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Central Florida's own Shepherd's Hope was among 20 recipients to be awarded a grant from Direct Relief and the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFC). Over 1.8 Million was awarded through this grant program to support Free and Charitable Clinics in Florida and Texas that were affected last year by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma.
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These grants were distributed through the Hurricane Community Health Fund, which was set up by Direct Relief in the aftermath of the Hurricanes to be used solely for the benefit of hurricane-affected communities and people - particularly those who have low incomes, lack insurance, and are among the most vulnerable residents.
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"Recovery from major disasters continues long after the headlines disappear," said Damon Taugher, Director of U.S. Programs for Direct Relief. "With the start of the 2018 hurricane season just days away, many communities are still healing from 2017's devastating storms. Direct Relief's hope with this latest round of funding is that free clinics will not only be able to repair and recover from past emergencies but become more resilient to disasters in the future."
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Shepherd's Hope received a $121,115 grant to support their outstanding Hurricane Irma relief efforts. "These significant grant dollars come at a critical time as our agency has struggled to keep up with patient capacity demands for the 1 in 4 uninsured in Central Florida still struggling with the after effects of the Hurricanes," said Marni Stahlman, Shepherd's Hope's President & CEO, "It is a recognition, at a national level, that the mission of Shepherd's Hope is vital to the healthcare continuum in our community and the health and well-being of our most vulnerable neighbors."
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"The NAFC is proud to partner with Direct Relief to provide much needed funds to Free and Charitable Clinics that were and continue to be impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma," said Nicole Lamoureux, NAFC President & CEO. "In communities throughout the country, Free and Charitable Clinics are among the first health care responders, both in everyday life as well as in the face of disasters. This funding will assist member organizations as they continue to rebuild, recover lost supplies and medication and most importantly allow them to continue and expand providing care to their patients and communities, many of whom are still dealing with the aftermath of these storms."
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Grants from the Hurricane Community Health Fund are being distributed to Free and Charitable Clinics to support continued recovery efforts, to recoup expenses and/or reinforce emergency preparedness efforts related to the hurricanes which will allow for the continuity of crucial life-saving care to those most vulnerable in their communities.
