For nearly 30 years, WeCareJax has provided free primary and specialty care to uninsured adults in Duval County.
And for 12 years, the non-profit organization has annually recognized “incredible volunteers who make it possible for patients and their families to get care at no cost to their uninsured neighbors when they need it most.” ” has been awarded. Strain said. Her Caring Awards gala for 2022 is on Thursday.
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What is WeCareJax?
Founded in 1993, WeCareJax is a network of volunteer doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, hospitals, community clinics and other partners. Since its inception, the network has grown to around 500 volunteers and serves approximately 1,700 patients annually.
About $20 million in donated health insurance is provided to uninsured adults living below 200% of the federal poverty level, according to government agencies. These patients would otherwise go untreated or congest emergency rooms.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed “a great many gaps in the local health care delivery system. A teacher,” Strain said. “Patients with serious and life-threatening illnesses are getting the care they need despite being unable to qualify for, buy or pay for health insurance out-of-pocket.”
According to WeCareJax, at least 13% of Duval County residents between the ages of 18 and 64 have no health insurance.
“Over the past year, we have met new healthcare provider volunteers, increased our patient case management nursing staff to support patients facing complex treatment plans, and have experienced more than two years of physician and volunteer leadership. We have seen it address the challenges left over from the turmoil of the pandemic,” Strain said.
One of these challenges, she said, is that cancer diagnoses are being made later in the course of the disease than ever before, as fewer patients have access to routine mammograms and other screenings during the pandemic. I was. This means that cases take longer to reach remission and require more care.
Who will be recognized at the 2022 Caring Awards?
As breast cancer cases accounted for the majority of cancer cases on WeCareJax over the past year, two of the Caring Awards recognize relevant contributions.
- Dr. George Trotter Founder’s Award for Physician Service: Dr. Jennifer Crozier, Dr. Jennifer Crozier, Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center Medical Oncologist in the field of breast cancer.
Crozier’s specialties include medical oncology, internal medicine, hematology, and specialties in breast cancer and clinical trials.
“Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most difficult times in an individual’s life,” she said. “I want to do my part to ensure that all patients receive cutting-edge care and access to a supportive multidisciplinary team.”
Being able to offer that support to uninsured patients is “a great way to help patients through their complicated journeys, educate them about their illness, and show them how Baptist MD Anderson’s team can treat and support them.” I find it rewarding because they teach me,” she said. she said.
WeCareJax shows that “our community is united,” said Crozier. “When one of us faces a health problem, it affects us all. It’s important to us and Jacksonville has many resources to support our community.”
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- Sister de Sales Award Award for Outstanding Practice Manager: Loriell Grossling, Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Ackerman Cancer Center.
“Partnering with WeCareJax is an opportunity to fulfill some of the fundamental purposes of the healthcare system: treating individuals with dignity and compassionate care,” said Grossling. “By opening doors to uninsured patients in our community, we can make a difference in the lives of families in need.”
Other honors and winners are:
- Freddie Webster RN Award for Nursing Excellence: Cindy Livings, RN, Longtime Nursing Volunteer for WeCareJax
- Patient’s Choice Award, WeCareJax Patient-nominated Physicians: Dr. Deborah Price, Nephrology Associates, NE FL, and Dr. Juan Carlos Muñoz, Borland Groover.
- WeCareJax Staff and Board Endorsed Compassionate Professional Medicine Award: Dr. Stephen Arndt, Orthopedic Surgeon, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists. Dr. Aneesa Krishnamurthy, Rheumatologist, Ascension St Vincents. Dr. Lael Stieglitz, urologist, Baptiste MD Anderson Cancer Center.
When and where is the event? how much does it cost?
This year’s Caring Awards will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the River City Railway at 1738 E. Adams St. near TIAA Bankfield. In addition to the awards, the event will feature informational exhibits at his 12 historic rail cars on site. Bold City Classics, The Voice 2021 finalist Paris Winningham, dance and live music by Cortnie Frazier. And pastiche catering.
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Tickets are $100 and can be purchased online at secure.qgiv.com/for/2cae/event/855332. Ticket deadline is Wednesday at 5pm. To send a “Thank You Message to Volunteer Physicians and Providers” or for more information, please contact Kafana Her Gilbert at (904) 674-6459.
bcravey@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4109
