For the third year in a row, the Empath Health Women’s Giving Network has awarded micro-grants to worthy projects across the organization. This year’s allocated funding was a record $23,625, awarded to the following programs:
A project to purchase prepared, evidence-based materials to help patients manage their diseases. The project will focus on patients suffering with congestive heart failure and COPD, the top two diagnoses in our region for re-hospitalization.
Memory/Keepsake photo shoots for 12 families with a seriously ill or terminally ill child in hospice or palliative care.
Support for palliative arts volunteers that will provide specialized Reiki education to additional volunteers allowing them to serve more patients. Reiki is provided to patients and families at no charge.
Funding for Empath Health sewing volunteers that will provide funds to purchase fabric and other sewing materials to make neck and arm pillows, lap blankets, walker bags, catheter bag covers, head caps, activity bibs, and tiny caps and clothes for babies that are stillborn.
The 25-year-old Empath Health Teen Volunteer program received funds to provide logo t-shirts for teen volunteers across the organization.
Funding to train and certify a wound treatment nurse who will then train up to 100 other clinicians to provide specialized wound care to hospice and palliative care patients in their homes, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or Empath Health care centers.
Kathy Rabon, Vice-President of the Suncoast Hospice Foundation and one of the founders of the program said the women are truly making an impact in the community. “Each year, our group grows and the project funding increases, and that dedication by our members continues to inspire others,” she said. “Women play a vital role in philanthropy in our country, and in our community. We are so grateful to these community leaders who recognize the importance of compassionate end-of-life care.”
The Women’s Giving Network is dedicated to inspiring, educating and encouraging women to effect change through philanthropy and leadership. WGN members become ambassadors in the community for the programs and services of Empath Health, including hospice, palliative care, integrative care, home health, independent living assistance and day care for seniors, HIV services and advanced care planning.
If you are interested in joining WGN or learning more please contact Annette Carter at 727-523-3414, or annettecarter@empathhealth.org.