Often, it is women who care for their families and friends when they are ill. This puts them in a position to make decisions about health care for both themselves and others, giving them immeasurable influence.
The Women of St. Francis, part of the Bon Secours St. Francis Foundation, was formed in 2007 to empower women as health care decision-makers. This group ensures they have the knowledge they need to make important health care decisions and then sharing that information out in the community.
This group also proudly champions our mission of being Good Help to Those in Need® by raising funds to support important programs and services in the Greenville, SC area.
In 2019, the group awarded a total of $25,000 to the following organizations.
$5,000 for the Pearlie Harris Center for Breast Health
These funds helped provide 35 mammograms and 5 breast ultrasounds, which led to two patients being diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the early detection helped them get the treatment they needed. Both are now doing well.
$5,000 for the Chronic Medication Pediatric Program
Affordable medications and supplements are a struggle, with funding sources lacking for undocumented individuals and those who fall through the cracks. This grant helps fill that gap. The funds helped one mother afford the treatment she needed in order to continue to home-school her children during the COVID-19 pandemic. They also covered the costs of anti-seizure medication for a young boy, helping address not only the medical issue but also mood and behavioral problems. Without those challenges, he was able to focus on school and improve his grades.
$5,000 for the Neonatal Resuscitation Program
The Labor and Delivery Unit purchased new simulation equipment (pictured above right) to help provide enhanced training for staff. The high-tech doll is paired with a tablet to simulate heart rates and breathing responses similar to those in real life scenarios. Many staff members say the enhanced training has boosted their confidence. They will be ready to respond more efficiently and effectively moving forward.
$10,000 for Bon Secours Urogynecology
With this money, the practice was able to purchase new exam tables that helped reduce barriers due to mobility. They also purchased pelvic models to improve education so that patients can better understand their diagnosis and treatment plan.
And this year, there are four more programs that will benefit from the Women of St. Francis grants, which are made possible through annual membership dues.
- $5,000 for Project SEARCH, a program that provides high school aged students with disabilities the opportunity to receive on-the-job training through total workplace immersion in the hospital environment (pictured above left)
- $10,000 for Wigged Out Wednesday, a program that provides free wigs and head scarves to cancer patients facing potential hair loss as a result of their treatment.
- $2,500 for NCC Family Comfort Program, which provides a comfortable and safe environment for families in the NICU as they spend bonding time and participate in the care of their babies.
Women of St. Francis host regular events for learning, socializing, celebrating and giving. These events focus on important health topics featuring experts who share information and empower group members to provide input regarding what women really want in a health care setting.
If you are interested in learning more or becoming a Woman of St. Francis, please call the St. Francis Foundation at (864) 255-1040 or email karri_westmoreland@bshsi.org.
Learn more about our ministry’s community commitment as well as the health care services we provide at Bon Secours.
