In brief: Mobility City expands, NCART taps Steelman, McKesson launches initiative 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mobility City Holdings announces the grand opening of Mobility City of San Diego, serving San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, La Jolla, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe and Carmel Valley, Calif. This location, owned and operated by Peter Yi, an Army veteran with 28 years of health care industry experience, marks a significant milestone for the company to achieve its goal of providing top-notch products to the 68 million Americans with disabilities. "I am thrilled to open a Mobility City showroom to the County of San Diego to serve our communities with a wide range of mobility products," said Yi. "My goal is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by providing them with the equipment they need to live independently and comfortably." Mobility City of San Diego will offer a wide variety of products, including power wheelchairs, scooters, lift chairs, walking aids and more. Customers who can't get to the store can receive a house call from a technician for repairs, rentals and sales. 

NCART taps Steelman for marketing push 

WASHINGTON – NCART has hired industry veteran Barry Steelman, founder of Steelman Marketing, to expand its marketing communication to the complex rehab industry, legislators, regulators and consumers. Steelman, who has worked with Permobil and Stealth, brings industry knowledge and expertise, NCART says. “We were very fortunate to partner with Barry,” said Wayne Grau, executive director of NCART. “He has some great ideas on how we can get the CRT message out to the world to show the incredible value that CRT equipment and services bring to the consumers that we serve.” NCART has also launched a new YouTube channel. 

InfuSystem receives delinquency notice 

ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich. – InfuSystem Holdings has received notice from the New York Stock Exchange Regulation that the company is not in compliance with its continued listing standards under the timely filing criteria. InfuSystem failed to timely file its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2023, which was due with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 1, 2024. The company has been unable to file the Delinquent Report because, as previously disclosed in the Notification of Late Filing on Form 12b-25 filed with the SEC on March 14, 2024, it requires additional time to complete its procedures to evaluate potential errors related to (i) the classification of certain expenses included in general and administrative costs that should have been included in cost of sales, and (ii) the adoption and ongoing application of Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), referred to as ASC 842. The company will have six months from the date of the filing delinquency to file the report with the SEC.  

ATHOMES cancels meeting 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – ATHOMES has cancelled its upcoming meeting on April 17-18, 2024, due to pre-registrations that fell short of minimum hotel requirements. The board of directors plans to assess the association's future direction. “There are shifting dynamics within our region that necessitate careful consideration to ensure the continued viability of state associations,” said Dana Douglas, board president, in a message to members. “As Tennessee providers, we are eager to explore various options that will enable us to deliver the highest quality content, education and legislative initiatives. This brief hiatus in our meeting schedule will afford us the time to thoroughly explore these options, benefiting both providers and the vendors/suppliers who support our state associations.” ATHOMES says that, fortunately, the hotel has allowed the association to terminate its contract without penalty. Going forward, the association says it will plan more frequent membership advocacy meetings to determine the needs of providers in the state, and will establish more avenues for communication, education and networking. “We are committed to enhancing our advocacy efforts to ensure that a diverse range of voices are heard, ultimately making a meaningful impact on behalf of the patients we serve and meeting the needs of providers,” Douglas said. 

McKesson launches initiative to reduce pharmacy deserts 

IRVING, Texas – McKesson has launched Project Oasis, an initiative aimed at advancing health equity for at-risk populations in underserved communities. As the first activation site for the project, McKesson has helped to facilitate an expedited path to independent pharmacy ownership for Dr. Emmanuel "Manny" Ayanjoke, a licensed pharmacist, in Avondale, Ohio. "As a diversified health care services company, we recognize the pivotal role community pharmacies play in promoting health equity and bridging gaps in care,” said Nimesh Jhaveri, executive vice president and chief impact officer, McKesson. Led by McKesson's Global Impact Organization and Community Pharmacy & Health, Project Oasis seeks to identify and address pharmacy deserts, particularly in urban areas where residents face significant challenges in accessing essential pharmacy services. With the support of Project Oasis, Ayanjoke and Altev Community Pharmacy are now serving Avondale and its residents and helping to tackle health care disparities. "I am proud to be a part of Project Oasis and to have been selected to help serve Avondale and its residents," Ayanjoke said. "Every day, Altev Community Pharmacy will provide compassionate, whole person care to help a community that has long grappled with limited access to essential healthcare services.” 

