Oliver BC:  The Canadian Red Cross is reaching out to the Oliver community for any leads that will help them access a larger space for their in-demand Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) Depot.  Ideally, this new space would have 700 square feet and be at no cost or rent-reduced in an accessible location.

The Oliver HELP Depot has been quite busy these days, with the ever increasing need for health equipment.  In 2010/11, HELP provided over 469 pieces of equipment to over 237 clients on a “by donation” basis, mostly seniors who were recovering from a medical crisis.  The Oliver Depot is generously supported by the Town of Oliver, however with the growing demand for the service, a space of 700 square feet is required.

Wilma Corriveau, a HELP Depot volunteer for 10 years, is concerned that the current depot struggles to maintain an appropriate stock of equipment and often has to turn away clients that need help.    Wilma further explains: “We need a bigger space to properly store and sanitize the ever expanding equipment inventory.  More space would also make it much easier for volunteers to access the medical equipment needed.  There would also be room for things like a fax, copier and a larger filing cabinet all of which would much better serve the clients.”

The Canadian Red Cross, Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) is a volunteer-driven, community-based program. Last year, the Depot had 13 volunteers who donated over 831 hours to ensure that the people of Oliver had access to free health equipment.  Making this equipment available to the public has many positive impacts in the community. First of all, access to this equipment supports the independence of clients primarily seniors, enabling them to remain an active part of their community, and thereby increasing their health and well-being. Secondly, public access to this service reduces long term facility placements, facilitates hospital discharges, and supports people who wish to spend their final days in the comfort of their own home. HELP makes it possible for those suffering to access necessary health equipment from caring community volunteers that will assist them in their recovery.

Please contact Michelle Stefan, HELP Program Assistant, Canadian Red Cross at 250-328-8752 if you would like to help us improve our depot so Oliver can be in a better position to help those experiencing a medical crisis.