Providers who wear capes: Free lunch, diapers and a really big giveback

YARMOUTH, Maine - HME providers have stepped up in acts both big and small to prove the COVID-19 pandemic has also brought out the best in people.

National reach

180 Medical, a national provider of disposable medical supplies, was inspired by an article in the New York Times calling attention to a shortage of diapers, wipes and other essential needs for children and individuals with special needs, says employee Jessica Jared.

“This (was) due to the surge in panic buying,” she told HME News. “180 Medical donated thousands of cases of diapers. These diapers went to charitable organizations, including World Vision, CNY Diaper Bank and the Englewood Health Foundation.”

The Oklahoma City-based company also made the news when it returned $10 million in unsolicited CARES Act funding, says Jared.

“Because the CARES Act funding was for businesses in need of assistance as a result of the COVID-19 crisis, 180 Medical believes it could better serve others in need,” she said.

Local focus

Choice Medical's Kevin Henning has focused not only on his six employees, who he's kept employed throughout the pandemic, but also his community of Ames, Iowa. Every Wednesday, he buys his employees lunch from a locally owned business to show his support, says employee Jami Tharp.

“He has also gone out of his way to support other businesses if they need it and offered his support in any way they need it,” Tharp told HME News. “DME companies and their employees often get overlooked in times like this because nobody thinks about just how essential they are.”