MedNeed of SC is a four-year-old 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing medical equipment to the uninsured and indigent of South Carolina. I founded it because, having 25 years experience providing this equipment to the insured, I began several years ago to realize the growing numbers of South Carolina’s citizens that were falling through the proverbial cracks in the system.
MedNeed of SC specifically targets a population that has neither insurance to cover their medical equipment nor the funds to purchase what they need. We primarily provide what is referred to as durable medical equipment – hard goods, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds, walkers, bedside commodes, shower chairs and lift chairs; and soft goods, such as incontinent supplies and diabetic supplies. While we don’t currently provide oxygen, ostomy, wound care or other specialized products because there is no one on staff certified to do it, we try very hard to find a source for these patient needs as well.
After four years, I am still operating out of a 10x20 storage unit with my dining room table as an office. I have received a grant from the Sisters of Charity’s Caritas Fund for $1000 and the Columbia Free Medical Clinic has been instrumental in helping MedNeed keep its doors open by procuring special funds through their grants for medical equipment and sharing those funds with us. It is quite possible that MedNeed of SC might not exist without their help. Though we have not had much luck yet with grants, with the help of the Free Clinic, some fundraisers and the giving spirit of people who have heard of this work and donated used equipment, MedNeed has seldom had to say no. As we become better known, more and more requests are being made for a wider range of needs, so we could use all the help we can get in terms of operating funds.
If you can help or would like to set up a gospel concert to raise funds, please contact us at 803-622-7827, email medneedofsc@yahoo.com or visit www.medneedofsc.com.