$120K in support for hospital programs comes courtesy of the Advocates for Upstate Medical University
SYRACUSE, N.Y.-- An initiative to decrease hospital re-admissions for heart failure patients, a program offering need-based fee assistance for childbirth classes, a community outreach smoking cessation program and an annual symposium that updates medical teams on advances into cancer care are among 61 Upstate Medical University projects to share $120,000 in funding this year from The Advocates for Upstate Medical University. In the past 14 years alone, The Advocates’ has provided Upstate with $1,814,430 to support programs that improve patient care, support medical education and enhance health.
This year’s grants were awarded through the organization’s 2014-15 budget and other funding sources, according to Susan York, Advocates’ manager for Business and Administration. The grants were announced at the Advocates’ annual luncheon and business meeting, held May 20 at the Genesee Grande Hotel in Syracuse.
“We are proud to support Upstate in its overall mission of improving the health of the communities it serves,” said York.
In addition to the $120,000 in funding, The Advocates’ also awarded $25,000 to Upstate’s Living Donor Transplant & Outreach Program as a result of its signature fundraising event, Mystery, Malt and Merlot, held April 4 and $10,000 to the Jim and Dede Walsh Family Birth Center through proceeds raised from the 14th Annual Fall Swing Golf Tournament held last September.
The Advocates’ generate revenue through several means. In addition to Mystery, Malt and Merlot and its annual Fall Swing Golf Tournament, it receives commission from contracts for hospital services, such as Tim Hortons, EspressOasis, Lori’s Gift Shop, patient televisions and telephones, and vending machines. Other revenue is raised through activities initiated through its Fund Development and Service Committees.
The Advocates also sponsor several projects, including hospital-based blood drives and blood pressure screenings. Its scholarship program benefits Upstate employees and adult volunteers who are pursuing studies in an accredited institution in any health-related field.
“We are a membership organization of volunteers who serve Upstate and its campuses through direct service projects to improve and enhance patient care and through fund raising projects to provide funds in support of patient care enhancement and education,” said York. “We invite anyone who is interested in joining our organization, to give us a call.”
To learn more about the Advocates or to join, contact York at 464-5610.
