CARE Chest is a nonprofit agency serving Nevadans in need by providing medical resources free of charge.
CARE Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free medical equipment, supplies, prescription assistance, independent living home modifications, liquid nutrition, and other vital resources to Northern Nevadans in need. Since its inception 31 years ago, CARE Chest has provided more than 300,000 unique client services to the community. CARE Chest is a multi-service agency recognized throughout Northern Nevada by area hospitals, low-income clinics, and social service agencies as an essential medical resource for Northern Nevada’s underserved populations.
Medical Equipment and Supplies: Durable medical equipment is loaned for as long as it is needed, and one-time-use supplies can be re-ordered monthly for clients who qualify. If clients do not qualify because their monthly income is too high, they may enroll in Club CARE Chest for an annual $50 membership. 5,221 individuals were helped during the last year; 5,742 are projected for 2021.
Prescription Assistance: CARE Chest provides up to $100 per client annually to pay for prescription medication or to help with co-pays. 760 individuals were helped during the last year; 836 are projected for 2021.
Diabetic Supplies: CARE Chest’s Diabetic Supplies program distributes testing supplies, including blood-glucose monitors, test strips, syringes and lancets. Supplies are available on a monthly basis with a prescription. Additional prescription assistance is available to diabetic clients. 2,961 individuals were helped during the last year.
Supplemental Medical Nutrition: CARE Chest provides doctor-prescribed supplemental medical nutrition such as Ensure, Glucerna, Pediasure and Instant Breakfast. Qualified clients receive one case monthly. 3,033 individuals were helped during the last year.
Independent Living & CARE Loans: CARE Chest provides assistive technology and helps individuals make modifications to their home and vehicle for accessibility and independence. CARE Chest also administers a low- interest loan program to fund similar projects. Since July 1, 2020, the Independent Living and CARE Loan programs have been serving the entire State of Nevada. 258 individuals were helped during the last year.
Mobile CARE Chest: Through Mobile CARE Chest we are taking our traditional programming out into the community on a monthly basis. Due to the world health crisis, our local distribution sites including Northern Nevada HOPES, Sparks Christian Fellowship, and Vintage at the Crossing have been suspended. In their place, we distribute at five large drive-through sites with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada. These sites allow us to serve more people safely. Each month we connect with more than 700 potential clients.
Rural Outreach: CARE Chest has partnered with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada and Catholic Charities of Northern Nevada to deliver our program services to residents living in rural communities in the following Northern Nevada counties: Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, rural Washoe, White Pine, and Carson City. Since COVID-19, these locations have been modified to accommodate drive-through distribution. 2,859 individuals were helped during the last year.