So thrilling when a project that took two years of planning and strong connections with community partners becomes a reality. In September, a 40-foot container was delivered to the American Legion Post 201 parking lot at 201 Wills Road, Alpharetta. This container will serve as a collection and distribution point for new and gently used medical equipment. The Rotary Clubs of Roswell and Alpharetta and the American Legion Post 201 will manage the project along with the Rotary Clubs of Johns Creek and North Fulton. Other partners include Vision Warriors and the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). And of course, FODAC (Friends of Disabled Adults & Children) who masterminded this program!

 Donations can be dropped off at the container while some pickups in the area will be coordinated.  High demand items will be sanitized and redistributed locally by distribution partners to clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare workers. Equipment requiring further repair or not immediately needed will be stored for FODAC to collect. This initiative aims to address the environmental impact of medical waste and the growing demand for affordable medical equipment in Georgia. According to a 2018 CDC study, over 2 million Georgia residents live with disabilities that limit their mobility or daily functioning.

FODAC's DME program repairs, refurbishes, and reissues donated equipment such as wheelchairs, scooters, patient lifts, and hospital beds for a minimal one-time registration fee of $25. The organization annually provides around 8,000 items to 3,000-4,000 clients. Chris Brand, President of FODAC and District 6900 Disaster Relief Chair said. “Four Rotary clubs joining together to help their local community get no longer needed medical equipment out of their attics, basements, and garages to one North Fulton location and into the hands of those in desperate need.”

The new Alpharetta collection site is part of FODAC's strategy to increase its annual collection and refurbishment from 10,000 to 14,000 items to meet growing demand .Roswell Rotary President Nancy Alterman said, “We wanted to provide medical equipment for times when insurance did not cover or someone could not afford to pay and in a convenient North Fulton location. When health problems strike, there are so many unexpected expenses and we wanted to make this equipment accessible..”

Community members are encouraged to donate gently used medical equipment at the new collection site. For more information contact Jonathan Crooks jonathancrooks@bellsouth.net