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Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Boston, Massachusetts
Region Served: Greater New England
www.meei.harvard.edu
In compliance with the Massachusetts Attorney General's voluntary Community Benefits guidelines, we are pleased to submit the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary's Community Benefits Plan and a listing of some of our activities for fiscal year 2007.
The MEEI was founded in 1824 as a charitable clinic to provide eye and ear care to Boston’s needy. Although the health c are field and medicine have undergone many changes during the last 183 years, MEEI’s commitment to provide the highest quality eye and ear, nose and throat care to those in need of it, regardless of a person’s ability to pay, has not wavered.
During fiscal year 2007, MEEI dedicated - without receiving remuneration - a portion of its financial and personnel resources to treat, preserve and restore vision, hearing and voice in people from Boston, New England, the United States and the world who otherwise could not afford the care. As a unique resource, the MEEI treats a large number of patients from a broader geographic area than many other Massachusetts hospitals. In addition, MEEI acts as a resource in its specialties for the Massachusetts General Hospital, which attracts patients from throughout the state and does not have its own departments of ophthalmology and otolaryngology. In fiscal year 2007, MEEI and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Associates, Inc. (MEEA), its full-time physician group practice, provided $1,431,946 in net charity care to patients in health service areas throughout the Commonwealth, in addition to the programs described in this report $1,431,946 (MEEI $1,934,675 and MEEA $160,375).
In additional to all of the services that MEEI provided to the community, the facility also provided:
a.$4,289,000 in unreimbursed Medicare Services
b.$0 in unreimbursed MassHealth Services
c.$803,318 in total bad debt
MEEI’s Community Benefits Mission Statement is as follows. It was re-examined and re-approved by the hospital’s Board of Directors on October 22, 2002:
Be it Resolved:
"Be it resolved that the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary ("the
Infirmary") hereby reaffirms its commitment to serve the identified
health care needs of its constituent communities/patient populations ("the
designated community").
That designated community is further defined for this purpose as residents of the Greater Boston area with, or at risk of, disorders of vision, hearing, voice or speech, with a special emphasis on underserved populations.
That such a commitment is recognized as an integral part of the mission of the MEEI.
That efforts to fulfill this commitment will build upon traditional partnerships between the MEEI and the designated community, recognizing the value of such collaboration.
That the MEEI will develop, implement, and update as necessary a formal plan for fulfilling this commitment, which plan will include allocation of appropriate resources to address identified health care needs of the designated community."
B. Approval of Governing Body
the MEEI's Community Benefits Mission Statement was initially reviewed
and approved by the MEEI's Board of Directors on September 7, 1994.
The mission statement was re-examined and revised by the Community Benefits
Advisory Committee and re-approved by the MEEI's Board of Directors
on October 22, 2002.
The MEEI established a formal Community Benefits Advisory Committee in early 1995 to promote community and hospital-based involvement in the development of its Community Benefits program. The Community Benefits mission statement serves as the Community Benefits Advisory Committee's guiding principles.
The committee consists of representatives from Boston-area nonprofit agencies and organizations, members of the MEEI’s medical, resident and management
staffs, members of the MEEI Board, and Infirmary Trustees. An Infirmary Trustee, Suzanne Murray, is chairwoman of the Committee. MEEI’s two-person
Office of Public Affairs provides the main staffing support. The committee’s membership is intentionally dynamic, allowing for the committee to expand or contract
as needed.
