If you’ve recovered from your injury or surgery, you may no longer need an in-home hospital bed. If that’s the case, you may be wondering what to do with the unwanted bed frame. Thankfully, you have a few options if you want to donate.
You can donate a hospital bed to Med-Eq, the American Medical Resources Foundation, or Project C.U.R.E in the US. In the UK, Hospices of Hope and Jacob’s Well Appeal are two reputable organizations. All of the companies supply medical equipment to underserved communities around the world.
This guide covers where to donate hospital beds. Whether you want to support a local charity or war veterans, we discuss all of your options.
Where Can I Donate a Hospital Bed Near Me?
Donating a hospital bed is a charitable action that can benefit many. Various organizations around the world accept medical supply donations. They then send them to developing countries or marginalized communities within the country.
Depending on where you live, you have a few donation options. You may also have local organizations that do not operate at a national level.
Where to Donate a Hospital Bed in the United States
- Med-Eq
Med-Eq is a major donation agency that operates in the States. It acts as an intermediary between donors and organizations, so your hospital bed will go to a charity in need. Many of these charities serve overseas communities that lack access to medical supplies.
This organization allows you to donate via mail or arrange a pickup for larger items. It accepts donations from individuals, families, medical companies, and non-profit organizations. Med-Eq is completely non-profit, runs off donations, and has been serving communities since 1991.
- Project C.U.R.E
Project C.U.R.E has been working since 1987 in more than 135 countries around the world. The organization focuses on providing free medical supplies to underfunded communities in need. Most of these supplies go directly to clinics and hospitals, with volunteers from the company also providing medical assistance.
The company accepts donations from individuals, manufacturers, and healthcare providers like hospitals. If you want to donate a hospital bed, you can drop it off at a distribution center in the following cities:
- Phoenix
- Philadelphia
- Nashville
- Kansas City
- Houston
- Denver
- Chicago
- American Medical Resources Foundation
The American Medical Resources Foundation accepts donations of new and used medical supplies, which it then distributes to hospitals worldwide. AMRF has various partnerships worldwide and tests its contributions to make sure they are functional and safe.
You can either send or arrange a pick-up of your hospital bed with AMRF. By contacting the company, a representative can walk you through the process. Donations may also be tax-deductible.
Good Health Will is a Colorado-based organization that makes sure patients who need medical supplies and equipment get what they need. The organization accepts many different types of medical donations, including hospital beds.
Veterans Outreach Center accepts donations of hospital beds and a bevy of other mobility aids and medical equipment. In turn, the organization gives these items to veterans who need them. An explanation of their donation process can be found on the organization’s website.
Where to Donate a Hospital Bed in the UK
- Hospices of Hope
Hospices of Hope is a British charitable organization that operates in Eastern Europe. It supplies medical equipment to hospice care centers in Albania, Romania, Moldova, and Serbia. You can either donate money or medical supplies directly to the company.
The organization also has an American branch that is based in New York.
- Jacob’s Well Appeal
Jacob’s Well Appeal has been operating since 1982. It serves more than 30 countries and provides medical, agricultural, and educational aid to communities worldwide.
You can donate used medical equipment, including hospital beds, to this organization. The warehouse is in Beverley, and you can drop off items during working hours Monday to Friday.
How to Donate Hospital Beds to Veterans
Many of the organizations above send the donated hospital beds to overseas communities. However, if you would specifically like to donate to war veterans, you can check out any of these organizations.
Disabled American Veterans Association
The Disabled American Veterans Association is one of the oldest organizations working with war veterans. It has been operating since 1920, providing advocacy and services to veterans all over the United States.
Through its Older Veterans Assistance Program (OVAP), veterans can access free medical equipment like hospital beds. You can donate your used model to this initiative, and the organization will pass it along.
Veteran’s Thrift Store
The Veteran’s Thrift Store has various locations across the state of California. Sales from the stores generate money that the company funnels into transportation, medical, and legal claims projects for veterans.
This organization can pick up the hospital bed from your location at no cost to you. You just have to contact the headquarters and schedule the appointment.
What You Need to Know to Donate a Hospital Bed
There are a few things you should be aware of when choosing where to donate a hospital bed:
- Some organizations do not accept used models. Many charities only accept new medical equipment. Therefore, you should double-check with your preferred organization that they will take your hospital bed.
- You may have to drive to a location or pay for transport. Some companies offer pick-up services. However, many require you to drop off the hospital bed at a warehouse or distribution center.
- The bed should be in good working order. Some organizations may perform light repairs and maintenance. However, the hospital bed should be overall functional and helpful for another person.
- You may be eligible for tax deductions. You may be able to claim your donation at tax time.
