I coordinated a Bfing Peer Counselor program for several years at a local
health department. We had several ways to track pumps. First, when the pump
contract was signed, we had to get at least 4 phone numbers, addresses and
names of relatives and friends (usually both set of grandparents, and
employers). We also got dad's and mom's place of employment (if employed) and
verified that before they could leave the office. We got the driver license
numbers and Social security numbers. And detailed driving instructions to
their house. The last paragraph on the contract that they signed and which I
read aloud to them stated that failure to return the pump is a felony larceny
and would immediately be  turned over to the sheriff for arrest on felony
charges ( over $500 value). We flagged the WIC chart and the medical chart.
If they had a pump out, they could only get vouchers for about 2 days worth
of formula at a time until they returned the pump. By flagging the chart,
everyone who worked with them was on alert  to pick up the pump if doing a
home visit or to ask about the pump if doing a office visit. I even sometimes
enlisted the help of the Dept of Social Services, homeless shleter staff and
domestic violence shelter staff,  and Mental Health Counselors. Pumps were
only loaned for 2 weeks at a time and the peer counselor were required to
make contact twice a week with that mother, by phone or with a staff member
who had seen the mother. The hospital staff started daily reminders to  the
parents of premies that the pump is due back before the baby is discharged
from the hospital and the pumps could be left at the hospital and we would
pick them up there.
 I only had to enlist the sheriff's help twice. Both times we got a warent
the deputy brought back the pumpwhen he went to serve it. Once a pump
disappeared for 2 months because the mother had gone into protective custody
but the agency shipped the pump back on the bus from 2500 miles away. And
once a pawn shop called and had one of our pumps he had gotten for $25.
We also had metal plates attached to the pump with a statement that "this
pump is property of _______ Health Dept, ______(phone number and address) and
failure to return is a felony and the leasee will be prosecuted."  This was
also etched on the bottom of the pump.
You can track down lost pumps MAYBE by calling the pump company. Sometimes
pumps show up back at their location. Also list lost pumps on the stolen
proerty lists at your local law enforcement offices. they circulate those to
the pawn shops weekly ( at least here they do).
It is very time consuming but the best way is to enlist the help of all the
agencies that work with the same moms that you do. And get to know your law
enforcement agencies. They can be your best friends.

Barb Whitehead, IBCLC
Eastern NC

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