October 27, 2000

Catherine (not her real name) was in Boston to help her elderly mother move to an assisted living residence. A widow with two teenage daughters, Catherine lives in rural Pennsylvania and provides her family's sole support. While here in Boston, she suffered a stroke and was admitted to the MGH. It was vitally important that her daughters come to Boston immediately. Relatives were able to help with the cost of the expensive, last-minute airline tickets to Boston, but hotel prices in the city were much too high for the family to manage. Thankfully, MGH Social Services was able to help the family using United Way funds. The money was used to subsidize the daughters' stay at the MGH at the Y – one of two lodging facilities operated by the MGH Social Service Department – which enabled Catherine and her daughters to be together in this difficult time. Fortunately, Catherine stabilized within a few days and could be flown back to Pennsylvania for further care.

Catherine's story is just one example of how the MGH was able to respond to patients and families in need with the help of United Way funds.

Founded in 1935, the United Way of Massachusetts Bay is a local, nonprofit human service agency. Its primary focus is to evaluate local human service needs and raise funds to support Massachusetts organizations with proven ability to meet those needs and strengthen communities.

Despite the large number and variety of social services available, not all needs of patients are always met. In an agreement between the United Way and the Massachusetts Hospital Association, hospital social service departments may receive some United Way funds to fill in the gaps in services to support the needs of patients and their families. These types of emergency, one-time costs, like those facing Catherine's family, are where the MGH is most effective in helping those in need with the help of the United Way.

Each year, the MGH offers its employees the opportunity to give to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. As the largest private employer in Boston, the MGH is committed to the people and institutions of this city. Funding from the United Way is awarded to the MGH Social Service Department when there is an increase in the money raised from one year to the next. For example, in 1998 the MGH exceeded theamount raised by the employee campaign in 1997, so a portion of those excess funds were given directly to the MGH. "Giving to the United Way is an excellent way to help others in need," says Evelyn Bonander, LICSW, director of MGH Social Services. "MGHers have the opportunity to share their resources and can feel good that their contributions are used wisely by United Way agencies and the Social Service Department."

The MGH kicked off the United Way campaign this week with the slogan "No Gift Too Small – Are You In?" All MGH employees and staff members received a United Way pledge card with their paychecks Oct. 26. Each department has a United Way representative, who will be responsible for collecting pledge cards and providing information to MGHers about the campaign. Employees who turn in their cards before Nov. 17 will be eligible for weekly raffle prizes.

For more information about how to donate or for a complete listing of department representatives, visit http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/DEPTS/pubaffairs/UnitedWay/UWhome.htm or call Nancy Marttila at 724-3055.