May #SpotlightOnCLT: Local Nonprofits Keeping Our Neighbors Healthy
“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”- Thomas Carlyle
The status of our health influences almost every other aspect of our lives, and without good health many things around us tend to crumble- hope included. Luckily, there are local nonprofits that work hard to keep our community, and in particular some our most vulnerable neighbors, cared for and in good health.
Throughout May, we will be shining our #SpotlightOnCLT, presented by the Amy and Brian France Foundation, on our nonprofit partners who are caring for our neighbors in need and going above and beyond during these unprecedented times when our health is in more jeopardy than potentially ever before.
The organizations listed below offer various services and operate differently, but the one thing they have in common is that they make health and medical care accessible and instead of slowing down in the face of crisis, they are adjusting efforts to meet the urgent need of our community.
Read below to learn more about these local nonprofits and how you can support the crucial work they do to keep our neighbors healthy, now!
Bonus GOOD: VOTE NOW for the organization you would like to see take home $5,000 from the Amy and Brian France Foundation this month!
Camino Community Center is an organization focused on equipping all people to live healthy, hopeful and productive lives. Since 2003, Camino has served low-income families in the greater Charlotte area through a low-cost health clinic, mental health clinic, thrift store, homeless outreach program and a variety of other health and human services. The Community Center is bilingual and multicultural, bridging gaps between language and cultural barriers for families in need. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Camino Community Center!
Care Ring is dedicated to providing health services for the uninsured, underinsured or those lacking access to affordable, high-quality health care. Every day they empower individuals with limited resources to establish and maintain good health through three quality programs: a Low-Cost Clinic, Nurse-Family Partnership and Physicians Reach Out.
The people they serve face a higher risk of complications from COVID-19, as many have underlying health conditions, such as diabetes. Many are also losing their jobs and lack public or private insurance and some neighbors need them now more than ever. Financial donations are requested as client needs and numbers grow. Additional funds will enable Care Ring to respond to the need and provide care to the most vulnerable in our community. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Care Ring!
Charlotte Community Health Clinic
Charlotte Community Health Clinic provides healthcare services to low-income, un- and underinsured individuals in the greater Mecklenburg area. It is a comprehensive, fully integrated primary care facility for adults and children. Services include acute and chronic disease treatment and management, preventative health services, behavioral health, women's health, pediatrics, diagnostics, health education and dental services.
As a provider of health care services to our community’s most vulnerable neighbors (83% of patients have no health insurance), they are seeking financial donations that will cover the necessary shift in how they provide services, due to an anticipated increase in new patients with respiratory symptoms (learn more here). Tangible donations are needed for supplies such as: disinfectant wipes, disposable gowns, face masks, antibacterial soap and more. They are also seeking nurse volunteers to assist in their partner sites. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Charlotte Community Health Clinic!
Lake Norman Community Health Clinic
Lake Norman Community Health Clinic is the oldest and largest medical provider serving the uninsured in Mecklenburg and South Iredell counties. This Clinic provides acute care, chronic disease care and referrals to specialists - with all services free of charge. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Lake Norman Community Health Clinic!
Matthews Free Medical Clinic provides free, quality healthcare to low income, uninsured people in Mecklenburg and Union Counties. They are a medical home that provides primary care, chronic disease management, several specialties and ancillary services as well as education and preventative services. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Matthews Free Medical Clinic!
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic
Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men and young people. For more than 49 years, Planned Parenthood has been serving the residents of Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg County with compassionate, nonjudgmental care including preventive services, lifesaving breast and cervical cancer screenings, and sexual health education. They provide essential reproductive health services including: gynecological, breast exams, family planning, as well as testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Planned Parenthood South Atlantic!
Steve Smith Family Foundation is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need and advancing causes that are close to the heart of the founder’s family, including domestic violence awareness and prevention, as well as family health and wellness services. In 2016, the foundation launched the Smith Family Wellness Center in partnership with Project 658. To date, the clinic has served over 3,000 individuals with free medical and counseling services to those who are uninsured or underinsured. For more information click here. VOTE NOW for Steve Smith Family Foundation!
GOOD Info to Know About Novant Health:
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Novant Health is currently in need of financial donations, medical supplies, non-perishable food items and blood donations- click here to contribute!
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You can also donate a meal to Novant’s frontline workers by emailing Robbie Doran at rmpriestdoran@novanthealth.org.
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Novant Health Michael Jordan Family Medical Clinic has ceased normal operations and is currently serving as a respiratory assessment center for patients who have a referral and are experiencing severe respiratory symptoms associated with the coronavirus. More info.
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Patients in need of routine care can be seen at Movement Family Wellness Center powered by Novant Health located at 2225 Freedom Drive. Novant Health has a variety of virtual care options available as well.
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Novant Health was an official partner of DO GOOD Week: Home Edition (April 19-25), read more about how they are doing GOOD for our community, here.
GOOD Info to Know About Atrium Health:
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You can support our friends at Atrium Health during these tough times by thanking healthcare workers, donating food, funds or blood, and sharing positivity from home!