The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — through its affiliate, LDS Charities — recently donated 268 wheelchairs for use by patients in the Majuro and Ebeye areas of the Marshall Islands.
The donation also included spare parts, walkers, crutches and canes.
Two, three-day safety seminars were led by Latter-day Saint volunteers. The seminars included training on patient assessment and support.
Ministry of Health (MOH) Rehabilitation Department technicians and staff were trained. They will assume routine assessment and maintenance going forward.
“Every patient has to be assessed so they can have the correct fit for them and that it not hurt or cause distress,” said Andy Schnebly, a physical therapist and Church volunteer.
“Before, when we received wheelchairs, we just handed them off to patients,” MOH technician Bob Solomon said.
“Now, patient fit is a priority.”
