The holiday season is upon us, and in this season of giving, there are many ways to spread joy to those around you — including by donating to, or volunteering at, your local hospital. Your gift of philanthropy and/or time is critical to the success of most hospitals nationwide. Volunteers and donors invest their time, money and hearts to help these institutions support the health and well-being of thousands, if not millions, of people within their communities. Many hospitals could not function without this generosity.
At Montefiore, a premier academic medical center operating in Bronx, New York, we have a long history of serving our community since our founding by philanthropists over 130 years ago. Located in one of the poorest congressional districts in New York, our mission is to provide exceptional health care to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
[See: 10 Good Deeds and Why You Should Do Them.]
Montefiore, for example, relies on philanthropy to help maintain and expand important programs and initiatives, from the Montefiore School Health Program to advanced simulation laboratories where physicians learn the art of patient care in a controlled, state-of-the-art teaching environment. We are proud to provide the highest quality health care to all who we serve; this wouldn’t be possible without our generous communities.
A hospital’s strong connection to its donors helps enable it to embark on pioneering patient care, progressive medical research and community health and educational programs. By partnering with everyone from individuals and their families, to foundations and corporations, hospitals can care for those around them by investing in infrastructure, such as building a new children’s hospital or clinic; introducing advanced care methods; expanding access to wellness programs for diabetics; and even providing housing assistance to families whose loved ones’ illnesses keep them in the hospital for prolonged periods of time.
Your gift can have a significant impact on these issues and more by providing funds for key programs in your community.
Donor support can range from supporting a hospital’s Annual Fund with a $10 individual gift to a $10 million foundation gift to create a new clinic and ambulatory care space. Each and every gift is important and demonstrates a desire to improve the health and well-being of others; each gift is impactful.
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Additionally, “giving back” doesn’t always have to mean providing financial support. Many hospitals maintain robust volunteer programs, where individuals who feel a strong connection with an institution, such as former patients or patients’ loved ones, get involved to help others on a more personal and engaged level. Montefiore is supported annually by more than 500 volunteers who provide a wide-range of institutional and patient-care services.
As we embark on this season of giving, Montefiore will once again participate in #GivingTuesday. This worldwide effort encourages people to pause during the shopping season and give back, either by donating money or giving time to a worthwhile cause. Last year, Montefiore’s #GivingTuesday efforts provided iPads for our children seeking treatment in our pediatric hematology/oncology infusion suite. The gift of these iPads provides our young patients with emotional support during a difficult time by connecting them with their friends and favorite games and movies. They’re even used to help our kids to do their homework and keep their grades up while getting treatments.
#GivingTuesday efforts are just one example of how you can give back to a local hospital and make a meaningful impact for its patients. Throughout this holiday season and all year long, hospitals nationwide are humbled by the outpouring of support from those who give $5 to those who give $5 million or more — every donation makes a difference in the lives of those within the community and has a direct impact on the care each hospital delivers.
[See: 10 Lessons From Empowered Patients.]
Donors to all causes understand the value and importance of investing in exceptional work — this value is true at a major academic medical center as well as at a local community health clinic. Philanthropy is the foundation that brings together industry leaders and community members to better our health care, our community and our world. This holiday season, give a gift from your heart and help your local hospital care for those around you.
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How to Give Back to Your Local Hospital originally appeared on usnews.com