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Hope Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center 1901 W. Clinch Avenue - Knoxville, TN 37916 (865) 541-3767
"Hope is the Belief in Possibilities" |
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Hope Center at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center 1901 W. Clinch Avenue - Knoxville, TN 37916 (865) 541-3767
"Hope is the Belief in Possibilities" |
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Hope Center was established in 1996 by Jeannie Gillian, Ph.D. to address the unmet needs of individuals infected with HIV-AIDS in the Knoxville community. Due to gaps in medical services for this population, Hope Center began developing and implementing consistent, practical, psychological and supportive care for patients and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. Located in Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Hope Center is adjacent to physician offices. This location facilitates continuity of care between the hospital and home and allows clients to be followed from diagnosis through end-of-life. Hope Center Mission and Goals
Cumulative Hope Center Demographics Since the Hope Center opened on 7-North in 1996 at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, more than 1400 adults and children have received supportive services at no charge to them, their family or caregivers. Among this group, 329 individuals have died. During the period between January and December 2007, the Center saw 143 new Hope Members and 29 individuals died. Throughout each year, more than 200 dedicated community volunteers provide valuable help with HIV-AIDS education, fund-raising events, Caregiving team, World AIDS Day displays and holiday activities. Volunteer hours increased from 1,028 in 1996 to more than 4,000 in 2007. Examples of Patient and Community Services:
© Oliver & Company is a unique team of trained volunteers that provide nonmedical support for patients with special needs, or they may assist patients in the absence of, or in addition to, the primary caregiver. Oliver volunteers are recruited to offer additional practical services in partnership with the healthcare team. After a background check, volunteers participate in HIV education sessions and training in HIPAA, Universal Precautions, Cultural Diversity and Integrity Compliance. Ongoing support-team meetings are attended. Supportive care assignments evolve from referrals to Hope Center from Covenant Health physicians/staff, other community healthcare facilities, and from family or friends. Depending on patient needs, volunteers may be involved at the onset of illness or at any stage, including family bereavement. Oliver volunteers accept assignments compatible with their time schedule, physical abilities, and level of comfort with the task requested. All patient-focused support is arranged in collaboration with the patient, physician, volunteer, and caregivers--if applicable.
The day-long interactive workshop is designed to enhance awareness, empathy, knowledge and hope for healthcare professionals, students, families, caregivers, or anyone wanting to learn direct HIV-AIDS caregiving that also focuses on the human perspective. Learning objectives are: fostering understanding of the psychosocial challenges and existential aspects of living with a medical problem for which there is no cure and improving caregivers' confidence in the ability to provide care that will impact the quality of life and well-being of the patient. Sensitivity and confidentiality is respected throughout the workshop. We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contribution provided by the Hope Teachers and volunteers. The next workshop is scheduled for October 2008.
Chucky Moyers was the inspiration for this project. After he had attended his last Hope Center Holiday party in 1999, he felt a bit overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of gifts just for children. When his sister, Carol-Ann McMillan, discussed the idea of a "Hope Bucket" for adults, he thought it was great! After his death in 2000, Carol-Ann initiated the Hope Bucket project. Hope Buckets are intended to give the patients a spark, sometimes their only spark for the holidays. They are filled with everyday items that can be used throughout the year. Thanks to the donors' continued support of this project, more than 150 Hope Buckets are distributed at the Hope for the Holidays celebration every year.
During the first "Hope for the Holidays" in 1995, we gathered to light candles in memory of lost friends and to share stories about their lives. Eleven years later, we gathered around the hope tree with candles in hand remembering those we hold closest to our hearts. This year, as we plan our 14th annual celebration, we are grateful to the many caring supporters who brighten the holiday season much beyond our early days of lighting candles. We are grateful for the dozens of volunteers who provide "Hope Buckets" for our members, "Angel Tree Gifts" for their children, a "Free Holiday Shopping Store," children's activities, a warm meal, live music, and pictures with Santa Claus. Our hope is that guests will be able, for at least one day, to leave their troubles outside and enjoy the holiday celebration. |
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Upcoming Events Saturday, June 14th, 2008
HIV: The Human Perspective Workshop Thursday, October 30th, 2008
December 2008 |
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©Copyright 2005 Hope Center |
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