Awake In America Helping Americans without Insurance Obtain Equipment Necessary to Treat their Sleep Apnea

PHILADELPHIA - I've been asked several times in email from folks on various lists how Awake In America's xPAP Donation and Relief Program is doing, so here's a short summary giving some of the highlights, as well as listing some needs for the program.

In the months since launching its national "xPAP Donation and Relief Program," Awake In America has expanded the number of reviewers for all applications received from nine to 36 — which has given us teams we can use to sort geographically, ensuring there's no bias, recognition, or other issues related to someone being familiar with the applicant. We've received many requests for assistance, and have awarded equipment to 98 percent of those requesting help. Awards are based on demonstrated need, including financial, insurance, and other weighted areas.

When applications are received, they are scanned into digital format, and the original paper version is shredded. Personally-identifiable information on the application is deleted from the file sent to the reviewers, which is also password protected.

What are the needs of the program now? We are receiving a lot of applications and requests, mostly for machines and humidifiers, but there is a fair share of requests for masks, as well. So the equipment needed is everything: CPAP, BiPAP, AutoPAP, masks (nasal, full-face, pillow systems), tubing, and humidification units (heated and passover).

One manufacturer, Hans Rudolph, Inc., of Kansas, generously donated a shipment of assorted masks to the program, and many individuals around the country have donated equipment over the past few months.

If you have unused equipment sitting around, feel free to send it to Awake In America so it may be sent to others who need it to treat their apnea — people who need it, but for a variety of reasons cannot obtain it on their own. All equipment may be shipped to:
Awake In America, Inc.
Attn: xPAP Donation Program
P.O. Box 51601
Philadelphia, PA 19115-6601

How do you benefit by making donations? When the equipment is received and inspected, a receipt identifying the equipment is sent to you for tax purposes. Under Internal Revenue Code, you can deduct from your taxes the fair market value of the donations. For specific information, you'd need to consult your tax adviser or call the IRS.

We also have the Sleep Study Relief Program, which offers in-home sleep studies to qualified individuals.

In response to the growing number of adults needing access to affordable testing for OSA, Sleep Solutions has announced a new grant program in association with Awake In America to provide free diagnostic testing services to qualified individuals who are without sufficient financial or insurance resources.

"Traditional sleep studies to diagnose apnea can cost up to $2,500 per test," said David F. Jackson, the national coordinator for Awake In America. "Some patients travel long distances, take time off from work, and, in the case of two-night sleep studies, they and their family face transportation, hotel, and meal expenses."

Sleep Solutions will donate its clinically validated at-home testing services in support of Awake In America's "xPAP Donation and Relief Program," designed to accelerate the diagnosis and treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. The organization's comprehensive initiative is aimed at helping individuals with limited resources obtain essential equipment to treat sleep apnea.

Additional information about both programs, as well as the applications for each program, is available at http://www.AwakeInAmerica.org/DonateRelief/

For more information about Awake In America, visit http://www.AwakeInAmerica.org/. Awake In America may be contacted by email at DonateRelief(at)AwakeInAmerica.org, by phone at 215-722-2326, or by fax at 262-478-5834.

Awake In America is a national non-profit organization focused on sleep and sleep-related issues. Its primary mission is helping others launch successful community education and support groups. Awake In America is also involved in educational outreach to health care providers; representatives at various levels of government; public and corporate outreach, education, and awareness programs; and legislative advocacy. Additional information about the organization may be found at http://www.awakeinamerica.org/.