Clinics Can Help Marks 25th Anniversary

Credit: Clinics Can Help

(Press Release) West Palm Beach, Florida-- Since launching in 2005, Clinics Can Help (CCH) has aided more than 30,000 children and adults with an astonishing $18 million worth of medical equipment and life-saving supplies. Today, with the ever-changing medical world, the nonprofit is helping over 5,000 clients annually by providing nearly $2 million in medical equipment children and adults need to thrive. 

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“As the medical landscape evolves, the need for a service such as ours to help community members in need is vital,” shared Clinics Can Help CEO Owen O’Neill. “Insurance coverage is a moving target. The need for items to sustain health, promote healing and give independence does not change though. And, as costs go up daily for items, it is important to remain stable for our neighbors.”

It all began 20 years ago when hospice nurse, Owen O’Neill, noticed perfectly good medical equipment going to waste, while many struggled to afford those same items desperately needed for recovery. He began collecting the discarded hospital beds and wheelchairs and providing them to the children and adults he met while volunteering at local free clinics. He coined the name Clinics Can Help (CCH) and with just a small storage locker and huge determination, the nonprofit was born. From there, CCH outgrew the locker and fortunately a local warehouse became available (2009). During their time there, the collection and donation of items continued to grow. In 2010, a KINDER program was born and with funding, the organization could soon provide customized medical equipment for children with special needs.  Soon, Clinics Can Help was humming with activity and volunteers to help any resident in need. In 2011, the CRIBS Project was born. O’Neill believed that if a crib could save a life, it would from then on be considered a piece of medical equipment they would provide. In 2015, the organization raised enough money purchase their own warehouse and office space. They were able to serve double the number of clients and launch even more new programs and services for the community, including an international relief effort with surplus items to expand their reach.

By collecting gently used equipment, refurbishing it to the highest standards, and distributing it, CCH fills the gap left by residents’ insurance or income limitations. By being a resource for people and caregivers of all ages, the organization and assuring their safety, ability, and comfort, CCH’s work can nurture the human spirit, foster self-reliance and build self-esteem. 

Through CCH’s continuous circle of giving, 165 annual volunteers, and 200 nonprofit partners, people thrive by removing physical barriers to independence and medical stability.

Important stats:

• Today in Palm Beach County, 200,000 residents have no health insurance, meaning they cannot afford a hospital bed that costs up to $10,000 or a new electric wheelchair with an average cost of $5,000. Even smaller items, like a new walker or a bedside commode, cost up to $100 each.
• Nearly 2,500 infant deaths can be attributed annually to SIDS. CCH now donates an average of 1,000 cribs each year to help reduce this number.
• Approximately 26% of children in the United States have special healthcare needs that require a piece of medical equipment to thrive.
• 165 volunteers, over 6,000 volunteer hours annually
• Last year the organization provided over 1,000 wheelchairs, 300 home hospital beds, 450 shower chairs and 450 bedside commodes, 200 oxygen concentrators, 150 nebulizers, 100 patient lifts and over 7,000 packages of wound care and incontinent supplies.

In celebration of the 20th anniversary, CCH is launching a new Caring Circle Program in September of 2025 designed to bridge the gap between nonprofit partners, clients in need and Clinics Can Help. The Caring Circle will eliminate extensive steps to get equipment into the hands of those who need them most. The Caring Circle will also welcome donors who would like to do even more to bypass boundaries and provide support for local families. 

The organization will also continue hosting vital fundraising events to help sustain their work.  The 12th Annual CCH Golf Classic will take place at Eastpointe Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens on October 24, the 4th annual Cribs for Kids Luncheon will take place on Friday, December 5, at The Ben in Downtown West Palm Beach, and in 2026, make plans to join CCH for an exciting day of sport, camaraderie, fun, networking, and the thrill of clay shooting during their annual Clay Shoot on March 6.  
“We are committed to improving mobility, independence, and dignity through access to lifesaving and quality of life-enhancing durable medical equipment (DME) and supplies to all who are in need, regardless of any financial or physical obstacles,” adds O’Neill. 

For information on attending or involvement with any of these events, please visit www.clinicscanhelp.org. 
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