CNMI Partners Coordinate with FODAC to Distribute Donated Durable Medical Equipment to Disaster Survivors

Over the past two days, CNMI government agencies, nonprofit partners, federal representatives, disability service providers, and CHCC Medical Social Services met with representatives from Friends of Disabled Adults and Children (FODAC), who have been on Saipan since Tuesday, July 21, at Kanoa Resort in Susupe to coordinate the distribution of donated durable medical equipment (DME) for survivors on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

The meetings focused on organizing, identifying, and prioritizing the distribution of donated DME to individuals and families with critical access and functional needs, including individuals with disabilities, older adults, and residents who rely on life-sustaining or life-saving equipment.

CNMI Governor David M. Apatang joined partners at Kanoa Resort for a photo opportunity, to recognize the collaborative effort behind the arrival and distribution of the donated equipment, and to help kick off the distribution of donated DMEs. The gathering highlighted the importance of coordination between the CNMI Government, FODAC, FEMA, the American Red Cross, CHCC Medical Social Services, the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities, the CNMI Assistive Technology Program, the DD Network (including CNMI UCEDD and NMPASI), the Disability Network Partners (DNP), and other community partners to ensure that donated equipment reaches those who need it most.

Also participating in the coordination efforts were Clement Bermudes, Special Assistant of CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM); Pamela C. Sablan, Executive Director of the CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities and Program Director of the CNMI Assistive Technology Program; Michael Houston, FEMA Disability Integration Advisor; Bill Gausch of the American Red Cross; Joann Aquino, CNMI Government VOAD Liaison; representatives from CHCC Medical Social Services; representatives from the DD Network, including CNMI UCEDD and NMPASI; members of the Disability Network Partners (DNP), including CLI; CNMI DD Council and Assistive Technology staff; CNMI HSEM personnel; and other partner agencies supporting disaster recovery operations.

FODAC representatives Chris Brand, CEO, and Roger Mforneh, CreditAble Coordinator, have been on Saipan since Tuesday, July 21, assisting CNMI partners with the organization and distribution planning for the donated equipment. The donated DME is currently staged at Kanoa Resort, where CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management logistics personnel have been assisting with storage and coordination.

The donated equipment will support survivors whose homes and daily living needs have been impacted by recent disaster events. Items such as wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility and assistive devices are especially critical for individuals who may have lost access to equipment, experienced damage to their homes, or require additional support to safely return to their communities.

Partners also discussed the importance of cross-referencing recipient lists, identifying contact information, and ensuring that distribution efforts are coordinated across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“This partnership reflects the strength of our CNMI community and the importance of working together to support individuals with disabilities and families with the greatest needs,” said Pamela C. Sablan. “We are grateful to FODAC, the Governor’s Office, CNMI HSEM, FEMA, the American Red Cross, CHCC Medical Social Services, the DD Network, DNP partners and all partners who continue to assist with disaster recovery and ensure that donated equipment reaches survivors in an organized and equitable manner.”

The CNMI Council on Developmental Disabilities and the CNMI Assistive Technology Program will continue working with FODAC, CHCC Medical Social Services, the DD Network, DNP partners, CNMI agencies, and response organizations to support the distribution of donated DME and address ongoing assistive technology and accessibility needs across the islands.