BOOKS ProgramThe BOOKS Program is a literacy program designed to encourage children and their parents to read. The program strives to combat illiteracy by providing reading material in the home and in the immediate environment. Literacy screenings are performed on both child and parent at Ben Taub General Hospital. After visiting with the doctor, the child or children are encouraged to select a book, from the many donated, to take home. Within the past year, approximately 27,000 children were seen through the outpatient areas at Ben Taub. The BOOKS program is committed to serve these children whether through receiving a book, counseling from a physician, or reading in the waiting room(s). If you are interested in donating books or time, please contact the Foundation office for more information.

Decorating of the Pediatric Areas

The Foundation has complete the decorating efforts at Ben Taub General Hospital with funds generated from last year's golf tournament. Efforts can now focus on creating reading corners and child-friendly waiting areas at each of the 11 Harris County Hospital District Community Clinics and begin designing pediatric waiting areas at LBJ Hospital. The initial response from parents, staff, and above all the patients has been tremendous! Supporters can show their support by sponsoring a patient room or participating in the annual golf tournament.

Please contact the Foundation for additional information. Recognition opportunities are available.

HCHD People's Clinic Tutorial ProgramWith a generous donation from the Baylor College of Medicine, the Harris County Hospital District Foundation funded a tutorial program at the Harris County Hospital District People's Clinic. Volunteers from the local area commit to tutor patient's of People's Clinic who need assistance with school assignments.

TroubleShooters Mobile Health Unit
The TroubleShooting for Health Mobile Program is a mobile program, which provides high-quality health screenings and immunizations for the underserved community. The mobile unit is a two-exam room unit, which travels to churches, schools, apartment complexes, grocery stores, and other gathering places to serve those in need. Currently, one mobile unit services the Southwest region of Harris County. Recently, the Foundation received a second unit generously donated by Ronald McDonald House Charities, which serves the Northern region of Harris County.		The two-room unit services the medically underserved of Southwest Harris County.

Therapy Garden at Quentin Mease Community HospitalCompletion of the Therapy Garden at Quentin Mease Hospital is scheduled for Spring 2002. Thanks to employees at Quentin Mease who wanted to provide an alternative means of therapy for patients suffering from physically and mentally debilitating injuries and illnesses, the Foundation funded the installation of a Therapy Garden complete with height appropriate planters, fountains, aesthetically and functional vegetation, walkways, benches, and other features. Recognition also goes to a local organization, Urban Harvest, who guided the Therapy Garden Committee through their design efforts and decision-making process. The Therapy Garden will honor Ms. Wendy Kelsey who has significantly contributed to the betterment of our community.

Employee Disaster Relief FundIn the wake of Tropical Storm Allison September 2001, the Harris County Hospital District Foundation in collaborating efforts with the Harris County Hospital District Development Office implemented a Employee Disaster Relief Fund. The HCHD Foundation awarded the Hospital District a $25,000 Challenge Grant. The employees of the Hospital District took the challenge to match the $25,000 through internal fund-raising activities. The Employee Disaster Relief Fund is a fund available to Hospital District employees who suffer catastrophic disasters.

Baby Buddy ProgramThe Baby Buddy Program is designed to educate young mothers on basic caring techniques for their newborns. Mothers are educated on the importance of immunizations, routine physical exams, and healthy diets.

CHIPS Program (Children Injury Prevention Program)The Foundation funded the production of a safety video. The video used cartoon-like characters to teach children the importance of safety.

English/Spanish Maternal Child Educational ProgramThis educational program educates young mothers in both English and Spanish on the importance of prenatal care, healthy nutritional habits, and post delivery care. Studies show that mothers who receive routine exams and required vaccinations in the early years of life prove to be healthier adolescents and adults.

LBJ Hospital Playground
The Foundation, LBJ Hospital Employees, State Farm Insurance, and Houston Endowment provided funding for the construction for a new playground area at LBJ Hospital. The grand opening was celebrated in spring of 1996. Since that time, the playground has provided a safe and kid-friendly environment for the pediatric patients.		With the help of others, the Foundation built a playground for pediatric patients at LBJ hospital

Thomas Street Pediatric AreaThomas Street Clinic is the Hospital District's only free-standing outpatient AIDS clinic. Patients come on a routine basis to receive treatment for a variety of ailments. Many of our patients have children. The Foundation funded a Pediatric Waiting Area with books, toys, educational videos, and other items to past the time. Children waiting on family members can play in a kid-friendly environment with supervision provided for through Hospital District volunteers.

MLK AwningThe front-walk cover at Quentin Mease Hospital was provided for by the Hospital District Foundation.

Multiple Sclerosis Society ClinicThe Foundation donated operational funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Ben Taub General Hospital.

Quentin Mease HospitalThe Foundation funded the purchase of a mock automobile and transitional living rooms for the rehab patients at Quentin Mease Hospital. These items allow patients recovering from debilitating injuries to learn coping skills needed to confront daily tasks.

Seating Area at Settegast ClinicThe Foundation purchased and installed benches for the comfort of the patients at Settegast Clinic.

Outreach to Inner City TeensSupplies and educational material were donated to the school based clinics to service high-risk teens.

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