STLHELP's IMPACT
🌟 Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Every day, the St. Louis Health Equipment Lending Program (STLHELP) puts hope within reach by providing free, life-changing medical equipment to people who would otherwise go without. From a wheelchair that restores independence to a hospital bed that brings comfort at home, each item tells a story of dignity regained.
This report not only celebrates the progress we’ve made together, but also shines a light on the urgent needs still unmet—too many of our neighbors continue to wait for the help they deserve.
🌟 Here for You, Your Family,
and Your Community
Every piece of equipment we provide carries a story—a grandfather who can now get out of bed on his own, a grandmother who can stay at home with dignity, a patient who feels independent again. Behind every number is a neighbor, a friend, or a family member whose life is brighter because of your support.
Serving Individuals, Friends & Families, HealthCare Providers
Older Adults Served
In total, 2,648 older adults have received life-changing equipment in the past year—giving them freedom of movement, better health outcomes, and the comfort of knowing they are not alone.
We serve neighbors who rely on walkers, wheelchairs, and hospital beds to stay safe and connected to their families.
A home health nurse of A&W Healthcare, which focuses on North County, notes: “St. Louis HELP is really their only shot at having a decent life.”
[Make a Donation. Support this Grass-Roots Organization]
The past year has seen an Increase in Community Giving of Used Home Medical Equipment, through HELP HUBs. STLHELP is fortunate to have six partners in our communities throughout the region that collect and give away used home medical equipment as part of STLHELP.
Where Medical Equipment Donations Come From
Generosity is everywhere, but here’s how it looks across our region:
-
Olivette Warehouse: 8,302 items
-
Crystal City HUB: 1,236 items
-
St. Charles HUB: 1,682 items
-
Lemay HUB: 1,263 items
-
Mehlville HUB: 958 items
-
High Ridge HUB: 104 items
-
North City HUB: 50 items
-
Soulard HUB: 14 items
👉 Total: 13,629 items given by neighbors, for
✨ These aren’t just statistics—they are mothers, fathers, grandparents, babies and friends. By standing with STLHELP, you make sure our region’s older adults can continue to live with dignity and independence.
🌟 HELPING
At-Risk Kids
Meeting the Need
“It typically takes months for our young patients' equipment to arrive after they discharge home, which is valuable time wasted. STL HELP bridges the gap." Christina Rejko, Physical Therapist, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital
A fast growing part of STLHELP"s services is serving chldren with special needs, such as spinal bifida, muscular disorders and Ataxia. In the past 12 months, STLHELP has equipped 121 children with the tools they need to live more fully: toddlers learning to walk with stability, grade-school kids who can finally keep up with friends, and teenagers healing at home instead of in the hospital.
-
The youngest (0–4 years) are often children with developmental or medical needs who now have access to supportive equipment.
-
School-aged kids (5–10 years) gained walkers, standers, and devices that help them be included at school and at play.
-
Adolescents (11–18 years) received specialized equipment that lets them recover, regain independence, and prepare for adulthood.
-
And thanks to 2024’s closing months, 58 more children had their lives changed with free equipment—proof that demand only continues to grow.
Meanwhile, 6 young adults (ages 18–24), just starting out in life, were able to maintain mobility and dignity thanks to STLHELP.
✨ Together, that’s 127 young people supported in just one year—each with their own story of hope and independence.
🌍 Environment
Every walker, wheelchair, and hospital bed donated to STLHELP has a double impact: it changes a life and protects our planet.
Building Inventory, Building Hope
Our HELP HUBs are more than distribution sites—they are neighborhood collection centers where generosity flows in every day. Thanks to our community, donations soared to 13,629 items last year—more than double the year before. Each of those items represents someone choosing to give their neighbor a chance at independence, while keeping valuable equipment out of landfills.
Protecting the Environment
By re-using and re-loving equipment, STLHELP diverted 235 tons of home medical equipment from landfills last year—up from 150 tons the year before. That’s not just a number; it’s thousands of pieces of metal, fabric, and electronics given a second life. It’s cleaner air, less waste, and a healthier world for future generations.
✨ Every piece of equipment donated is a story of kindness: a hospital bed that will comfort another patient, a wheelchair that will carry someone back into their community, a walker that will steady the steps of an aging parent. Together, we’re proving that generosity heals people and heals the planet.