Local Health Funders Joint Statement on COVID-19
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- by Jackie Rodriguez
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Community Memorial Foundation, Healthy Communities Foundation, Michael Reese Health Trust and Westlake Health Foundation are focused on measurably improving the health and well-being of individuals and families living in Chicago and the western suburbs. As such, we share a mutual concern of what an advanced COVID-19 outbreak can look like in our service regions.
As the situation evolves, we want to assure our partners that we – like you – will remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting access to equitable quality health and human services; communicating accurate information; and addressing the social determinants of health. We understand the ways COVID-19 can exacerbate the existing health inequities that impact our individuals and families with low incomes, people of color, people with disabilities, the chronically ill, and the elderly and immigrant communities living in our regions; and we have a shared commitment to continually support our partners who already work to address these inequities on a daily basis.
Even in uncertain times, one thing remains constant: we are facing this together and together we will do what we can to keep our region, especially the most vulnerable among us, healthy. Our foundations will continue to monitor the latest on COVID-19 from public health officials and, as funders, we fully commit to joining forces to learn from our grantee partners about community needs and address this situation as best as we can. We encourage our grantee partners to also reach out to us with their own needs as we navigate the road ahead.
Please see below for important information:
Resources
We understand the importance of timely, accurate and helpful communication surrounding COVID-19. We encourage our grantee partners to visit trusted sources of public health information, including:
The American Public Health Association has also released coronavirus fact sheets in English, Spanish and Chinese. We invite you to share these with your clients and community partners.
Coronavirus Outbreak & the Nonprofit Sector
The coronavirus outbreak creates unique challenges for the nonprofit sector. Nonprofits often serve individuals who are most vulnerable to public health threats. They may also operate with limited financial reserves or rely on public events for fundraising. Learn what your nonprofit can do now to prepare for coronavirus or other potential business interruption.
Finally, we wish to thank our community partners for their continued strength and resilience. The vital role of the nonprofit health sector is more important now than ever, as we continue to provide quality care to our most vulnerable neighbors with dignity and kindness.
With gratitude,
Greg DiDomenico, President and CEO, Community Memorial Foundation
Maria Pesqueira, President, Healthy Communities Foundation
Gayla Brockman, President and CEO, Michael Reese Health Trust
Len Muller, President, Westlake Health Foundation
