Frederick County Health Care Coalition members: Pat Hanberry, Affordability Subcommittee Chair, CEO of Mental Health Association of Frederick County; Jim Williams, Chairman,Vice President of Frederick Memorial Hospital; Helen Monk, Member At-Large, Health Specialist with Frederick County Public Schools; Leigh Joos, Availability Subcommittee Chair, Program Coordinator of Frederick County Health Access Program; Gail Griffin, MD, Member At-Large;and Community Foundation Trustee Kate Costlow

New Frederick County Health Care Coalition Field of Interest Fund to Meet Medical Needs of Citizens

April 22, 2008: In its mission to improve availability and accessibility to quality health care in Frederick County, the Frederick County Healthcare Coalition has partnered with The Community Foundation of Frederick County in creating The Frederick County Health Care Coalition Field of Interest Fund.

“The Fund will support the start-up costs of the Frederick County Health Care Coalition in its mission to connect the citizens of Frederick County with the medical services they need,” said Jim Williams, Chairman of the Frederick County Health Care Coalition.

The Frederick County Health Care Coalition brings together representatives from Frederick Memorial Healthcare System, the Frederick County Health Department, charitable organizations, state and local for-profit and not-for-profit businesses, and concerned citizens to identify the medical needs of the community and to link individuals to medical services. “The Coalition has been successful in working together to find solutions to access challenges, barriers to receiving needed medications, and in investigating healthcare issues specific to Frederick County,” Williams said.

With the growing number of Americans experiencing chronic health conditions each year, coupled with rising health care costs, families are finding it increasingly difficult to manage their health care needs, Williams said. “By working with our community partners we have been able to make real progress in addressing those needs. Partnering with the Community Foundation to create The Frederick County Health Care Coalition Field of Interest Fund will help to ensure that our mission is successful.”

The Community Foundation is a philanthropic leader in Frederick County partnering with individuals and organizations to create charitable funds that provide grants to nonprofit organizations and scholarships to area students. To date, the Community Foundation has awarded more than $17 million throughout the Frederick County community.

For those wanting to make a difference in the lives of citizens in need of affordable, quality healthcare in Frederick County, a secure online donation to The Frederick County Health Care Coalition Field of Interest Fund may be made.  To do so, click here. Checks made payable to The Community Foundation of Frederick County, with the Fund’s name in the memo line, may be mailed to 312 East Church Street, Frederick, Maryland 21701. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.