Medline to distribute Consure device 

NORTHFIELD, Ill. – Medline will exclusively distribute Consure Medical’s QiVi MEC male external urine management device to help guard against catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) as part of a new agreement. Leveraging its extensive distribution network, Medline will increase the visibility of this product and enhance patient care, reduce health care costs and help clinicians better care for their patients, the company says. “Medline Urology is committed to providing essential solutions that empower clinicians to reduce the risk of CAUTIs and IADs,” said Mike Gerskovich, general manager, Medline. “QiVi MEC is Medline’s newest male external urine management device that bridges the needs of both infection prevention and WOC in their pursuit of lowering hospital-acquired infections. QiVi MEC helps clinicians provide their patients with quality urological care to achieve optimal outcomes. We are excited to add QiVi MEC to Medline’s robust urology portfolio.” QiVi MEC employs suction to divert urine output in real time. The non-absorbing pouch material keeps skin dry, as well as creates a highly precise fluid intake and outtake assessment. The catheter also provides ease of use for clinicians and keeps patient comfort in mind with its universal fit and derma-friendly, silicon-based adhesive, which creates a closed system to prevent leakage. 

VGM’s Kelly Wolf retires 

WATERLOO, Iowa – Kelly Wolf, vice president of key accounts and regional account manager for VGM & Associates, has retired. Wolf joined VGM in 2006 and has played a pivotal role in the success of VGM members, focusing on strengthening relationships with both members and vendor partners. "Kelly's expertise and dedication have been a cornerstone of VGM's success and have greatly impacted the industry," said Lindy Tentinger, president, VGM & Associates. "The lasting impact of the relationships Kelly has built across his entire career in our industry are nothing short of amazing. He is a true difference maker and has been an advocate, thought leader and friend to many. We are thankful for his unwavering commitment to our members and vendor partners and extend our best wishes for his future endeavors." Prior to joining VGM, Wolf spent 19 years at Invacare, holding numerous sales and sales management roles. “These past 18 years have provided so many incredible memories with VGM members, vendors, and of course, the unbelievably talented VGM family,” said Wolf. “To have been a part of one of the finest organizations in healthcare was truly an honor.” 

Mobility City opens third Savannah-area location 

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Mobility City Holdings has expanded in the Southeast with the opening of the Mobility City of Savannah showroom, the third owned by franchisee Don Guilbert. The franchise will service the counties of Chatham, Effingham, Bryan and Mcintosh, Ga., as well as the Savannah, Ga., metro area. "Expanding into Savannah is not just a business endeavor for me; it's a mission to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people who rely on mobility assistance," said Guilbert. "I am excited to bring Mobility City's top-quality products and exceptional service to even more individuals in this vibrant community and expect to continue to expand in the future." The franchise will offer a comprehensive range of products and services, including mobility scooter rentals, wheelchair repairs, and accessibility solutions. Guilbert's team of trained professionals will ensure that customers receive personalized assistance and support to meet their mobility needs effectively. 

NHIA wraps successful event 

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The 2024 National Home Infusion Association Annual Conference drew more than 1,600 home and alternate site infusion professionals for four days of networking, education and exhibits. This year's event saw significant growth in attendance and exhibits over prior years and the expo featured more than 135 companies displaying the latest products and services supporting the industry, according to NHIA. In addition to previously announced awards, NHIA recognized infusion patient advocate Shane Bare as the NHIA Infusion Change Maker. Bare has not only advocated for himself countless times and continues to persevere after tragedy and rare disease, but also has been instrumental in sharing his story to advocate for policies that improve access to home infusion, the association says. NHIA also presented its Exhibitor Innovation Award to Eitan Insights, a cloud-based digital health software suite that captures and analyzes pump data.