Cape Girardeau — The SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has created a SoutheastHEALTH Response and Recovery Fund (RRF) which will accept donations to support first responders and healthcare workers affected by disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
SoutheastHEALTH Foundation President Patti Ranzini says the mission of the SoutheastHEALTH RRF is to improve the health and social welfare of SoutheastHEALTH employees, first responders and at-risk patients by meeting short and long-term public health, medical and social service needs.
SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has seed funded the new program with a donation of $10,000. Donors can text to give securely through One Cause, RRF2020 to 243725.
As “second responders” in any disaster circumstance, nonprofits are called upon to support their communities, often the most vulnerable members, through increased need for services in areas such as food insecurity, transportation, mental and physical wellbeing and more.
As the scope of needs continues to be identified, the Foundation will distribute funds to those people or areas most in need, which may include patient transportation, meal delivery or social services.
Ranzini added that the SoutheastHEALTH Foundation has agreed to partner with local first responders, EMS, fire and rescue and police departments as their needs arise. The RRF already has the endorsement of both Cape and Jackson Police and Fire departments.
Curt Buchheit, SoutheastHEALTH Foundation Board President, says, “One hundred percent of donations received will go to foster and accelerate the collective impact of our health system, care providers and first responders to help restore the health of communities and families affected by COVID-19. All donations will remain local. The SoutheastHEALTH Foundation will manage the distribution of funds to SoutheastHEALTH and its employees and patients and local first responders who may suffer significant hardship during this crisis.”
“Throughout the current pandemic, be assured of the resilience of SoutheastHEALTH’s healthcare system, community and their dedicated employees. Hundreds of doctors, nurses, technicians, police, fire and support personnel will spend days and nights on the front line of this healthcare crisis, providing care and safe shelter to their neighbors in need, despite the circumstances that may await them at their own homes,” said SoutheastHEALTH President and CEO Ken Bateman.
“In times of need, the public turns to their health system as a trusted destination for care. We have already begun to see our employees make remarkable personal sacrifices to ensure that care continues in our community. This fund is an opportunity not only to provide help to those folks who are most impacted by the virus, but also to acknowledge the importance of the entire healthcare team and our collaborative partners in the fire and police departments.”