Haas Proposes No-Cost Medical Equipment Loan Program in Revere

By Barbara Taormina

Revere City Councillor-at-Large Robert Haas presented a motion to establish a medical equipment loan program that would allow residents, particularly seniors, to borrow things such as a wheelchairs, walkers, transport chairs, shower benches, canes, knee scooters and other items. There would be no cost to the city — simply storage and tracking of said equipment. There would be zero cost to the residents who take out the equipment. The inventory and supply of equipment would rely solely on donated items, allowing the program to start from the ground up and essentially run itself over time.

The program would also feature a waiver that the resident would sign before taking the equipment home. This program would allow residents easy access to items while avoiding large purchases, especially if the resident needs the equipment for only a short period or recovery window.

Haas, who works at the senior center, said he sees a need for this type of program on a daily basis. Haas also said he is frequently contacted by residents in Revere and nearby cities who want to donate lightly used medical equipment.

Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya was the first councillor to speak up and praise the motion. “This is a win-win,” she said. “It’s zero cost to the city, zero cost to residents when they most need some assistance. You’re taking donated equipment and putting it back in service. This is a self-sustaining program rooted in compassion and common sense.”

While other councillors were equally supportive, there were questions. Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky said the disabilities commission had tried to launch a similar program. “They gave it up because there was no place to store the equipment,” said Novoselsky.

Other councillors said it was a great idea, but they also had questions about storage and tracking the equipment.

And there was more. Deb Peczka-DiGuilio, the director of the senior center, held up a small brochure and told the council there was already a medical equipment loan program based out of the Masonic Hospital in Woburn. Peczka-DiGuilio said she has referred residents to the Masonic Hospital.

“No one has ever had trouble getting equipment from Woburn,” she added. Peczka-DiGuilio stressed the problems would be storing equipment and finding someone to manage the program.

Councillors acknowledged there were issues to work out. “We’ll work the details out and make this work,” said Ward 1 Councillor James Mercurio.

And other councillors were also in support of providing a free service to residents at no substantial cost to the city. “I’m thrilled with this motion,” said Council President Anthony Zambuto. “If we could do this here, in Revere, it would be great.”

The motion was referred to the council’s Human Services subcommittee for review.