Dexter Moon’s vision for Project MEND

SAN ANTONIO – For Dexter Moon, being named the 2025 Certificant of the Year by the Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is more than a personal honor – it’s a recognition of the collective heart and hustle behind Project MEND.  

“It affirms the dedication, compassion and innovation that our entire team brings to the mission of restoring independence and dignity through medical equipment reuse,” said Moon, COO of Project MEND, a nonprofit that refurbishes mobility equipment and assistive technology for those in need. 

Moon, a BOC-certified durable medical equipment (CDME) specialist, shares insights on the systemic gaps that make Project MEND essential, his ambitious vision for the organization’s future, and the importance of certification to its impact. 

HME News: When did you join Project MEND?  

Dexter Moon: I have a logistics background and was introduced to Project MEND by a colleague who knew I was looking to serve our community. After successfully serving for two terms on the board, I retired from a corporate position as a business strategy development director and joined the team full time to leverage my logistics and strategy development at Project MEND.  

HME: So, you were new to the industry when you joined Project MEND – why did you feel it was important to pursue the BOC CDME?  

Moon: The CDME certification deepened my understanding of compliance, safety and quality standards in the DME field, which directly supports our mission at Project MEND. It ensures that we’re not just a non-profit company providing refurbished equipment—we’re delivering it with the same level of professionalism, care and accountability as any top-tier medical supplier. 

HME: How have you been able to leave a mark on Project MEND?  

Moon: My focus has been on building systems and processes that make our programs and operations more efficient, data-driven, and scalable—so that Project MEND can serve more clients with greater speed and care. From improving inventory and logistics processes to enhancing staff development and community partnerships, I’ve worked to create an environment where excellence and compassion go hand in hand. But I’m most proud of helping shape a culture at Project MEND that truly reflects our mission—where every team member understands that behind every refurbished and sanitized medical item is a person regaining independence and hope. 

HME: What do you think it says that there is even a need for an organization like Project MEND?  

Moon: It speaks volumes about the gaps that still exist in our health care and DME systems. Too many people fall through the cracks—veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities—who simply can’t afford or access the equipment they need to live safely and independently. Insurance limitations, high out-of-pocket costs, and long wait times often leave people stranded without essential mobility devices. Project MEND steps into that gap.  

HME: How might your career and Project MEND's mission evolve in the future?  

Moon: The future of Project MEND—and my role as COO—is all about leveraging innovation to expand our impact. We’re exploring technologies like 3D printing to create replacement parts for medical equipment, reducing repair times and costs, while extending the life of devices we touch. We’re also positioning Project MEND as a key player in disaster preparedness, ensuring we can mobilize refurbished medical equipment quickly to support communities in times of crisis.  Ultimately, our vision is to become the nation’s Center of Excellence for DME reuse—a model for how organizations across the country can combine sustainability, innovation, and compassion to close access gaps in health care.