12 Days of Giving: The Oakwood Healthcare Foundation

Name: The Foundation

Website: www.oakwood.org/foundation

What they're all about: The Oakwood Healthcare Foundation is dedicated to bringing high-quality health care to the community, including many area residents that may not be able to tap into medical services if not for its efforts.

An integral part of the Oakwood network of hospitals and health care centers, the foundation has provided services to people that might not otherwise be able to afford adequate health care that are comprehensive and far-ranging in scope. Services include everything from screening at medical fairs to detect diabetes and high cholesterol screening to emergency services to treatment and support for children with special needs.

Carla O’Malley, the foundation’s executive director, said the mission of the foundation is to meet the community’s health care needs–which are escalating amid a challenging local economy.

“The need has definitely increased during the past few years,” she said. "Our services provide these patients with some options for their health care.”

Oakwood’s Center for Exceptional Families, which is supported by the foundation, provides family-centered care for children with special needs, including basic health services, physical therapy, mental health services and social work. The approach is designed to help patients meet goals, and encourage independence.

Adults without health insurance can also take part in Community Benefit Programs, which offer health screenings, immunizations and education both in and outside of Dearborn. Needy patient programs also provide services to those in need through free health clinics and emergency services. Donated dollars allow low income individuals to have prescriptions filled, and receive transportation to medical clinics.

How to help: Oakwood is the single largest provider of health services in Dearborn, and will enable the foundation to continue endow programs that directly benefit Dearborn residents, O’Malley said.

Though the foundation receives corporate support, donations from the community are a vital part of its fundraising efforts. And, the foundation many ways to give that fit all budgets.

“Some people believe that a donation has to be big, but we tell people that every amount, no matter how small, makes a difference,” O’Malley said.

Residents can make donations online by credit card on a secure link, or by phone by calling 313-586-5234. Donations can also be made by sending a check to the Oakwood Healthcare Foundation, 15500 Lundy Parkway, Dearborn, MI, 48126.

Another way to help at the holidays support Oakwood’s Tree of Lights, which for a $10 donation allows people to remember a loved one during the holiday season.