Equipment Loans for Kids (E.L.K.)
E.L.K. offers the loan of Durable Medical Equipment (DME) to disabled children (birth to 26) in Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga counties of Michigan, who have no other resource for the equipment. We maintain an inventory of donated Durable Medical Equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, and positioning equipment. Thanks to these generous donations, E.L.K. is able to provide a much needed service in our community. It is the program’s goal to provide equipment for any disabled child in need, to promote greater independence.
If you or your child is in need of a piece of equipment, please contact us via email. Contact information is also provided on this website. Equipment is loaned on a first come, first serve basis.
What Is E.L.K.?
The Copper Country Intermediate School District and Portage Health have teamed up to form E.L.K., a durable medical equipment loaner pool for children with delays and disabilities in Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties of Michigan. The E.L.K. has a centrally located storage site in Hancock, Michigan and is run by students and volunteers. This service is FREE OF CHARGE, and all the equipment has been donated by various agencies and individuals.
Before requesting equipment, it is necessary to consult with your physician, occupational therapist or physical therapist. Your child’s individual abilities need to be evaluated in order to determine the right equipment for him or her. If it is determined that your child could benefit from a piece of equipment, and your insurance in unable to cover it (or UNTIL your insurance is able to cover it), then we can search our inventory to see if there is something that your family can borrow.
Examples of some of the items we have for children:
- Walkers and gait trainers
- Standers
- Wedges, rolls, and positioning devices
- Wheelchairs and strollers
- Crutches
- Lifts
Much of the equipment in the E.L.K. has been donated by families whose children have outgrown the particular item. If you would like to donate equipment, please let us know by using the “Contact Us” feature on this web page. Your donation could be crucial in helping another family in need!
Sincerely,
The ELK Team