Letter to the Editor / Monroe County’s Human Services Advisory Board a Blessing

Monroe County, FL (September 16, 2016) – On behalf of Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of the Florida Keys (VNA/Hospice), I wanted to take the time to publically thank the Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB) and the Monroe County Commission for their tremendous dedication and the invaluable service they provide to not only to the residents of Monroe County but also to the numerous non-profit health and human service organizations that bridge the “gap“ by providing much needed services and programs to residents of the Florida Keys.

The HSAB voluntary advisory board has a daunting — and sometimes thankless — task to ensure the county’s $2 million allocation is properly dispersed to organizations that have a proven track record in providing quality support services and programs that will enhance the quality of life for residents in need. As a volunteer TDC Cultural Umbrella board member representing District 5, I cannot begin to tell you about the insurmountable hours that go into reviewing and grading grant applications such as the HSAB application process. With the ever changing reductions in Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance reimbursements, as well as federal and state cutbacks in funding for health and human services, the HSAB is a critical component for the health and well-being of our community.

VNA/Hospice is extremely thankful for the continuous support that we receive from the HSAB. The reimbursable grants that are distributed annually help to offset the cost of providing over $150,000 in charity care to the uninsured and underinsured annually. This year we were very blessed to receive an increase to help fund a new Palliative Care initiative –specialized care for people whose lives are changing when they are affected with a life-altering or chronic illness or disease. Thanks to the increase, we were able to leverage those fund for additional grants earmarked for this special program. We still need additional philanthropic support from donors to reach our goal of $250,000 to initiate the program, and we are well on our way thanks to the HSAB and the generous support of the Ocean Reef Community Foundation.

All of the wonderful non-profit organizations that apply to the HSAB want to ensure that residents and visitors alike have the same access to health care and human service programs that one would receive on the mainland. We could not do it without the support of the County Commissioners and the remarkable members of the HSAB Advisory Board. So on behalf of all the residents and the non-profit community that provides these invaluable services – thank you – thank you – thank you!

About Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys

Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice of the Florida Keys, an affiliate of Haven Hospice, is an integrated agency that has been providing skilled home health, palliative and hospice care to the residents and visitors of Monroe County since 1984. The mission of VNA/Hospice is to honor life by providing comfort, care and compassion to those we serve. For more information regarding VNA/Hospice or how you can volunteer, please call 305-294-8812 or visit www.VNAHospiceKeys.org. Hospice License: HPC50310951. VNA License: HHA21245096. HCS License: 232500 and 232517. EIN: HHA21245095. Charitable organization registration number: CH87.

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