ELYRIA, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sept. 9, 2005–Invacare Corporation (NYSE:IVC) shipped a truckload of wheelchairs, nebulizers and oxygen equipment to the American Red Cross in Lafayette, Louisiana. Its partner in the endeavor, All Pro Freight Systems, Inc., agreed to ship the product at no cost.
The medical equipment is being shipped to the American Red Cross’ Special Needs Centers in LaFayette, LA, and to the field house at Louisiana State University. Both centers are equipped with a full medical staff. Earlier this week, these facilities issued a request for wheelchairs and oxygen equipment, and Invacare responded.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by Hurricane Katrina,” said A. Malachi Mixon, III, chairman and chief executive officer at Invacare. “Invacare is actively working with its providers and disaster relief agencies, like the American Red Cross, to coordinate oxygen and medical equipment for affected residents and evacuees. We’re thankful to All Pro for partnering with us to deliver this product into the region.”
“All Pro has made several deliveries into the Gulf Coast region at no cost,” said Chris E. Haas, president of All Pro Freight Systems. “It has been amazing to see the public’s support of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. All Pro is glad to support Invacare and play its part in the recovery.”
To help those in need, Invacare has implemented several programs and actions, including a Hurricane Katrina Hotline at 1-888-966-6468. The hotline is available to home medical equipment providers for their urgent equipment needs. Consumers calling the hotline will receive information about open home medical equipment locations in the Gulf Coast region, or be directed to the locations near them for home oxygen and home medical equipment products and services.
Invacare also will offer cash flow assistance for its home medical equipment providers, who have been affected by the Hurricane. In addition, the company has posted a document on its website outlining Medicare’s repair and replacement policy for home medical equipment. For more information about Invacare’s Hurricane Katrina Relief efforts, visit the company’s website at www.invacare.com.
Invacare Corporation (NYSE: IVC), headquartered in Elyria, Ohio, is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of innovative home and long-term care medical products that promote recovery and active lifestyles. The company has 6,250 associates and markets its products in 80 countries around the world. For more information about the company and its products, visit Invacare’s website at www.invacare.com.
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Contact:
Invacare Corporation
Lara L. Mahoney, 440-329-6393