On May 15, Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH) proudly donated gently used rehabilitation equipment to support global health efforts in partnership with a locally driven outreach project. The donation includes a variety of functioning but retired physical therapy and exercise equipment that will soon support community wellness efforts in western Honduras.
The donated items include a treadmill, a recumbent cross trainer, a recumbent total body exerciser, a stationary arm bike, two treatment tables, a child-size table and chairs, a walker, and two wheelchairs. All equipment has been removed from service as part of the expansion to DCMH’s new Rehabilitation Medical Office building, but remains in good working condition.
Rather than store or dispose of the items, DCMH saw an opportunity to extend their usefulness in a way that aligns with the Hospital’s values. “We are happy to support this wonderful organization and grateful that this equipment will continue to serve others,” said Lisa Oldham, Rehabilitation Services Director at DCMH.
The effort is the result of a collaboration with St. Mary’s Stewardship Commission and Food For The Poor, a nonprofit humanitarian organization. The equipment will be shipped to the Cucuyagua Community Center in western Honduras, part of a new village being developed through the Adopt-a-Village program. The center will serve as a hub for physical therapy, community meetings, education, and wellness programs. The 53 families moving into this village, many of whom were displaced by hurricanes in 2020, currently lack access to therapy and rehabilitation services.
This partnership was sparked when Linda Weigel, a longtime former DCMH employee, reached out to Lisa Oldham in DCMH Rehab during the planning of the new Rehabilitation & Medical Offices building. Lisa led the coordination of the donation alongside key contributors from Rehab, Accounting (Catherine Keck and Lilly Simon), Maintenance (Doug Smith and Austin Kane), and Materials Management (Kyle Jones). DCMH helped ensure that the equipment could be safely repurposed for meaningful use.
“While our top priority remains the patients and families we serve here in our community, we recognize opportunities where our resources can bring value to others, especially when those resources are no longer in use. This is one of those opportunities to make a lasting, positive impact,” said CEO and President of DCMH Rex McKinney.
The collaboration reflects the hospital’s ongoing commitment to responsible resource use and its support for meaningful, community-driven causes—locally and beyond.
To learn more about how your organization can partner with DCMH on meaningful community initiatives, please contact dcmh.marketing@dcmh.net