at local partner pharmacies for antibiotics, anti-seizure, cardiac and respiratory medications.   This program provided 2,432 client services in 2012, preventing taxpayer and hospital-funded emergency room visits and long-term health complications.

A life-saving program for medically malnourished people, including cancer patients and the elderly, providing monthly supplies of instant breakfast and liquid nutrition, free of charge.  Program clients survive on limited or no income and cannot afford the added expense of liquid nutrition, despite their critical need.  This service enables clients to get the nutrients needed to remain independent and avoid hospitalization and institutionalization.

A vital service for clients suffering from respiratory infections, asthma, cystic fibrosis and other respiratory conditions, providing nebulizers on a loan basis to administer medication directly into the lungs.  Donations of nebulizers are always greatly appreciated.

Ostomy supplies, adult diapers, bed pads, lice shampoo, wound care and other consumable medical supplies are available on a monthly basis.  While these items may appear small or inexpensive, living on a very limited-fixed income of less than $600 a month (as 29% of our clients do), any extra expense detracts from money for food, rent and families’ basic needs.

Assistive Technology Loans for the purchase of items that make independent living safer and more accessible for local people with disabilities.  Loans must be used for medically-related purchases such as equipment, computers, home or business modifications, vehicle conversions, lifts and other items needed to remain safe and independent and improve the overall quality of life for local people with disabilities.  For more information, please contact CARE Loan Coordinator Bill Kelderman at bkelderman@carechest.com.

A life-changing service for people with disabilities, enabling them to live safely and independently in their own homes and communities.  Provides home and vehicle modifications designed to increase community involvement and productivity while maximizing independence and self-sufficiency.  For more information, contact Independent Living Program Manager, Bob Donnelly at bdonnelly@carechest.com.

A series of classes designed to provide education on how to make healthier food and exercise-related  lifestyle choices.  The goal of this program is to create a constituency of health-minded individuals who will teach their own families what they’ve learned to prevent obesity and the onset of chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.  Contact Projects Coordinator Marika Baren for more information at mbaren@carechest.com.