Our Focus
UNC Health Nash Foundation focuses on several causes. Foundation funds are used to expand our community's access to state-of-the-art medical services and high-quality patient care, close to home. Donor dollars fund initiatives will expand services or programs to increase patient access and improve patient outcomes.
Our Primary Areas of Focus
Inpatient Food Pantry
Over $60,000 was raised for construction and equipment for the Patient Food Pantry. Thanks to support from the Foundation, the pantry will provide eligible patients with the disease-specific food boxes at discharge so that they can recover at home with less of a chance of readmission. The Foundation continues to raise funds to be used for foods, additional equipment needs and hopefully an expansion to help more patients in the future.
Community Paramedic
The Community Paramedic Program provides wellness interventions in the home to improve patient outcomes and decrease ED utilizations. This program helps patients better manage their chronic diseases and make sure they follow up with Primary Care. The Foundation has helped to expand the program to four full time paramedics and purchase an additional vehicle. Funds will continue to be raised to further support the Community Paramedic Program.
Patient Assistance
Many of our patients experience financial challenges while receiving the medical care they need to heal. The Patient Assistance Program is designed to help patients in need with expenses related to their health, such as medications, medial equipment, supplements, transportation assistance and home safety modifications. Undesignated gifts and gifts through our Lights of Love and Employee Giving Campaigns are used to support our Patient Assistance Fund.
Recovery Support Services for Substance Use & Mental Health
The Peer Support Program provides structured, scheduled services designed to support the recovery journey of patients with substance use disorders by connecting them with Peer Support Specialists. The program is built on an evidence-based mental health model of care that provides community-based recovery services. Peer Support Specialists are state-certified professionals with lived experience in mental illness and/or substance use disorders who serve as patient advocates while navigating the healthcare system. Specialists work alongside the patient’s care team, helping reduce barriers to treatment and challenges patients may face when seeking care. Funds will be used to expand this program after grant funding ends in March 2024.
