Assist M.E. is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that receives cash donations, grants funding and gently used durable medical equipment and donates these items to need patients. We make every effort to meet the rising demand for equipment, but some requests cannot be fulfilled due to the lack of equipment and finding to purchase equipment. Furthermore, the lack of funding and equipment prevents Assist M.E. from expanding to other Charlotte hospitals.
Donations to low income patients has steadily increased since the inception of the organization, as shown in the chart below:
Donations to low income patients has steadily increased since the inception of the organization, as shown in the chart below:
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
|
Patients Served |
37 |
65 |
87 |
151 |
187 |
359 |
~400 |
Many patients request and receive more than one medical item, and often receive several items, as prescribed by a medical professional. The average value of items provided to each patient, which varies widely, is approximately $330. So, for 2020, Assist M.E. is on track to donate durable medical equipment and other items valued at $132,000.
Estimates suggest that each time Assist M.E. gifts mobility equipment to a member of the Charlotte community, approximately $15,000 in potential healthcare costs is avoided. The prevention of subsequent falls at home generates a dramatic cost savings to the Charlotte community. Estimates suggest that each time Assist M.E. gifts mobility equipment to a member of the Charlotte community, approximately $15,000 in potential healthcare costs is avoided. Assist M.E. projects that it will help over 400 individuals in 2020, resulting in potential healthcare savings of over $6 million.