New Albany nonprofit hosting fundraiser to expand operation

The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox.

A southern Indiana nonprofit works to repurpose medical equipment for those who need it.

The nonprofit Use It Again recycles items such as crutches, walkers and wheelchairs.

Josh Rose has been a physical therapist for more than 10 years. And in his time in the medical field, he noticed a problem.

"Doing home health for so long out in Washington, I saw so many people who just didn't have the equipment they needed in their homes," Rose said. "That's going to lead to them not being safe with their in-home mobility. It's going to increase the likelihood that they have falls."

This led him to start Use It Again.

The nonprofit operates out of the Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church in New Albany.

Rose takes the donated medical equipment, makes sure they function properly, then donates them to anyone in need.

"Having the appropriate medical equipment is a really big deal. And we wanted to make sure that no matter income levels, they can get the equipment that they need," he said.

Since getting started in January, Use It Again has donated more than 80 pieces of equipment. Rose even hand delivers and picks up equipment if needed.

"I had a guy at Sellersburg Health and Rehab recently who needed an electric scooter and he didn't have any device. He didn't have insurance to pay for a device," Rose said. "So we delivered him an electric scooter, and he has since sent me 10 messages just telling us how grateful he is and how much it's changed his life."

Rose says donations and requests have been flowing in as the nonprofit grows.

To help make more space for deliveries, the nonprofit is hosting a fundraiser to get a box truck.

Mount Tabor Presbyterian Church is where the fundraiser will be held on Friday. The event will have live music, tours of the facility and a silent auction, and all of the money will go to Use It Again.

Rose hopes to eventually be able to do this full-time so he can help as many people as he can.

If you would like to donate to the fundraiser, click here.