Hope Center

"Hope is the Belief in Possibilities"

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center - 1901 W. Clinch Avenue - Knoxville, TN 37916 - (865) 541-3767

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Hope Center is honored to announce the 2009 Volunteer of the Year

Hope Center was established in 1996 to address the unmet needs of patients infected with HIV/AIDS in Knox and surrounding 18 counties. Due to gaps in care for this population, Hope Center began developing and implementing consistent, practical, psychological and supportive care programs at no charge to inpatients, outpatients, and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. The non-profit Center relies entirely on charitable gifts and donations for its existence.

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. Referrals come from physicians, hospital staff, family members, social service agencies, other hospitals, and patients self-refer.

Phone (865) 541-3767 - Private Fax (865) 541-2407 - email: hope_center@covhlth.com

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm.

All About Hope ...

When Hope Center first opened its doors in 1996, it began its journey with six words to set the course:

“Hope is the Belief in Possibilities.”

As a mother, founder and director Jeannie Gillian had experienced first hand the challenges of caring for someone living with HIV-AIDS when her son, Bobby, was diagnosed. As a medical professional with a psychology degree, she knew the importance of being sensitive to a patient’s psychological needs while advocating for the best medical treatment available.

Through it all, Dr. Gillian understood that, when living with a disease for which there is no cure, one of the most important aspects of patient care is the presence of hope. Dr. Gillian decided to use her unique experience and knowledge to help others, and thus began her work with Hope Center. And year by year, patient by patient, there have been countless milestones that have helped maintain hope for those who need it most…moment by moment.

In the words of our patients--"Hope is the Belief in Possibilities."

Hope is believing in the possibility of living a meaningful/purposeful life,

of having physical comfort, and connecting with others.

Hope is the belief in managing one's illness, holding on to independence,

living a normal life with humor and love, and doing good deeds.

It is the belief in the possibility of acceptance,

living with HIV or AIDS, dying with some life left, and being at peace.

Hope Center Mission and Goals

To provide direct supportive care, advocacy and education for patients and families affected by HIV-AIDS
or other serious illness
To address individual psychosocial needs, quality of life, and end-stage care
To ensure patient rights, privacy, and comfort in safe, nonjudgmental surroundings
To provide HIV educational programs and offer outreach referrals
To value and complement the work of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and community volunteers
To sustain hope

Examples of Direct Patient Care & Advocacy :

Addresses individual needs of culturally diverse inpatients and outpatients dealing with mild to profound health problems and psychosocial stresses, including those who are newly diagnosed or dealing with end-of-life issues;
Provides patient-focused supportive care and written consultation reports to referring physicians; offer provisions for advocacy if applicable; provide ongoing monitoring of patients and grief and bereavement support for caregivers and family.
Develops care plans in collaboration with the patient and physician; assist with existential stressors related to acute and chronic illness, disability status, and insurance matters.
Utilizes the anticipatory-care hope model to assess patient needs and reduce re-hospitalization occurrences.
Offers HIV-AIDS prevention/treatment/adherence education to patients & caregivers.
Coordinates with Oliver & Company to provide non-medical supportive care to patients with special needs. All patient-focused support is arranged in collaboration with the patient, physician, volunteer, and caregivers-- if applicable.
HIV: The Human Perspective Workshop : 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 their ability to provide care that will impact the quality of life and well-being of the patient.