Baptist named among top 10 in the nation for community outreach

Baptist Memorial Health Care was recently named one of the nation’s top community outreach health care organizations in the 2013 Hospital Charitable Services Awards.

One hundred ninety nominees submitted applications, and 40 finalists were chosen from 38 states. Ten awards were given to non-profits who eaxh received a $10,000 grant.

The work highlighted in the award was Baptist Operation Outreach health care van for the homeless, a partnership between Baptist Memorial Health Care and Christ Community Health Services.

“Last year we served more than 3,000 patients without permanent housing, providing primary care across the city in our mobile clinic,” said Cynthia Allen, system community involvement and special events manager. “The face of the homeless is changing, and it’s our job year-round to help those living on our streets become healthier and find permanent housing. Giving primary care to the homeless is our signature cause at Baptist.”

One of the many success stories is Grace Hilton-Young, a colleague who was formerly homeless and now works for Baptist Operation Outreach as a patient advocate.

“Grace’s inspirational story allows our patients to see that we can help them,” said Jan Taylor, clinical director of Baptist Operation Outreach . “We connect patients with social workers as well to help them find permanent housing. Expanding our services to treat more patients in other locations across Memphis in underserved areas is our focus for the future.”