San Antonio's unique Project MEND non profit, which refurbishes used medical equipment for use by the disabled and other needy recipients will be moving to a new campus in the Medical Center, where it will become the largest medical reuse facility in the state, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The land is being donated by the developer Gray Street Partners, which will take possession of the current Project Mend warehouse in the trendy Pearl neighborhood, demolish it, and redevelop the property.
Donations which will make the move possible come from Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff, the Kronsosky Foundation, and local philanthropist Harvey Najim, all of whom are kicking in generous amounts.
"This is an exciting day for Project MEND,' CEO Cathy Valdez said. "We've said int he past that the right piece of equipment at the right moment in time promote independence and improves quality of life. This statement rings true today as we take a huge leap forward in being able to provide greater assistance to a larger number of individuals."
As everybody who works in the medical field knows, there is a large amount of discarded equipment, which can, with a little attention, be made available to others."The mission of the Kronkosky Foundation is to produce profound good that is tangible and measurable," said Kronkosky Foundation Managing Director Tullos Wells, who called the $500,000 donation, plus a $250,000 challenge grant to Project MEND 'an investment.'
"We are excited to see the great work and incredible impact Project MEND is going to be able to accomplish with this new facility."Wolff said Project MEND fits into Bexar County's mission of providing health care."
To take that equipment and refurbish it and make it available to patients is a great part of healing people," he said.
Also making donations to Peoject MEND are the Valero Energy Foundation, Impact San Antonio, and the Nancy Smith Hurd Foudnation. The Project plans to raise an additional $1 million.