Published on April 6, 2024
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Phelps Health is proud to announce that it has been awarded $40,000 as part of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) 2023 Priority Impact Quality of Life grants. Twenty-two grants totaling $756,296 were awarded.
The Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 3,770 grants totaling $43 million have been awarded.
Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-03-01).
The Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center has several grants under the Quality of Life program awarding grants in different category areas, varying in different amounts.
The Priority Impact grants program funds organizations to support a wide range of projects and activities that will impact individuals living with paralysis and their families.
“These awards are about restoring independence to our constituents,” said Dan McNeal, director of the Quality of Life Grants Program at the Reeve Foundation. “Our work and number one goal are to enhance the quality of life of people living with paralysis. It is our honor to continue to collaborate with so many dedicated organizations, which have selflessly given their time and efforts to ensure that accessibility and inclusivity remain embedded in the fabric of their programs.”
Through the Reeve Foundation’s contribution, Phelps Health was able to purchase one wheelchair-accessible van for the healthcare system’s patient transportation program. This van will provide direct services to the rural community, ensuring residents within a 30-mile range of hospital services can get to and from their doctor appointments.
The project will increase access to healthcare for those who do not have reliable transportation, including individuals living with paralysis. For patients living with paralysis, transportation challenges can create barriers to receiving the treatment they need. Many require routine treatments that limit family and friends’ ability to consistently be available for every ride.
“Phelps Health is incredibly grateful to be awarded a grant from the Reeve Foundation to lessen transportation burdens,” said Chris Zika, transport supervisor at Phelps Health. “This grant will ensure our patients can access the healthcare services they need and ease their concerns about how to get to their appointments.”
About the Reeve Foundation
The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research and improving the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by paralysis. By uniting the brightest minds in the field, we are working tirelessly to accelerate scientific discoveries across the field of spinal cord research by investing in labs across the globe. Additionally, through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living, the Reeve Foundation’s National Paralysis Resource Center (NPRC) promotes the health, well-being, and independence of people living with paralysis, providing comprehensive information, resources, and referral services assisting over 100,000 individuals and families since its launch in 2002. The Reeve Foundation is committed to elevating our community’s voices and needs to achieve greater representation and independence. We meet all 20 of the Better Business Bureau’s standards for charity accountability and hold the BBB’s Charity Seal. For more information, please visit our website at www.ChristopherReeve.org or call 800-225-0292.
