Contributed by Randy Miller
As healthcare costs continue to rise, many families face an unexpected challenge after surgery, illness, or injury: obtaining the medical equipment needed for recovery. For thousands of residents throughout the Mat-Su Valley, that challenge is eased through the Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program operated by Valley Charities, Inc.
For seven decades, Valley Charities has provided durable medical equipment to Mat-Su residents at no cost, helping individuals maintain their independence and recover safely at home.
The program’s impact continues to grow. In 2025 alone, Valley Charities assisted 2,082 Mat-Su residents by providing access to 3,429 pieces of durable medical equipment, generating an estimated $750,946 in savings for local families. Residents can borrow equipment for up to six months free of charge, eliminating the need for costly purchases during temporary recovery periods.
Strong demand has continued into 2026. From January through May, Valley Charities assisted 905 Mat-Su residents with 1,388 pieces of durable medical equipment, resulting in an additional $293,423 in estimated savings. These numbers demonstrate the ongoing need for accessible medical equipment and the vital role the program plays in supporting residents’ health and well-being.
The lending program offers a wide range of equipment commonly needed following surgery, injury, illness, or mobility challenges. Available items include wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, cryo coolers, crutches, bathroom safety equipment, shower chairs, and other medical aids designed to improve quality of life and support healing. Availability varies based on donations and current inventory.
In today’s economy, the financial burden of purchasing medical equipment can be overwhelming. A hospital bed can cost thousands of dollars, while wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices often carry price tags that place them out of reach for people already facing medical expenses. Many patients only need these items temporarily, making outright purchase impractical and costly.
That is where Valley Charities fills a critical need. By providing equipment loans at no cost, the organization helps families avoid unnecessary expenses while ensuring residents have access to the tools needed for a safe and successful recovery. The program not only saves money but also promotes dignity, independence, and improved health outcomes.
The Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program also serves an important environmental purpose. Each year, community members donate gently used wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other medical devices that might otherwise end up in local landfills. Through cleaning, inspection, refurbishment, and redistribution, Valley Charities gives these items a second life. This reuse model conserves resources, reduces landfill waste, and strengthens community stewardship throughout Mat-Su.
Valley Charities also provides free incontinence supplies based on availability. These supplies offer meaningful assistance to individuals and families managing chronic health conditions, disabilities, aging-related needs, or financial hardship. Through donations and community support, the organization works to maintain an inventory of these essential supplies and make them available at no cost.
The success of the lending program would not be possible without strong community partnerships and financial support from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. When the program became separate from turn-A-leaf in October 2022, the foundation provided $54,000 to purchase new equipment and help launch it successfully.
The Mat-Su Health Foundation’s continued investment allows Valley Charities to maintain staffing, facilities, inventory management, and program operations while keeping services free to the public. A recent donation from MTA and community members also allowed the organization to purchase 50 new elongated toilet risers, helping fill a critical gap in its inventory.
As healthcare costs continue to climb, programs like the Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program demonstrate the power of local partnerships, nonprofit service, and community generosity. For thousands of Mat-Su residents, access to a wheelchair, walker, hospital bed, or other medical device can mean the difference between struggling alone and recovering with confidence.
The Durable Medical Equipment Lending Program is located at 1301 S. Seward Meridian Parkway, Suite A, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Valley Charities encourages individuals recovering from surgery, managing a disability, assisting a loved one, or seeking incontinence supplies to contact the organization and learn about available resources.
For more information about available equipment and donation opportunities, visit valleycharities.org or call 907-521-1908.
