MINNEAPOLIS – For the first time, the essential role of home medical equipment (HME) in enabling care at home has been formerly recognized by a state government as part of November’s Homecare Month. Governor Walz officially proclaimed the second week of November as Home Medical Equipment & Services Appreciation Week in Minnesota underscoring the value of HME professionals, products, and services in making high-quality, home-based care possible.
This proclamation was made possible through a collaboration between AAHomecare and the Midwest Association for Medical Equipment Services & Supplies (MAMES). Launched as a pilot project under the leadership of AAHomecare’s Brand Council to showcase the value of HME, the campaign shines a light on HME stakeholders who enable millions of people to manage their medical needs from the comfort of home.
“Our industry provides more than products – we provide independence, dignity, and peace of mind for families,” explains Ashley Plauché, senior director of Brand Marketing at AAHomecare. “This proclamation honors the accredited suppliers, manufacturers, and service companies who work tirelessly to provide the products, education, and compassionate support that help families thrive.”
“The HME community in Minnesota has always been deeply committed to its patients,” adds Rose Schafhauser, executive director of MAMES. “We are proud to see the state of Minnesota lead the way in recognizing the value of HME professionals and the care they deliver.”
The proclamation highlights the role of HME in:
- Reducing hospitalizations and health care costs
- Supporting end users, families, and caregivers
- Empowering individuals with complex medical needs to live at home
- Strengthening communities by keeping loved ones together
The Minnesota initiative also serves as a model for other states across the country. AAHomecare is developing a toolkit to collaborate with other states to request similar proclamations, increasing recognition of HME’s role in home-based care.
“Every person who relies on HME knows how vital this care is,” explains Plauché. “This proclamation brings that understanding to the broader public, giving visibility to an often overlooked industry and highlighting how HME professionals make home-based care possible.”
