what to do with extra cath supplies?

[big texan]

Well, I talked to my insurance and they said their procedure code covered a kit to go with each hydrophilic catheter so they were happy. I called the local center for independent living and they said they'd be delighted to get the stuff so I guess all's well that ends well.

[stephen212]

Kevin, What catheters are you currently using?

[McDuff]

I'll have to call an ILC, I have tried, nursing homes, hospice, free clinics, local PVA chapter, and more, and haven't found anyone to take them. Seems they can't get past the name, sheesh people, sterile gloves and stuff, not just a catheter insertion kit.

Thanks for new idea.

[jody]

some states are cutting the type and amount of catheters allowed, yet they still insist they pay for those damn insertion kits. I have a storage tubby packed full to the top with them.

[stephen212]

Originally Posted by McDuff

I'll have to call an ILC, I have tried, nursing homes, hospice, free clinics, local PVA chapter, and more, and haven't found anyone to take them. Seems they can't get past the name, sheesh people, sterile gloves and stuff, not just a catheter insertion kit.

Thanks for new idea.

Medical practices may be interested. My urologist made use of the cath kits.

[gjnl]

Maybe someone here on the Care Cure Community could use them and would be happy to get them for the price of postage.

Or try:
http://www.doc2dock.org/
http://www.bridgemin.org/
http://www.fodac.org/

Shriner's Hospitals are always in need of supplies and durable medical equipment. You can contact the International Development Department or find state development offices at this link. They are a 501c3 qualified organization.
http://support.shrinershospitals.org...ment_Directors

If you do an internet search "501c3 charities donate durable medical equipment" you will find a number of organizations that may be in your area that will accept equipment and supplies, i.e., Home Care of Pennsylvania, Operation Giving Back, American Medical Resource Foundation, Kids' Mobility Network, Medical Bridges (Aid to Africa), Good Will, Easter Seals and more. When you are considering making donations of money or equipment, it is a good idea to use one of the many charity evaluators that are available on line. Here is one:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125762887234736193.html

All the best,
GJ

[SCI-Nurse]

This one is already posted above, but I have had good experiences donating supplies to them, esp. if you have case lots:

http://www.doc2dock.org/

(KLD)

[Aspen]

We also receive the "kit" that we do not use. The gloves, BZK wipe, trash bag, and gauze are all included in the same package as the hydrophilic catheter. (These are the disposable caths with the bag attached.) When we contacted our DME we were told that the insurance regulations were "if you use a disposable (one time use) cath you had to receive the sterile supply kit that comes with it."

Since these additional items are in the same package they are no longer sterile once we open the pack so none of our medical contacts could accept them. It makes me crazy to waste...so here are some of the things I have done. We use the gauze and BZK wipes...and some of the gloves for BP.

The gloves are the most popular item...I have given to fellow SCIers when possible...they have been grateful.
Depending on where you live if there are any organizations for SCI or PT clinics or places like Project Walk or Push to Walk...there will be fellow SCIers.
Some of my neighbors have cleaning services..I actually walked to their house when I saw the car (merry maids, etc) and gave them a bag full of gloves.
Our local Humane society uses the gloves and little trash bags and pads...I drop them off every month..I am now known as the glove lady.
Also, a friend of mine has friends who run the concession stand for their kids baseball, soccer games and they all use the gloves and little bags.

good luck..

[McDuff]

I shipped kits to a bunch of CC'ers quite awhile ago, I paid postage that time around. You'd be surprised how much those things cost to ship, they are heavy little suckers. I don't remember how many I sent out, but postage added up to ~$130, so I was looking for local solutions this time.

Getting some good ideas from this thread.

[cheesecake]

As far as the OP, good luck, I tried numerous places to get rid of mine and a lot of people wouldn't take them even though they were unopened. I wanted to send them to others countries, like Haiti as I figured after the earthquake they could have used several of the items in each pack but I couldn't find a way to get em there.

There is a non-profit that ships supplies during natural disasters. They are in NC so you would ship there and they move them on to Haiti, etc.

In my job, I come across people daily in need and without coverage. I am always searching for donations. If you want to give the supplies away, let me know and I can help direct them to someone in need.