Franciscan Health’s Community Health and Wellness Fund continues to impact the Region, helping more and more families each year.
“We try to remove barriers to healthcare,” said Rick Peltier, Executive Director of the Franciscan Health Foundation, Northern Indiana Division.
From patient transportation for those with no access to a car, to assistance with medical and prescription costs, the funds are available to help patients get the care they need.
“Access to a car is a much larger problem in our area than people care to admit. If we can provide transportation or gas cards to aid in patients getting to their appointments, we will,” Peltier said.
The Franciscan Health Foundation not only helps with patients seeking care after they’ve become ill and need medical attention; they are also heavily invested in education to better help the community thrive.
“We do community outreach and education in preventative care so you can stay healthy," Peltier said.
The foundation is very much a community-based effort.
“We are a foundation that is relationship-based. It's always donor intent. We build relationships with individuals, companies, local foundations, and organizations,” said Peltier.
Along with the previously mentioned transportation aid, medical cost assistance, and healthy choice education, the Community Health and Wellness Foundation also focuses on what they call food insecurity.
“Community partnerships are crucial to any kind of success. We partner with the Salvation Army of Michigan City to identify families who are food insecure, and the Salvation Army provides healthy food for them. Also, the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana in Hammond helps by providing healthy food boxes for vulnerable families who are using our Franciscan Health Prenatal Program,” said Peltier.
“One in five children are going to bed hungry across Lake County. If more children can go to bed with full bellies every night, we’re making a difference," Peltier said.
Donations are what keep the impact in Northwest Indiana alive.
“Every donation makes a difference. Anyone who gives a gift to this fund is making a difference to a child in our area,” Peltier said.
This foundation has generated a lot of interest because of the impact it makes. Every donation goes back into the local community.
“We have generous sponsors and supporters who help us provide help for those in need. We provide help for the helpless. Those who benefit from this fund have been left behind. Maybe they’re down on their luck. We help make a difference for our most vulnerable patient populations,” Peltier said.
To learn more about Franciscan Health and the Community Health and Wellness Fund, please visit http://www.franciscanhealthfoundation.org/community-health-and-wellness.
