One charity cannot secure all of the unmet needs at a large medical center, nor can one auction raise enough funds for long-range security of a program for the severely underfunded patients who must come to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville; however, one charity is making that effort, and the upcoming auction with your participation can go a long way for taking the program forward for another year.
Before retiring as one of the most respected and long-serving Social Workers of the UVA Health System, Kenneth L. Cady served for 26 years at this revered Hospital. Before retiring in September 2015, Ken wrote this letter to Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS), the totally independent, non-religious, no stock, nonprofit, All-volunteer, 501(c)3, on call 24/7 public charity, dedicated to the indigent and underfunded patients and caregivers who must come for their treatment from long distances for treatment. His comments regarding the "gap" deserve attention, for the consequences of allowing a single gap to widen can be disastrous.
A Special Message from Kenneth L. Cady
 "There are few non-profit charities, that I can think of, who are as caring and responsive as the Interfaith Humanitarian Sanctum (IHS) has been and continues to be to the UVA Health System patients and families. The UVA Health System is dedicated to patient care in providing the best available health care possible to all Virginians, and to those from out of state who choose to come here; however, there is a gap that needs to be bridged for our low-income and indigent patients. That gap has to do with patients who need care but cannot get to Charlottesville, or once here, need assistance, many times on very short notice. IHS fills this gap with services such as helping pay for medications, medication co-pays, lodging, transportation and food assistance. That has been extended for several years by providing indigent families through Pediatric Clinics with new infant car seats, and supplemental equipment for the care of the Mother and baby.
My coverage area at Fontaine Research Park Clinics has been from rural and small-town Virginia. Patients come from 250-300 miles away, even for primary care services. Many patients are low-income or no income. IHS assistance just with lodging and transportation is significant. I have called IHS for assistance during the day, after normal working hours, during the evening when I worked in UVA Emergency Department. They make themselves available.
There is no other charity like it in this area, or in Virginia that I know of. The IHS remain anonymous to most of our patients, which they prefer, as they prefer to work exclusively through UVA Health System Social Workers. That's how unique their services are. They are careful with their funds; they ask good questions first when solicited by Social Workers, and I can attest to that. They do not like to turn requests away, which I find amazing, but they can also come up with good ideas that perhaps does not result in use of their own funds. They are there when you need them for our patients and families. My main wish is that they can stay funded so they can remain a crucial and vital component of the UVA Health System Care Team. As a Social Worker, I cannot thank them enough."
Your donation keeps us in rapid response mode!
Please remember that all of us at IHS are non-paid volunteers, and we are all donating what we can to IHS personally. Also remember - for transparency we hold the "Gold Seal of Approval" from the Guidestar.org national clearing house. Please do what you can. And, if you would like to donate now to our cause, please click the button below to go to our encrypted secure on-line donation form.
A Sincere Appeal ...T. Wade, Elisheva & Sam
IHS Founding Officers
|
No comments:
Post a Comment