Business Plan Summary

There is significant need within Dallas County for low cost or free durable medical equipment (DME) for low income, uninsured and underinsured patients. Dallas County has a growing population with an estimated 40% below 200% of the federal poverty limits. At a minimum, there are at least 25,000 to 50,000 people in need of low cost or free DME in Dallas County annually.

Currently there is no comprehensive system to collect, sanitize and distribute DME to needy people within Dallas County. Churches or social services organizations have a haphazard method of collecting donated items and distributing on a first come first served basis. There is no attempt to meet Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) requirements for safety or cleanliness. Some hospitals use charitable contributions to purchase a limited amount of new DME for patients in need.

A small group of congregants from Temple Emanu-El established a Feasibility Committee to document this need, evaluate current community resources and investigate potential solutions. The Feasibility Committee recommended that Dallas Area Interfaith (DAI), spearheaded by Temple Emanu-El, St. Rita Catholic Community and Temple Shalom, work to establish an independent 501(c) (3) organization to collect, clean, repair and distribute DME to needy patients in Dallas County. Considerable research has been conducted by the Feasibility Committee including site visits and in‐person interviews. Based on their research, the best template for this organization is Project MEND, a 501(c) (3) organization, in San Antonio, Texas.

 

DME Exchange will also act as a coordinating body for other organizations that are currently providing DME. This organization will be established to meet all Texas DSHS requirements for sanitation and safety, be centrally located and easily accessible, establish a sliding fee scale, determine how best to distribute needed DME to individuals, and make needed DME available to hospitals, free clinics, churches and social service agencies as necessary.

This project will also be a green project that will divert used DME from landfills to a new useful life helping people who need this service.