Current members of the committee are as follows:
Vivian Beard Chairwoman, MEEI Trustee
Diane E. Kaneb, Board member, MEEI
Mary E. Leach Committee Coordinator, Director of Public Affairs, MEEI
Linda Belkner, R.N. Nurse Manager, MEEI
Melanie Kazlas, M.D. Acting Director, Pediatric Ophthalmology, MEEI
Chris Regan, Vice President of Human Resources, MEEI
Beth Caruso Staff Member, Perkins School for the Blind
Camille Condon, Director, International Patient Services, MEEI
Donna Hultman, Audiologist, MEEI
Carl Munroe, Past President, Mass. Lions Eye Research
John O’Sullivan Francis, Community Development Corp., MEEI Trustee
Andrea Galvin, Mass. Commission for the Deaf
Janice Gatty, Ph.D. Staff Member, Clark School for the Deaf
Janet Huettig, LICSW Director of Social Work, MEEI
Mary McNulty-Anglin, R.N. Liaison and School Nurse, Neighborhood House Charter School, Dorchester
Yu Sing Jung, Jung/Brannen Associates, MEEI Trustee
Barbara Katz, General Counsel, MEEI (Committee Invitee)
Raymond Wee, M.D. Chief Resident, Ophthalmology, MEEI
Sam Merchant, M.D. Otolaryngology, MEEI
Mary Lou Jackson, M.D., Director, Vision Rehabilitation, MEEI
Vannessa Carrington Coordinator, Public Affairs, MEEI
Anita Nasra, Assistant Director, Kit Clark Senior Services
Jennifer Street, Vice President, Communications, MEEI
John Fernandez, President, MEEI
Methods for Sharing Information about Community Benefits Mission/Programs with Staff at all Levels of the Institution
MEEI shares information with staff of all levels at MEEI through articles in E-Forum, the hospital’s communication vehicle, and via email. We share information about our program externally by posting it on MEEI’s Web site: www.meei.harvard.edu, and by including articles in “Contact,” our external newsletter, and in MEEI’s annual report.A. Process, including participants
Because MEEI is a specialty hospital, it was difficult to conduct a community health needs assessment. MEEI cares for patients from all over the Commonwealth, the United States and the world. The Community Benefits Advisory Committee discussed on several occasions the development of a Community Benefits Plan.
The committee agreed that the MEEI should continue providing the community services it has historically provided, including lectures, support groups, educational opportunities and medical missions as part of the formal Community Benefits Plan. They decided to explore new options for proactive Community Benefits to add to this plan.
The committee brainstormed on new projects that would become MEEI's proactive plan for Community Benefits. The committee members initially suggested an array of possible projects, ranging from efforts to eradicate African river blindness to developing an education program to reduce industrial eye and ear injuries. Upon the committee’s request, the two staff members from the Public Affairs Office, which oversees Community Benefits, researched and collected information on specific suggestions. Communication with committee members continued during the year.
To narrow its focus, the committee defined the term "community" for purposes of MEEI's Community Benefits Plan as follows:
"The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has a unique role in both the local, community and state, and the regional and national levels. For the purpose of its Community Benefits Plan, the Infirmary defines its "community" as residents of the Greater Boston area with, or at risk of, disorders of vision, hearing, voice or speech, with a special emphasis on underserved populations."
The committee ultimately narrowed its focus to one segment of the defined community: school-age children with potential vision and hearing problems. Through research, the Public Affairs staff learned that public schools provide vision and hearing screening to their students. They discovered that charter schools do not provide screenings upon receiving a telephone call from the headmaster of the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, Mass., who had heard about the development of MEEI’s Community Benefits program and expressed a need for its services.
Understanding that the MEEI is a small specialty hospital with limited staff and resources, the committee determined that it was best to continue the numerous community service projects it has provided for years and to focus its energies on a Community Benefits (proactive, planned) project that was achievable: providing screenings and any necessary follow-up care to the students at the Neighborhood House Charter School.
The Neighborhood House Charter School Vision and Hearing Care Program was developed, and we have been providing vision and hearing screenings and
follow-up care to the students of this growing school ever since. The program has grown as the school’s population has grown. Services were initially provided
to 50 students. We now care for the current student population of more than 400 children in their new location on Queen Street. Working with the school at the end of fiscal year 2006, we determined that our services were still needed in fiscal year 2007. We planned to continue the screening and needed follow-up process in fiscal year 2007 and carried out this plan.
B. Information Sources
Public Affairs staff members spoke to various representatives in the Boston
Public School System to learn the extent of current screening programs
and to members of the Neighborhood House Charter School to discuss needs.
C. Summary of Findings
The Public Affairs staff learned that public schools provide vision and
hearing screenings, yet charter schools do not. The Neighborhood House
Charter School in Dorchester, Mass., was identified as a charter school
in need of vision and hearing services.
A. Process and Mechanism
MEEI's Community Benefits Plan is posted on MEEI's Web
site www.meei.harvard.edu and promoted from the front page twice a year.
