A Breath of Fresh Air: Oxygen Machines Keep Cortez Veterans Active in the Community

Montezuma County has roughly 3,500 veterans, and a number of those veterans rely on supplemental oxygen. The problem is the oxygen tanks the veterans receive through their insurance are large and cumbersome, preventing many of them from staying mobile and active in the community. Before the coronavirus pandemic, the local Disabled American Veterans Chapter 44 developed a program where Montezuma County veterans could “buy” portable oxygen machines for a steeply discounted price. The money would then be used to purchase additional machines for local veterans. Hoping to expand the program and keep up with the rising costs of new units, one volunteer had the idea to purchase more portable oxygen machines. LOR’s funding supported the group’s purchase of nine new units, helping local veterans retain their freedom and stay an active part of the Cortez community.

This project is fiscally sponsored by Onward! A Legacy Foundation.