Media Advisory – December 11, 2023
Since 1967, the Baptist Health Foundation has operated as a faith-based 501(c)3 that positively impacts the lives of Baptist Health System’s affiliated hospitals’ patients, families, employees, and communities. Operating autonomously and independently from any hospital or healthcare organization, we serve as a healing Christian ministry filling a void in and around the Birmingham metropolitan area for uninsured patients and hospital employees in need. One hundred percent of the funds we raise are used to provide financial support for qualified patients, continuing education for medical professionals, monetary aid for employees in need, pastoral care for patients and their families, and community-based wellness programs.
In 2022, Baptist Health Foundation, in partnership with Baptist Health System, launched their Community Support Fund to provide charitable grants to established 501(c)3 non-profits who are providing healthcare or health-related services and operate within our four-county footprint of Jefferson, Shelby, Talladega, and Walker counties. Faith-based programs are given priority, but it is not a requirement.
In November of 2023, the Community Support Fund awarded over $350,000 to 38 organizations. One recipient of the award, Birmingham Metro Baptist Association’s ReMedy program, collects and refurbishes durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers to loan to individuals in need of them. “The Community Support Fund has provided a crucial lifeline for ReMedy by allowing us to embark on a major expansion. This expansion not only addresses an unmet need but also positions us to double our impact. With the support of the Baptist Health Foundation, we can prevent nearly $1 Million worth of used medical equipment from ending up in landfills and extend a helping hand to those in need,” said Executive Director Christopher (Chris) Crain.
Another program awarded a grant, the United Ability JETS program, provides work-based learning opportunities to students with disabilities. According to Susan Sellers, Executive Director of United Ability, “Individuals with disabilities often live below the poverty line or are on a fixed income. This funding will give students with disabilities the access to items needed so they may be just as competitive as their non-disabled peers.”
In 2024, Baptist Health Foundation seeks to support even more non-profits by addressing access to healthcare, food insecurity, behavioral health, and supporting individuals who find themselves in crisis.
Baptist Health Foundation supports the needs of patients, families, and employees through a faith-driven, compassionate commitment to impacting lives through charitable care that reaches beyond hospital walls and out into the community. Alison Scott, Executive Director of Baptist Health Foundation, shares, “We recognize that many non-profits are working diligently to address the unmet needs of those in our community, and we are grateful that we are now able to extend our mission through funding grants to other non-profits in our community who are providing direct healthcare and health-related services. It is a privilege to be able to partner with these organizations and support the work they do to improve lives in Central Alabama.”
For more information on the Community Support Fund, please visit the Baptist Health Foundation website at baptisthealthfoundation.com or contact Amanda Robinson at (205) 718-0302 or Amanda.Robinson@bhsala.org.
