Friends of Health helps people who are facing financial challenges because of health and medical crises.
Chronic and serious illnesses and sudden injury reveal the high cost of medical supplies, medication, transportation. Financial challenges prevent people from getting the care they need. Insurance doesn’t cover everything and many people often cannot afford basic necessities such as walkers, wheelchairs, and even prescriptions.
Our first priority will always be to support hospice patients, but over the years we’ve created strong partnerships with other local agencies, such as hospital discharge planning, medical clinics, senior center, Mendocino County Social Services for the disabled, and referrals from churches. They determine their client’s need and send FoH a request. We confirm that each request falls within our mission, and do our best to fund as many requests as possible.
During the pandemic we continue to reach out and help via other agencies. Focus is always on those with medical illness who need financial assistance to get the care they need as quickly as possible, with NO RED TAPE. We accept requests for anyone who needs help regardless of documentation or other identifications. In fact, we do not even know the name of the individuals we are assisting: our grants are submitted through the agencies’ representatives to provide total anonymity.
We assist in a variety of ways, such as...
Equipment to increase mobility and safety in the home.
The right shoes to a man with severe neuropathy, which prevented damage.
Special eating utensils for a new stroke victim.
Ramps and handrails and minor repairs so people can stay in their homes.
Medications, like antibiotics and morphine, promote healing and reduce suffering.
Safety equipment allowing ease of bathing, and safety bars.
Wigs for chemotherapy patients
Medical alert devices offer peace of mind to the elderly and their worried families.
A cell phone allows vital connection to 911 and friends
Overnight lodging for hospice care and extended hospital stays.
Heat and electricity, which improves the odds of healing after a serious illness
Transportation for medical appointments, including radiation and chemotherapy treatment
Catheters, diapers, diabetes tests and more.
Last wishes: Birthday parties for loved ones, celebratory meals, and attending special events
“This is a wonderful group to have here on the coast. They do so much, but very little is said about them. Let’s keep them in our hearts.”
A Room With a Soul
In 2011, we identified the need for a healing environment that would accommodate the special needs for end-of-life care, a place where families could spend the night with their loved ones in a quiet, beautiful atmosphere.
some of the volunteers WHO worked on the room and the heron garden. FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: NICK YOST, SANDRA RENNIE, NORMA HOLMES, GIN KREMEN, BILL POPOW, JAMES BENEDETTO, GRAHAM AND JOYCE GILBERTSON
Working with the Mendocino Coast Hospital and local artists, craftspeople, and businesses, FoH created A Room With A Soul. A community outpouring created the Room and the Heron Garden outside its window. When not needed for hospice care, it is available to all.
Support for Those Who Are Grieving
FoH funds the Grief Recovery Support Group, a weekly group led by a skilled and compassionate counselor. The group is open to everyone and is free of charge. Call 707-964-8987 for more information.