SHERMAN, December 27, 2017 – Texoma Council of Governments (TCOG), in collaboration with the Salvation Army of Grayson County, Areli Medical Supply and Grayson County Health Clinic, announced the Durable Medical Equipment Project will launch January 2, 2018.

“The purpose of the project is to loan durable medical equipment (DME) to individuals with medical necessity,” stated TCOG Executive Director, Dr. Susan Thomas. Work began on the project when TCOG’s Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) received funds from Texas Department of Health and Human Services Commission to initiate the project in August 2016.

ADRC Program Manager, Janet Karam, said, “The project fulfills two gaps for Grayson County: 1) a means for collecting, refurbishing and distributing reusable durable medical equipment; and 2) loaning the equipment to individuals in need.”

The project’s inventory includes wheelchairs, walkers, rollators, canes, portable commodes and shower chairs. The Salvation Army of Grayson County houses the project in their Denison warehouse, and Texoma residents along with partner agencies have donated to the inventory on hand. The project’s collaborators coordinate referrals, inventory control and maintenance.

Thomas explained that TCOG became involved in the project by recognizing the need for such a program. “As an organization committed to improving quality of life, TCOG encourages solution-based, collaborative projects such as the DME initiative.”

To access the program, referral forms and medical necessity forms must be completed by referring agency and individual’s doctor.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson Counties. Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities. Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region and assists the elderly through a variety of Area Agency on Aging programs. The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security and criminal justice.