Neighbor to Neighbor Receives Grant for Medical Equipment Loan Program

Ann Bennett, left, executive director at Neighbor to Neighbor, receives a check for Neighbor to Neighbor from Marcia Smith, vice chair of the Door County Community Foundation. Submitted.

The Door County Community Foundation, Inc., through the Ruth & Hartley Barker Memorial Fund, the John & Nell Herlache Community Impact Fund, and the Barb & Mike Madden Fund, has awarded a sustainability grant of $2,500 to Neighbor to Neighbor Volunteer Caregivers to support their Medical Equipment Loan Program through the purchase of bariatric-sized durable medical equipment and equipment labeling. In addition, Wisconsin Public Service has awarded a grant of $500 to Neighbor to Neighbor for the same purpose.

Bariatric-sized medical equipment makes Door County safer for vulnerable populations by enhancing safety services available to those in need of medical equipment with a weight capacity up to 500 lbs. In the interest of these vulnerable individuals, Neighbor to Neighbor will add some of the following pieces in bariatric sizes to their stock: wheelchairs, four-wheeled walkers with seats, two-wheeled walkers, commodes, bath benches, and bath transfer benches.

“Bariatric equipment is often cost prohibitive to patient and families, so unsafe substitutes are obtained, putting patients at risk for injury,” said Marcia Smith, vice chair of the Door County Community Foundation. “The Community Foundation is pleased to support the purchase of this equipment, allowing Neighbor to Neighbor to assist those in need.”

For more information, call Neighbor to Neighbor at 920.743.7800.