The background
Eden Hill Communities is a nonprofit organization—based in New Braunfels for 114 years—that provides a range of living and care options for seniors, said Terry Jackson, director of marketing for Eden Hill Communities, including:
- Independent Living
- Assisted Living
- Memory Care
- Nursing and Rehabilitation
- Licensed Caregiver Services
- Hospice Care
The nonprofit also recycles equipment that can't meet state standards, Walston said, preventing it from ending up in landfills.
About the program
The initiative through the collaboration aims to facilitate the collection, refurbishment and redistribution of medical equipment to individuals in need, Jackson said, enhancing accessibility to resources and promoting community support for those with disabilities or illnesses.
Project MEND received a grant from the McKenna Foundation in 2023 to support their efforts in increasing the number of individuals served in Comal County, Jackson said.
Project MEND serves people who cannot afford new medical equipment, charging $20 annually for enrollment in their program.
The goal for the remainder of this year, as the program is in its pilot stage, Walston said, is to serve at least 75 individuals. Last year, they served just under 20 individuals in Comal County.
Project MEND serves over 45 counties, Walston said. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year:
- 1,864 individuals received medical equipment
- 5,681 medical equipment was distributed
- 120 tons of medical equipment was kept away from landfills
The following types of medical equipment are in high demand and are sought after for donation and refurbishment by Project MEND to assist individuals in need within Comal County, Jackson said, including:
- wheelchairs
- rollator walkers
- tub transfer benches
- power wheelchairs
- home hospital beds
On June 15, Eden Hill Communities will host a kickoff donation event in partnership with Project MEND, where community members can bring gently used medical equipment.
“If it's old, if it's dirty, don't worry about it,” Jackson said. “[Project MEND] can use it, or they will recycle it properly.”
The event will feature coffee, food trucks, games and music, according to a May 22 news release.
The event marks the launch of Eden Hill as a permanent donation site for medical equipment, Jackson said.
Apart from donations, volunteers are also needed, Jackson said, for the donations depot.
This collaboration is a pilot project, Jackson said, with plans to potentially expand and refine the process of collecting and distributing equipment based on community needs and response.
