United Spinal Association is focused on providing COVID-19 direct relief and critical support to preserve the health and well-being of our members during these challenging times.
People with spinal cord injuries, immunocompromising disorders, and underlying acute health conditions are at increased risk of severe symptoms associated with COVID-19.
The increased risks, along with a shortage of home- and community-based services, personal care attendants, and health care options has made a difficult situation much worse for wheelchair users and other people with disabilities who are trying to remain healthy and stay out of hospitals and nursing homes.
We are committed to building additional funding to protect those we serve and fulfill this urgent demand for assistance.
Please contact Shannon Aquino, VP of Development to discuss needed funding and supplies further: saquino@unitedspinal.org
Top Five Needs of Our Community
#1 – Helping to Keep People Out of Nursing Homes – You can make a difference simply by reaching out to your Congressional representatives to ensure United Spinal members—already at-risk and facing complex medical issues —receive essential healthcare services and supplies so they can stay at home and avoid COVID-19 exposure. It’s quick and easy to send a message to your representative. Send it now.
#2 – Funding for Life-Enhancing Programs
- Spinal Cord Resource Center: Crisis support, timely resources, and personalized consultation to help individuals and their loved ones overcome the challenges of living with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D). The current pandemic has led to an increased demand in this service as our members face new challenges and struggle to regain their quality of life and independence.
- Peer Mentoring: One to one guidance from highly trained mentors who have experience navigating life with a disability. Strong peer support is vital to overcoming the mental health challenges and limited access to critical services and supports due to COVID-19.
- Tech Access Initiative: Ensures technology is inclusive to everyone, including wheelchair users. As our community faces uncertainty, access to technology is increasingly important to maintaining their independence. From healthcare and employment, to being active members of their communities–people with disabilities are relying more on technology to reach their goals than ever before.
- Emergency Preparedness: We are providing tools and resources so people with disabilities are adequately prepared for natural disasters, pandemics and state and national emergencies. In times of crisis, people with disabilities often face greater risks to their health and safety. We will continue to protect our community.
#3 – Distributing Aid and Relief Grants – Providing assistance to people living with spinal cord injuries and disorders who are experiencing hardships due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
#4 – Donating Supplies – Providing items that are urgently needed, including personal care, medical supplies and technology products to those with limited access. With our national chapter and peer support network, and our professional partners, we can distribute supplies widely and targeted to the most vulnerable and hard to reach.
# 5 – Sharing Life-Saving Resources – Helping to connect people living with SCI/D and mobility disabilities with resources, support and personalized assistance.
Product Donation Needs
The items below are desperately needed. Your generous product donations will go directly to United Spinal members throughout the country.
- Masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Gloves
- Thermometers
- Catheters
- First Aid items
- Surgical Lube
- Underpads
- Diapers
- Disposable wash clothes
- Ostomy supplies
- Urinals (male and female)
- Disinfectant wipes to clean push rims and wheels
- Tech items – Echo, Alexa, Google Home
Learn more about United Spinal’s efforts to serve the disability community during the COVID-19 Pandemic by visiting: https://unitedspinal.org/covid-support/