WASHINGTON, April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Association for Homecare (AAHomecare) and the National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers (NAIMES) have reached an agreement to merge their organizations. The combined Association will maintain the AAHomecare name and continue to do business at 1707 L Street NW, Suite 350, Washington, D.C., 20036.

“The addition of the NAIMES members to AAHomecare will benefit the entire homecare sector and, ultimately, our patients. This merger truly displays the inclusivity of our Association and the desire of all parties to move us forward,” said Joel D. Marx, Chairman of Medical Service Company in Cleveland, Ohio, and of the AAHomecare board of directors.

Although the two organizations share 60 members in common, the merger will bring nearly 140 new homecare companies into AAHomecare.

“The merger of NAIMES and AAHomecare is an aptly timed fusion of two terrific organizations. Our union brings with it a firm resolve to work towards our mutual goals, and makes us a stronger representative group, revitalized for the challenges, and threats, that lie ahead,” said Wayne Sale, Founder and President of Health First Home Medical in Richmond, Va., and Chairman of the NAIMES board of directors.

As part of the merger agreement, two NAIMES leaders will join the AAHomecare board, and Wayne Stanfield, President of NAIMES, will become Vice President of Provider Relations at the Association. Stanfield will focus on growing membership and developing strategic partnerships, such as those with state associations, provider organizations, and consumer organizations.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished at NAIMES over the past 6 years, and now am equally as proud to join the AAHomecare team. My goal is to use my experience to create a stronger AAHomecare that speaks for the DME industry as a whole, both small and large,” said Stanfield. “My initial efforts will be to help create more powerful grassroots advocacy, to bring continuity and unity to the state organizations representing providers, and to develop strategic partnerships with other allied professional organizations and consumer groups. The timing of this merger could not be better in our fight to protect homecare. The result will be a new, reenergized, and refocused national organization.”

“Having Wayne Stanfield join the AAHomecare staff adds critical provider experience to our operations,” said Robert Steedley, President of Barnes Healthcare Services of Valdosta, Ga., and Vice Chairman of the AAHomecare board of directors. “As an organization, we are constantly seeking to strengthen the team, and Wayne’s proven passion and determination are great assets, especially for outreach to the provider community. I look forward to working with him on some very difficult issues, and using his talents to help move the ball down the field.”

The merger will be effective on May 22 at the conclusion of the AAHomecare annual business meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., as part of the Washington Legislative Conference.

The American Association for Homecare represents providers of home medical or durable medical equipment and services who serve the needs of millions of Americans who require prescribed oxygen therapy, wheelchairs, enteral feeding, and other medical equipment, services, and supplies at home. Visit www.aahomecare.org.

The National Association of Independent Medical Equipment Suppliers is a national association representing independent durable medical equipment suppliers and a grassroots advocate for the DME industry. Leveraging its grassroots network of independent suppliers, the Association has a committed, aggressive, proactive approach to changing political minds, “one member of Congress at a time.” Visit www.dmehelp.org.

SOURCE American Association for Homecare