HELP: Health Equipment Loan Program
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Health care reform has reduced the duration of hospitalization, requiring more Canadians to recover from illness, surgery or injury while at home -- where equipment to provide comfort and mobility is often not available.
Many people in the Lower Mainland struggle with the tremendous financial burden that illness or injury can bring. The cost of purchasing or renting medical equipment is far beyond the means of many of those who need it most.
Our Programs
*** Important Notice*** As of March 1, 2009, all equipment loans require a referral from a regulated health care professional.
This change is intended to improve client safety. The referral can be provided in writing or verbally. It should include the health care professional’s name, professional designation, and phone number; along with the specific equipment needed and any applicable measurements. Questions? Please call 604.709.6600.
The Red Cross Lower Mainland Region offers a number of medical equipment loan programs for residents of the region:
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Offers health equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers and bathroom aids, by donation, on a short-term basis to individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. HELP Short Term Loan Service Depot Locations | More»
Children’s Medical Equipment Recycling and Loan Service (CMERLS)
Provides all types of medical equipment for children who are clients of the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The program also maintains a small stock of surplus children’s equipment available to the general public. More»
Aids to Independent Living (AIL) Program
Operates in the Lower Mainland and provides long term loans of medical equipment to those with limited incomes. Clients must be referred by an occupational therapist or physiotherapist. More»
Our Palliative Equipment Program provides medical equipment to palliative patients living in Vancouver. Clients must be on the B.C. Palliative Benefits Program and referred by a health care professional. More»
Home delivery and installation of equipment is available in a number of these programs.
How You Can Help
Volunteer
HELP – Short Term Loan Service is a volunteer-run program that depends on the committed support of community members like you. Become a volunteer today and make a difference in the lives of the 23,000 people who access this service each year! Volunteer opportunities are available in all our HELP – Short Term Loan Service depots. More»
Make a donation of medical equipment
All our medical equipment loan programs accept donations of used medical equipment. For more information, please click here»
Make a financial donation
Please contact us to make a financial donation to any of the medical equipment loan programs.
You Make the Difference – Support Our Health Equipment Loan Program
More than 220,000 loans of health equipment are made possible through the generous support of donors like you. Please donate to the Canadian Red Cross Fund today.
