Dear Friends,
As 2020 comes to an end, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundations (the Foundations) would like to express deep gratitude to our nonprofit partners for their continued efforts to address the needs of vulnerable people during such challenging times. Throughout the year, the Foundations have been honored to support agencies in central and southeastern Ohio that not only continue to deliver, but expand, vital services to meet increased demands in the community, resulting from the evolving COVID-19 crisis.
To date, the Foundations have approved over $7 million in response to the pandemic and its impacts in the community, supporting over 52 organizations focused on behavioral health and substance use disorders, food security, domestic violence, early childhood education and the growing needs of vulnerable youth. The resiliency, adaptation and innovation of these organizations is remarkable, with results to date including:
- 12 behavioral health providers located in central and southeastern Ohio, with limited or no telehealth offerings prior to the pandemic, launched new telehealth programs serving thousands of clients who otherwise would not have been reached.
- More than 6,000 Meals-on-Wheels clients in central and southeastern Ohio are being served each week, as providers respond to a more than 50% increase in demand for services.
- Trauma informed care curriculum and training was prioritized for early childhood educators and school districts, impacting 74 early childhood educators in central Ohio and six school districts in southeastern Ohio.
In addition to direct support to agencies, the Foundations contributed to collaborative response and recovery efforts led by our colleagues. We are grateful for their efforts to quickly mobilize and direct support where it was needed, reaching thousands of additional people in the communities the Foundations serve. Thank you to our funding partners:
- Athens County Foundation
- Athens-Hocking-Vinton Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (317 Board)
- Foundation for Appalachian Ohio
- The Columbus Foundation
- United Way of Central Ohio
In 2020, through pandemic-related support for health and human service agencies, and an ongoing commitment to advance medical education and research on pressing health issues, the Foundations have continued to advance our mission to improve health and quality of life in the community through education, research and service consistent with our osteopathic heritage. In the year ahead, we look forward to new opportunities to further our mission, in partnership with so many exemplary organizations and institutions.
Best wishes to you and your family for a happy holiday season.
In gratitude,
Terri Donlin Huesman
President/CEO