Reid Community Benefit grants more than $160,000 to area groups

Ten community organizations in the region are the recipients of more than $160,000 in Reid Community Benefit grants aimed at addressing prioritized health needs of access to care, mental health and substance abuse, and physical activity, nutrition and wellness.

A committee of Reid’s governing board meets quarterly to review grant requests, which are awarded as part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts as a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization. The grants support efforts that have direct impact on community health needs that are determined in detailed surveys every three years. “Organizations who are addressing the prioritized needs through programs and initiatives can apply for Community Benefit grant funding,” said Continuum of Care Director Billie Kester. She noted that it is gratifying to the Reid team “to be able to assist in funding the work that other non-profit organizations are doing to benefit our service area and see the impact of that work.”

The second quarter grants included two of the largest ever presented -- $48,500 to Achieva Resources to support the Adult Guardianship Program for disabled adults; and $50,000 to the Boys and Girls Club of Wayne County to provide a healthy lifestyle coordinator to cover multiple programs working with kids and youth.

“These two organizations are working hard to address major health and wellness needs of the community,” said Craig Kinyon, Reid President/CEO. “Their programs are definitely in line with our mission of wholeness, body, mind and spirit.”


Jon Ford, Governing Board Chairman, said these programs and others that receive Community Benefit funds play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of the region. “These grants are really just as much of an investment in our future as they are a check presentation,” Ford said.

Other grants included:

• $20,000 to Senior Opportunity Services Center in Richmond to fund homemaker and handyman services for underserved residents.
• $10,000 to the Richmond Fire Department to fund ATV transportation for patients/victims from remote areas, trails or events.
• $7,500 to I.W.I.N. (Indiana Women in Need) to support women with breast cancer to help with non-medical needs such as child care, housekeeping and transportation.
• $7,500 to Journey Home Veterans Shelter to help with operational costs of a veteran’s shelter serving eight Indiana-Ohio counties.
• $7,500 to the Lions Club of Richmond to help fund eye exams and glasses for children and adults in need.
• $5,000 to the Hub Etchison Youth Football League for helmet certifications, refurbishing helmets, a player safety coach and other needs.
• $3,000 to the Every Child Can Read organization to fund the Third Grade Academy four-week reading program.
• And $1,500 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) for various needs, including materials and brochures, education needs, office supplies and food.

In addition to grants, the Reid’s Community Benefit department provides donations such as food, medical supplies, linens and used equipment to not-for-profit entities. In a direct medical initiative, Reid’s mammogram and prostate screening programs are offered free to qualified individuals upon physician referral, are covered by Community Benefit funds and underwritten by Reid Foundation.
Community Benefit is the basis of the tax-exemption of not-for-profit hospitals. Reid, like all not-for-profit health care organizations, demonstrates commitment to community service through organized and sustainable community benefit programs by providing free and discounted care to those unable to afford it, care to low-income beneficiaries of Medicaid and other indigent care programs, and services designed to improve community health and increase access to care.