Lake cruise to benefit uninsured patients

THE SPIRIT OF DALLAS

By Nancy Black

Dallas has the highest number of uninsured individuals in the entire country. Texas also has the highest number of all the states. That’s why The Spirit of Dallas’ Captain and owner of Michael Mittman and his crew of dedicated volunteers invite other lake lovers to take a cruise for a good cause. The destination? White Rock Lake on October 1 from 2 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The afternoon is an opportunity to enjoy the lake with food and drinks, all while raising money for a worthy cause. All funds raised will be used for the DME Exchange of Dallas’ (DMEEOD) mission and services.

The group accepts gently used DME (durable medical equipment) and evaluates it for service. DMEEOD makes minor repairs and sanitizes to state standards. They have a medical salvage license from the State of Texas. DMEEOD then provides the equipment to patients who qualify. All DME is provided free of charge. Referrals of patients are sent from all Dallas County hospitals, clinics, therapists, individual physicians and, sometimes, even patients will self-refer. DMEEOD only serves those patients who qualify, and the group does not buy or sell anything.

DMEEOD was developed from Dallas Area Interfaith’s “whisper campaign” of concerns in Dallas that needed attention. A steering committee was formed by interested people from various churches, synagogues, etc., across Dallas.  

When the doors opened in December 2012, DMEEOD promptly gave out seven pieces of DME to four individual patients. To date, the organization has given out more than 7,620 pieces of DME to 5,828 patients. DMEEOD has two full-time employees, two part-time and volunteers who assist with sanitizing and some clerical work.

DMEEOD is funded by Parkland Health, foundations, individual donations and corporate gifts. The group has no government funding. For more information about the group or the cruise, visit dfwdmeexchange.org.

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