Governor Abbott Announces HME Appreciation Week in Texas

HME Insights

AUSTIN, Texas—When illness, injury or a chronic condition strike, families often discover a lifeline: home medical equipment (HME). From wheelchairs, home oxygen therapy and other medical supplies, HME allows people to manage their medical needs from the comfort of home.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott officially proclaimed the second week of November as Home Medical Equipment & Services Appreciation Week, recognizing the essential role of professionals who make it possible for people of all ages and medical conditions to receive care safely at home.  This proclamation also coincides with Homecare Month and National Family Caregivers Month, which highlight the critical role of HME in the care continuum.

“The true value of home medical equipment providers and their services is measured by the quality of life it makes possible,” said Mark Gowen, secretary and treasurer of the Texas Medical Equipment Providers Association (TexMEP). “It is a child with complex medical needs growing up at home with family, a patient recovering at home in familiar surroundings or an individual living with a disability maintaining their independence. Behind each of those stories are the dedicated professionals whose expertise and compassion make an extraordinary difference. We thank Gov. Abbott for honoring those contributions to the people of our great state.”

Pictured from left to right are Victoria Peterson of RespMed, president of TexMEP; Mark Gowen of Angel Medical Supply, secretary/treasurer of TexMEP; Ron Lucey, executive director of the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities, presenting the proclamation on behalf of the Governor’s Office; and David Chandler, vice president of state government affairs and payer engagement for the American Association for Homecare.

HME professionals do more than deliver products—they provide end users, families and caregivers the tools, education and support they need to thrive, TexMEP said. The proclamation highlights the role of HME in:

  • Reducing hospitalizations and healthcare costs
  • Supporting families and caregivers
  • Empowering individuals with complex medical needs to live at home
  • Strengthening communities by keeping loved ones together

The proclamation honors the accredited suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and service providers who work tirelessly to support those recovering from illness and injury as well as those living with disabilities and complex medical needs.

“By enabling care at home, HME benefits the entire state,” said Ashley Plauché of the American Association for Homecare. “Home-based care is cost-effective for payers, taxpayers and end users; eases the burdens on hospitals and long-term care facilities; and allows individuals to remain active in schools, workplaces and communities.”

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