Give Back to the Community, Join the Movement: How Amputees in the US Can Give Mobility Around the World

Aug 24, 2022 |

It has been a little over a week since the Amputee Coalition 2022 National Conference and there is so much to share. Beyond the conference sessions the limb loss and limb difference community is connecting in new ways to lift each other up and ensure no amputee is ever alone. One group expanding the reach, access and support for the community beyond the U.S. is Penta Medical Recycling (Penta).

Let us introduce you to Penta…

At the conference we had the opportunity to meet with Penta and attend their session. Penta was founded to provide used prostheses equipment to those who need it abroad. Over 300,000 limb loss devices and equipment goes to waste in the U.S. each year. Of the world’s 60 million amputees outside the U.S. 85-95 percent do not have adequate access to prosthetic care and services.

How it started…

In 2016 University Students Henry Iseman, Trang Duong, and Victor Wang founded Penta Medical Recycling to help increase access to prosthetics for people in low-and middle-income countries by repurposing what would otherwise be considered medical waste in the United States.

How it’s going…

Penta has collected and shipped over 7,000 components that has helping over 600 beneficiaries walk to date. You can read some of their stories here.

Through a donation network of individuals, special interest groups, clinics healthcare institutions and prosthetic manufactures Penta is now shipping components to 18 countries and works with 20 Global Partners. Logistical Example – getting equipment to Ukraine

How to connect and donate…

Visit their website to learn more about donating: https://pentamed.wpengine.com/engagement/#donate-equipment