Howard’s acquisition keeps DME access local after Densow’s closure

RICHLAND, Wash. – By buying the inventory of Densow’s Medical Supplies, Howard’s Medical Supply is not only maintaining local access to durable medical equipment (DME) in the Tri-Cities but also expanding its footprint in that area.

Densow’s closed in January 2025 after serving Kennewick, Pasco and Richland for more than 75 years. The provider entered Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in 2023 after its financials were impacted by ongoing litigation with the company’s previous owners over billing errors, as well as the COVID‑19 pandemic, according to local news reports at the time.

“(Densow’s) has been a wonderful addition,” said Mickelson. “We've had a lot of great people come over to us and they've been thrilled to have an in-person store just blocks from the hospital.”

The transaction follows a familiar playbook for Howard’s, which has completed similar acquisitions in the past, including the 2017 purchase of the inventory of Keeler's Medical Supply in Yakima.

Founded in 2004, Howard’s Medical Supply now operates six retail locations across Washington state, including sister company Kittitas Medical Supply in Kittitas and Howard’s Drug & Medical Supply in Selah. The provider offers a full line of home medical equipment, respiratory products, complex rehab and diabetic shoes.

Mickelson attributes the company’s ability to grow amid industry headwinds to a long-standing philosophy of avoiding debt, a strategy that helps the business endure reimbursement pressures and rising operating costs, including fuel.

“Things are always going to happen,” he said. “So, when it does, we cut a bit and it will come back eventually.”