January 9, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Jarrett Carter, Communications Manager, Department of Community Resources, 410-313-6400
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball joined staff from the Department of Community Resources and Services, Office of Aging and Independence and community partners to officially reopen The Loan Closet of Howard County. The Loan Closet of Howard County is now located at 7125 Riverwood Drive, Columbia, MD 21046. Photos can be found here.
“This is an exciting second expansion for The Loan Closet,” said Howard County Executive Ball. “We’ve seen the use and need for these services grow significantly in the past three years, with more than 12,000 residents seeking assistive devices, saving families nearly $5 million. With this new space there is also an expansion of services and accessibility, allowing us to continue working towards a community that improves the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.”
Since 2004, the Loan Closet has processed more than 26,000 pieces of donated medical and therapeutic equipment such as canes, walkers and wheelchairs and provided them at no cost to more than 17,000 county residents. The average value of each loan is $225, ranging from $50 to $20,000.
“We are thrilled to expand this service in such a dynamic way, with a range of partners complementing the outreach with valuable programming and training,” said Jackie R. Scott, Director of the Howard County Department of Community Resources and Services. “Howard County is proud to be among the handful of jurisdictions across the nation to offer this kind of community care, and we’re grateful for the leadership of the County Executive and supporting constituents in helping it to grow as a national model of helping neighbors to live with dignity.”
Howard County has seen significant growth of requests for equipment from the Loan Closet. 70% of residents who have requested services from Loan Closet, did so in the last three years, with 12,000 residents supported with 21,000 pieces of equipment. Many insurance companies do not cover durable medical equipment and 80% of the items provided by Loan Closet are not covered under insurance.
The new space allows for expansion of services including accommodating additional on-site partners to expand educational resource opportunities for medical support and treatment, along with increased operating hours and new donation allowances for pediatric and assistive devices. Additionally, The Loan Closet will provide more volunteer opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.