- There may be small charities in your area. While there are many large organizations, there are also smaller groups operating all over the world. You may like to consult with your healthcare professional to see if they have any connections.
How to Get Your Hospital Bed Ready for Donation
Before you donate your hospital bed, it is a good idea to clean it. It doesn’t take much, just wipe the bed frame down with soap and water or a disinfecting cloth. If you have a mattress that goes with the bed frame (and you are donating it), you may want to wipe it down as well. It is also a good idea to at least attempt to repair any parts of the bed that need work. This might include any of the mechanical parts that raise and lower the bed, as well as the legs and wheels (if it has them).
You should also ask the person or organization to which you are donating the hospital bed if they require you to make any special adjustments or do any specific tasks before you give them the bed.
Why is Hospital Bed Donation So Important?
Making the decision to donate your old hospital bed is an honorable one. Making such a decision is so noble because there are other people out there who can’t afford their own hospital bed. Perhaps you were in a similar situation before you received your bed, and then one was donated to you. So it’s important to pass it on, pay forward the good deed.
And in doing so, you may be cutting down the time that someone is waiting to get a hospital bed. Many of the organizations that provide hospital beds have long waiting lists, and by donating to them, you will be shortening that list, getting a hospital bed to someone who needs it. Some patients need a bed immediately and you will be helping them do so. Or if you donate to someone directly, then you will be cutting out the waiting list all together.
By donating your hospital bed you are improving someone’s quality of life, someone who deserves that quality of life and couldn’t otherwise afford it.
Is Hospital Bed Donation Tax Deductible?
Generally speaking, a donation of a hospital bed is indeed tax deductible. If you wish to get a tax deduction for your donation, the best and most reliable method is to make your donation to an organization that has a history of handling the process and will know what you need to do to get your tax deduction. Usually, all you need is a receipt or other proof that you made the donation, which can be submitted to the IRS, if it is required. This same tax deduction may be difficult to obtain if you make your donation to a friend or family member not associated with a charitable organization.
Can You Donate a Hospital Bed in any Condition?
Different organizations have different rules regarding the condition of your hospital bed donation. Some organizations will accept a bed in literally any condition. Other organizations have higher standards, requiring gently used or brand new hospital beds. It is important to check with the organization to make sure your hospital bed meets its donation requirements. The nice part of donating to a friend or family member is that they are more likely to accept a hospital bed in a well used condition.
What About Transporting the Hospital Bed?
Many of the aforementioned organizations will handle the transportation of your hospital bed donation. They will have a carrier pick up the bed from your home. If you decide to donate your bed to a friend or a family member, then you will have to figure out the transportation on your own. Even so, you can rent a truck or hire someone to transport it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various options if you want to donate a hospital bed. You can give it to organizations that serve underserved communities worldwide. Otherwise, many local charities allow you to benefit veterans, disabled people, or other needy individuals.
Donating a hospital bed is an excellent option if you no longer need your model. It can be a lifesaver for another person and improve his or her quality of life. By doing the research and making the donation, you can give the gift of comfort and health.
Sources:
- Med-Eq
- Donate Medical Equipment & Supplies
- AMRF – Home
- Medial Supplies
- Get Involved | Jacob’s Well Appeal
- Charity Services
- DAV: Disabled American Veterans Charity
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I have a motorized elevation hospital bed with air mattress to donate with remote
I would like to donate a used electric hospital bed in semi-new condition. I’m from Bartlett, Illinois.
Zip Code 60103
I have a practically new hospital bed with remote controls elevate has air mattress that I would like to donate . velbanks210 7@ comcast.net
I have a hospital bed to donate it has a jell mattress used only a couple of weeks ,,my email is kathleenmagee44@gmail.com
If you spent less time bragging about how great you are and advertising your business and show an Efing phone number I could donate an adjustable bed. Wonder how many beds get thrown away because of your big head?!? Waste my time And someone doesn’t get a bed. Thanks for nothing
We have 2 medical beds that we would like to donate.
We have
(1) a MINT condition fully electric hospital bed with waterproof mattress set.
(2) A recumbent bike.
Would like to donate to a charitable organization. You would need to pick up; we cannot help with transportation. Can provide pictures or other details to those interested. If interested, please email aadro2@aol.com .
Hi Amanda
I live near Allentown and my mom will be staying with us
I’m in desparate need for a hospital bed
Do you still have one
Geri Nespoli
Fitnessplus24@gmail.com
I have a hospital bed with mattress and protitive cover would like to donate to some one in need
I have an air mattress bed to prevent bed sores…barely used, NY,NY
I have a medline lightwight hospital bed to donate .
Holllywood,FL