Crutches and walkers in critically short supply at Utah hospitals

Crutches needed at Utah hospitals. Photo: Joanna Smith

PARK CITY, Utah. — Utah Hospitals have launched a donation drive, called Lean On Utah, to collect used crutches and walk-assist devices that are in critically short supply.

Utahns are urged to check their closets, attics, and garages for used metal crutches and other walk-assist equipment as some Utah hospitals face the danger of running out of these vital medical devices.

COVID pandemic disruptions to the global supply chain and an aluminum shortage are causing unprecedented low levels at medical facilities around the world. The need is expected to spike in November and December, which is the busiest time of year for orthopedic surgeries.

LeanOnUtah is a statewide donation drive organized by Intermountain Healthcare, University of Utah Health, Steward Health, and The Utah Hospitals Association. Their goal is to collect crutches, walkers, canes, and non-motorized wheelchairs to ensure patients have the medical equipment they need.

All devices donated will be inspected for safety, sanitized, and sent to hospitals that need them. They must be metal rather than wood. The Heber Valley Hospital and The Park City Hospital are two of the multiple Northern Utah drop-off sites. A bin will be placed right at the main entrances. Drop items off at your convenience between Saturday, October 30th, and Saturday, November 13. 

If you aren’t able to bring them to the drop-off sit, the drop-off site will come to you. Simply call (385)363-5790 and a volunteer with the Utah Inland Boat Club will come to your house, at no charge to you, to schedule a pick-up.