Inaugural access event promotes home mods

WATERLOO, Iowa - The first Access Day USA kicked off June 17 at The VGM Group's Heartland Conference.

Developed by Evergreen Life Access, a nonprofit, the nationwide campaign aims to help providers of home modifications promote their services by providing modifications at no cost for people in need.

“Not only is it an opportunity for an HME provider to create awareness in their community and do a good deed, but it's also a great way to spread brand awareness about their own business,” said Mike McGill, marketing assistant at VGM.

For the inaugural event, nine-year-old Natalie Olsen and her family were chosen to receive new ramps, grab bars and expandable door hinges for their home in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Olsen was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two. VGM donated the equipment and installed it on behalf of the Heartland Conference.

Because Access Day USA does not fall on a specific date, HME providers interested in hosting their own event can do it anytime. In fact, Christa Miehe, vice president of strategic projects at VGM, says she would like to see it become a movement unto itself, similar to what the pink ribbon is to breast cancer awareness.

“Ideally—five years from now—other groups and organizations will have taken up the cause and will be hosting events across the country all on their own,” she said.