Borrowing Medical Basics from VNA Health’s Loan Closet

Borrowing Medical Basics from VNA Health’s Loan Closet

This Unique Service Is Critical to Those Who Need Crutches, Wheelchairs, and More 

By Leslie Dinaberg

‘Every action you take has consequences you can’t foresee. It’s the ripple effect. And when your actions are done with the intention of helping others, the ripples are wonderful to behold.’

—Oprah Winfrey

‘During the early years, it was a mom-and-pop operation, except there were no pops — we were all women. We provided nursing care from the heart. It was not uncommon for us to get our patients’ mail, take out their garbage, cook, shop, do dishes and even do laundry for our patients.’

—Enid Pritikin, former employee at VNA Health for 34 years

The concept of helping patients get the services, assistance, and equipment they need during an illness or injury is so simple. But as anyone who’s ever navigated our healthcare system can tell you, the reality can be incredibly complex and frustrating. 

The Loan Closet — owned and operated by VNA Health (vna.health) and serving Santa Barbara County since 1908 — is the exact opposite of most healthcare hassles. Staffed by David Moorman and Megan Cameron, with support from VNA’s COO Dusty Keegan and administrative assistant Susi Torres-Cruz, this warm and welcoming crew serves more than 4,000 residents each year with free short-term loans of basic medical equipment such as wheelchairs, crutches, knee scooters, walkers, shower seats, and more. 

While appointments are preferred, Moorman explained, “We welcome walk-ins. You never know when trauma is going to occur. We never turn anyone away. If someone shows up with a broken ankle, we try to help them. We take care of everyone. The benefit of an appointment is that we can make sure we have the equipment that they’re looking for and have it ready for them.”