Skip to main content

Our Work

We collect & distribute donated healthcare supplies to those in need
locally and globally at low or no-cost.

Our Mission

We provide access to affordable medical equipment and supplies for all.

Our Vision

HERO’s vision is to focus on practices that sustainably provide medical equipment and supplies to enhance the quality of life. We accomplish this by:

  • Recycling through redistribution locally and globally
  • Engaging in partnerships that support our efforts
  • Managing retail and resale operations

The Reach

With the help of global partnerships, HERO’s supplies have reached over 140 countries around the world and have provided thousands of people with life-changing medical supplies. When you support HERO, you become part of that global impact for good.

Our Impact

Since 2003, HERO has saved 2 million pounds of medical supplies from local landfills, served over 50,000 individuals, waived the fees of over $1,000,000 worth of supplies, and served over 750 global missions.

565162

Items Distributed

64458

Volunteer Hours

1,500,000

Pounds in Mission Supplies

800

Global Missions

Our History

In 1996, a group of operating room nurses researched a method of safely recycling health care supplies and presented their project to F-M area healthcare facilities. The providers, who were once forced to discard opened packages because of the cost and liability of reprocessing, found the alternative of recycling very attractive. Now they could reduce costly medical waste expenses and help others at the same time. HERO was born from that cooperative project and the number of agencies, health care facilities, and individuals joining the effort to recycle medical supplies continued to multiply.

1996

HERO is founded by nurses from the local Association of Operating Room Nurses.

2000

Becomes a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

2003

HERO adds a local distribution purpose to the mission.

2005

First full-time executive director is hired.

2010

HERO moves to a larger facility, complete with warehouse and offices.

2014

HERO celebrates the anniversary of the 10th Annual Bash.

2016

HERO celebrates 20th Anniverssary.

2017

HERO completes renovation and retail store expansion.

2021

HERO celebrates 25 years and receives its largest gift to date ($100,000).

Our Story

In 1996, “Project HERO” began with founding members Deanna Micheli and Lorrie Beauchamp Berg, both Registered Nurses and a group of members of the American Association of Operating Room nurses (local chapter) who saw how much usable materials were accumulating from the hospital. They believed in recycling through redistribution; by giving donated medical materials to help others. It started as an organization to help medical missions around the world.

Today, HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization, as it is known, has become an important resource particularly for seniors, disabled children and adults, individuals who are financially struggling, and people who are looking for a good deal for medical supplies. HERO also has been effective in serving the community by protecting the environment through significant reduction of the amount of perfectly usable medical supplies and DME from disposal into our local landfills.

Initially HERO’s focus was to collect and redistribute supplies for local medical mission teams serving third world countries.

In 1998, HERO became incorporated and filed for nonprofit status. A non-profit board was established a year later.

In 2000, HERO became a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The HERO team soon recognized the need for more regional aid and decided to add a local focus to its mission.

HERO now supplys medically fragile and financially disadvantaged individuals with donated durable medical equipment (DME) and medical supplies. It has become the primary focus of HERO.

Through the efforts of a dedicated HERO board, staff, and an army of volunteers, HERO has grown exponentially since it’s humble beginnings of operation out of a garage.

The message of collecting, recycling, and distributing durable medical supplies resonated with the community, allowing HERO to grow and expand its services and operation.

HERO proudly operates a retail space of 1200 square feet located at 5012 53rd St S, Ste C in south Fargo. Our warehouse storage includes 1500 square feet with future plans to expand and improve.

The generosity of local foundations and community leaders, helped HERO to expand its warehouse space and open its first storefront in 2000.

HERO, Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization, as it is known today, has become an important resource particularly for seniors, disabled children and adults, individuals who are financially struggling, and people who are looking for a good deal for medical supplies. Anyone can come to HERO and receive equipment and supplies at low to no cost.

Donated supplies and equipment are collected from local healthcare facilities, agencies, and individuals. HERO also has been effective in serving the community by protecting the environment through significant reduction of the amount of perfectly usable medical supplies and DME from disposal into our local landfills and incinerators.

Board of Directors

HERO’s board is the governing body of our organization and comprises professionals within our community who are committed to the HERO mission. These generous individuals dedicate time, energy, and expertise to help HERO create a lasting impact locally, globally, and environmentally.

Rachel Garcia
Chair

Tally Tinjum
Secretary

Bev Gravdahl
Vice Chair

Jessica Ridout
Treasurer

Bryan Gefroh
Daniele Haekenkamp
Kristin Hauschild

Tammy Lopez
Brandi Rostad

Staff

A passionate group of individuals equally committed to the execution and success of the HERO mission and day to day operations, is our dedicated staff. The knowledgeable, friendly staff is here to help with questions regarding inventory, missions, and department related inquiries.

Tonya Sirleaf
Executive Director

Georgia Dufault
Operations Director

Diane Holden
Operations Admin Team Lead

Larry Morris
Warehouse Supervisor

Stephanie Ressler
Development Coordinator

Jordan Johnson
Warehouse Coordinator

John Stone
Retail & Inventory Coordinator

Tamika Garcia
Retail & Inventory Associate

Kalli Christensen
Lead Online Sales Coordinator