Despite the daily count of cases and deaths resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the countless number of fearless healthcare professionals is both remarkable and inspiring. Not only are these frontliners providing the needed resources for patients to recover, they are also offering the emotional support in place of families who are prevented from being present due to health restrictions.
Unbeknownst to most, these caregivers are also facing stresses outside the hospitals. Some “have been directly impacted or may be incurring unexpected costs associated with COVID-19.” Imagine taking care of patients while worrying about housing, meals and childcare. Perhaps the household income has been slashed due to a spouse being laid off. What about the youngsters who are home-bound trying to take classes?
For this reason, Baylor Scott And White Health has expanded its long-established Employees 1st Emergency Assistance Fund to immediately help staff members. Within the first two weeks, more than $1.5M has been committed by the health system’s board members, 100% of the executive team, employees and the community.
Community examples: The Crowley Carter Foundation, Hilltop Holdings and its family of companies (including PlainsCapital Bank, PrimeLending, HilltopSecurities and National Lloyds), Ross McKnight, The Meadows Foundation, Moody Foundation and Annette Simmons have made contributions of $100,000 or more.
Baylor Scott And White Health CEO Jim Hinton, who has pledged 25% of his salary during this time, explained, “Our caregivers are selfless, courageous and compassionate; they are an inspiration. We want to do everything we can to help reduce their uncertainties and burdens, and this is one way we can do that. This [fund] gives so many of us a direct way to do more for those who are fighting this virus on a daily basis.”
To help grow the effort, The Meadows Foundation “immediately followed up its initial contribution of $150,000 by announcing that it will match — dollar for dollar — another $100,000 grant as a way to encourage additional support for COVID-19 frontline caregivers.”
Baylor Scott And White Dallas Foundation President Robin Robinson said, “These extraordinary times elicit extraordinary support from our good friends at Meadows. They’re standing shoulder to shoulder in support of our caregivers, and we are so grateful for their generosity and commitment to caring for those who are giving their all on the frontlines of this pandemic.”
While times are indeed tough and everyone is being hit for donations, you can take on the Meadows challenge for as little as $25 by going here.
* Graphic and photo provided by Baylor Scott And White Dallas Foundation