The Jan. 17 article, “Churches go beyond debating health care reform,” points out that many faith-based organizations go beyond nurturing spiritual health by tending to the physical needs of their neighbors. Regardless of faith, race or background, these organizations help people who often have nowhere else to turn. Whether for a dental extraction, prenatal ultrasound, detection and treatment of chronic diseases, or mental health counseling, millions of Floridians can access medical treatment thanks to organizations like Shepherd’s Hope and Helping Hands. The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida, the philanthropic affiliate of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, values the partnerships it has with Shepherd’s Hope, Helping Hands and other faith-based organizations throughout Florida. In fact, approximately 18 percent, or nearly $3 million, of the grants The Blue Foundation has awarded since its inception in 2001 have been to support health-related programs operated by faith-based organizations. These nonprofits strive to ensure Florida’s working poor, unemployed and homeless populations don’t have to wait until their health conditions spiral out of control to receive care. Their services enable many to receive primary, preventive and specialty care at little to no cost in a setting other than an emergency department. Often leaving a clinic with healthier minds, bodies and souls, individuals can move forward to live happy and productive lives. As the Jan. 17 article indicates, demand for affordable medical services has dramatically increased due to record unemployment rates and other economic and environmental factors. The Blue Foundation applauds the efforts of every nonprofit, both faith-based and secular, to accommodate this increased demand.

Susan Towler
Vice President, The Blue Foundation for a Healthy Florida