MDA Joins Participating Consumer Healthcare Advocacy Groups Now Finalized for Medtrade 2012

Sept. 26, 2012 - PRLog -- Anaheim, CA—MK Battery, in cooperation with Medtrade, has announced the final list of participating non-profit healthcare organizations for the upcoming Consumer Advocacy Pavilion at Medtrade 2012. The groups include American Sleep Apnea Association, COPD Foundation, ITEM Coalition (Independence Through Enhancement of Medicare and Medicaid), Muscular Dystrophy Association, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Shepherd Center/Touch the Future, United Cerebral Palsy, and UsersFirst (a program of United Spinal Association).

“We are actively encouraging Medtrade Exhibitors to sponsor the participation of these consumer groups, and we ask attendees to donate to the Power for Funding 2012 program,” said Kevin Gaffney, Group Show Director for Medtrade.  “This initiative is aimed at uniting all stakeholders in the Home Medical Equipment industry with relevant consumer groups, starting with those participating in the Medtrade Advocacy Pavilion on the Medtrade floor this year.”

MK Battery founded Power for Funding in 2010 and has expanded the initiative each year.  “Our intent for Medtrade 2012 is to help create a more cohesive network of businesses and end-user organizations for the purpose of advancing strategic and legislative initiatives to protect access to care in the home.” said Wayne Merdinger, VP of Business Development and International Sales for MK Battery.  “The inclusion of these advocacy groups at Medtrade will allow the HME industry to raise awareness, share ideas and, hopefully, speak with a louder voice, for a more collective approach to advancing positive legislative outcomes.”  

Over the past two years, MK Battery’s “Power for Funding” initiatives have raised nearly $150,000 for industry and trade organizations, such as The National Coalition for Assistive and Rehab Technology (NCART), The National Registry of Rehabilitation Technology Suppliers (NRRTS) and The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) to help advance their advocacy and lobbying efforts in support of the HME community, both businesses and end-users alike.  To kick-start the fundraising activity this year, MK Battery is contributing $50,000, most of which will be donated equally to the participating consumer advocacy groups.  

Medtrade 2012, which will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, October 16-18, attracts over 12,000 home medical equipment industry professionals and over 600 manufacturers showcasing their products.  For more information regarding Power for Funding sponsorships and donations,  visit the Medtrade Consumer Advocacy Pavilion page at http://www.medtrade.com/medtrade/show/advocacy-pavilion

About Medtrade 2012
Medtrade is the largest tradeshow in the world focused exclusively on the home medical equipment market and is designed to provide high quality and effective sales, marketing, educational, advocacy and networking opportunities.  The 2012 show will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, October 16-18.  For more information visit www.medtrade.com/

About MK Battery
MK Battery, founded in 1983, markets sealed batteries for power mobility equipment and a variety of other applications through O.E.M.'s, distributors and dealers.  Headquartered in Anaheim, California, MK Battery operates 27 distribution centers in the USA, Europe, and Australia.  MK Battery brands are sold and distributed on all seven continents.  For more information call: 800.372.9253, email: info@mkbattery.com or visit www.mkbattery.com