Providing healthcare during COVID has been challenging to say the least. As is happening all around the world, His Hands has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in multiple ways. I want to briefly share some of them with you.
We are open!
We are open and seeing patients! But, we have reduced the hours the clinic is open. We have a few heroic volunteers who are coming to serve several times a week. We are thankful for their service. At the same time, we have seen a decrease in medical volunteers and receptionists due to the pandemic.
The Needs of our Community are Increasing
We are seeing an increase in the needs of patients with mental health issues. We continue to hear stories of people whose lives have been affected. Whether due COVID-19 or something else, people have found themselves suddenly in need of a free clinic like His Hands. And we understand. It is hard to fight an invisible enemy. But, our medical and reception staff are working additional hours so that we can hold clinics for those needing care.
Recently, a patient told us that without the help received from His Hands, she would have ended her life. His Hands was the lifeline that she needed to stay alive. Thanks to our staff’s ability to connect her with resources in the community, she is still here with us and feeling better!
The Support Many Never Thought They Would Need
Dan, a former business owner who had to sell his business due to health issues, came to His Hands just after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. Accessing healthcare during COVID when he had already lost so much seemed impossible. Having to ask for help was a tough pill to swallow for a man who was the family provider and who carried the health insurance that covered his wife and disabled child.
Due to work related stress, his previously undiagnosed conditions of diabetes and diabetes-related kidney damage made him very ill. Dan is now on the correct medications and is improving.
Finding Ways to Persevere
Because of the dramatic need for social distancing, this year’s Praise on the River has been canceled. As one of the clinic’s two annual fundraisers, the money raised at this event is key to supporting the work of His Hands. The loss of the $40,000 in gifts normally raised through this event has been very concerning. You have generously supported us before, and we are asking you to do it again, especially during this time of great need.
Our Praise on the River event sponsors have reassigned their gifts as a match challenge. We are humbled by their generosity. They will match all financial gifts given through this appeal up to $17,000! Please, if you are able, make a donation to His Hands in the next three weeks to help us meet this match challenge.
Your Prayers make a Difference in Providing Healthcare During COVID
Your prayers of protection for our clinic, staff, and patients mean the world to us. As our friends and supporters, you are in our prayers as well. You care about our clinic and our patients. You know that we provide services for the most vulnerable in our community, those who do not have insurance or the means to pay for basic healthcare. Your donations are what we depend on to care for our community. We can’t do it alone. We need you.
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
A recent Our Daily Bread devotional was entitled “God knows all about this.” The Bible tells us “fear not” 365 times. That’s one time for every day of the year! Yet, at times like these, it can be very difficult to put that into practice. At His Hands, we are determined to trust the One who holds us and to continue to care for those in our community with His great love — no matter how difficult it gets.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
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