To the Editor:
In response to the letter from Sam Crosby, who urged the availability of donated medical equipment, we do have free medical equipment available here in our local communities [“Why not have a place to donate medical equipment?” The Altamont Enterprise, Dec. 15, 2022].

Unfortunately, this gentleman did not know about the availability of free medical equipment when he needed it. I will list the resources I am aware of for those who may need them.

Helderberg Ambulance in Berne, the Hilltown Community Resource Center in Westerlo, and the Town of Guilderland Senior Services at Bavarian Way in Guilderland all have supplies of donated medical equipment available for free. The New Scotland Senior Services also has a large variety of medical equipment to loan.

Equipment available includes walkers, rollators, wheelchairs, canes, and crutches. Depending on what is donated, commodes, bedside rails, leg braces, and other supplies may also be available. 

Each of these community resources has a website with phone numbers listed, so you can call to seek the availability of the items needed and arrange a pick-up. Items may be borrowed for a short-term need or kept for the long term.

To keep up the supply, if anyone has medical equipment in good shape that is no longer needed, call to inquire if they can use the donation. Please make sure any donated equipment is in good working order and in very clean condition.

This is a great way our community helps each other, plus a way to recycle medical equipment for someone else to use. I am grateful for the opportunity to let people know these resources are available nearby.

Debra Barnes Breitenbach

Altamont