(MSC News)--Northeast Kansans struggling to afford wheelchairs, hospital beds or other medical equipment may be able to find help through a statewide equipment lending network.

KMUW and the Kansas News Service report that medical loan closets are growing across Kansas. The programs accept donated equipment, clean and inspect it, then provide it to others for little or no cost. Available items can include power chairs, crutches, CPAP machines and feeding supplies. 

The Kansas Equipment Exchange, operated through the University of Kansas, serves all 105 counties. Its Northeast Assistive Technology Access Site is located in Topeka.

Since beginning in 2003, the exchange has collected about 32 million dollars in equipment and distributed nearly 15 thousand devices.

Advocates say the programs are especially important in rural areas, where residents may face higher costs, limited transportation and fewer places to purchase medical equipment.

Equipment can be borrowed temporarily during recovery or used longer term. The exchange also helps residents choose appropriate devices and learn how to use them.