Dallas (November 12, 2021)-The Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas joined Cook Children's in appealing for the donation of new crutches of any size (youth and adults) or lightly used crutches.

Currently, ongoing supply chain disruptions across the United States are affecting the number of crutches available.

"We are feeling the impact of the nationwide shortage of aluminum crutches, especially the most common pediatric size of 5 feet 2 to 5 feet 10 feet," said Mickey Hensley, Rite for Children therapeutic services manager in Scotland. OTR "Like other hospitals, Our demand is also increasing. Due to the unfinished backorders and the indefinite delivery date, we are seeking support from our community."

According to the hospital, crutches are one of the most common hospital equipment provided to patients. For children with healing lower limbs, it is important to avoid walking or bearing weights. Scottish Rite's team stated that they distribute an average of more than 20 pairs of crutches a week.

The donated crutches will go through the same safety inspection and disinfection process as all other medical equipment. Each pair will be cleaned, disinfected, manipulated and safely used by patients. Donations of crutches can be placed at the main entrances of Scottish ceremonial facilities in Dallas and Frisco.

The Cook Children’s Home Health Center sent a call earlier this week to anyone who has a new or lightly used aluminum crutches that they no longer need.

Crutches can be placed at the front entrance of Fort Worth Hospital.

"We are receiving notification of an upcoming postponement order, so we want to get ahead as early as possible and make sure we are prepared for events that could get worse if we don't perform all the required due diligence," Cook Children Said Brady Genke, vice president of home health operations.