As part of the posting, feedback is sought on how the MEEI can help
its community better meet its needs. Committee members are encouraged
to share their ideas, as are MEEI employees.
B. Information Sources
During the initial planning stage, the MEEI sought people to become
members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee, both from the hospital
and from the community. We sought members who have an interest in or knowledge
of the needs of the visually or hearing impaired. Today, we carefully consider requests made from the community and implement community services when possible.
C. Summary of Findings
The Community Benefits Advisory Committee initially reviewed Community Benefits activities historically underway at the MEEI. They also reviewed and approved the Community Benefits Plan to provide screenings to the Neighborhood House Charter School and received copies of MEEI’s annual report. MEEI’s Board of Directors receives updates on Community Benefits activities and copies of the report.
B.Choice of Target Population/Identification of Priorities, Including an Explanation of How These Relate to the Results of the Community Health Needs Assessment
The Community Benefits Advisory Committee narrowed its focus to school-age children after reading research that showed children who can see and hear well will achieve more in school and ultimately in life. In our informal needs assessment, we learned that the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, Mass., lacked vision and hearing services. Given MEEI’s resources and staffing, the committee agreed to formally “adopt” this school and provide whatever services were needed. Each year we revisit this need and renew this commitment if necessary. We are planning to provide screenings in fiscal year 2008. In addition, we are planning to conduct a pilot screening in one Stoneham elementary school. We have a suburban center in Stoneham and the staff has been asked to help provide screenings for the younger students at the South Elementary School.
C. Short-term (One Year) and Long-term (Three to Five Year) Strategies and Goals
MEEI’s short-term goal was to provide free vision and hearing screenings and any necessary follow-up care to students at this adopted school. Longer-term goals include expanding the scope of involvement at this school by providing educational experiences and mentoring. As staffing permits, we hope to eventually be able to provide this service to another school that is in need of assistance. We are now planning some screenings in Stoneham, Mass., and hope to carry them out in fiscal year 2008.
D. Process for Measuring Outcomes and Evaluating Effectiveness of the Program
The evaluation process for the success of the Neighborhood House Charter School Vision and Hearing project focuses mainly on analyzing information from interaction with school and MEEI officials. The key areas of interest include the percentage of students who received needed follow-up care, MEEI’s communication process with the school and the parents, and ways the MEEI can improve the testing and follow-up process. The school nurse is a vital component of the success of this program as she interacts with the parents.
E. Process and Considerations for Determining a Budget
It is difficult to plan for an exact budget figure for the Neighborhood House Charter School Vision and Hearing project because it is dependent on the care needed by the students. The budget for the Neighborhood House Charter School project could exceed $12,000 per year. This figure is dependent on the number of students who come to the MEEI for their follow-up care, as well as what is needed for that follow-up care. In-kind contributions of staff time, equipment and materials equal approximately $6,000 per year. The MEEI is committed to caring for these children’s vision and hearing needs regardless of cost.
F. Process for Reviewing, Evaluating and Updating
the Plan.
MEEI’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee initially formed the Community Benefits Plan. This committee was reinvigorated in fiscal year 2002, reviewed the current plan, and submitted the Community Benefits mission statement to MEEI’s Board of Directors for re-approval. The committee agreed to continue with the current plan, adding new activities as appropriate and as needed.
(1) Expenditures
| TYPE | ESTIMATED TOTAL EXPENDITURES FOR [FY07] |
APPROVED PROGRAM BUDGET FOR [NEXT FISCAL YEAR]* |
| COMMUNITY BENEFITS PROGRAMS |
(2) Associated Expenses (3) Determination of Need Expenditures (4) Employee Volunteerism $5,000 (5) Other Leveraged Resources |
$12,000 *Excluding expenditures that cannot be projected at the time of the report. |
| COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAMS |
(1) Direct Expenses $65,575 (2) Associated Expenses (3) Determination of Need Expenditures (4) Employee Volunteerism $113,000 (5) Other Leveraged Resources |
|
NET CHARITY CARE |
$1,279,140 MEEI; $152,806 MEEA | |
| CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS | ||
| TOTAL $1,627,621 |
In fiscal year 2007 (Oct. 1, 2006-Sept. 31, 2007) the MEEI, its employees, and full-time medical staff were involved in many community service projects. In addition to the vision screenings at the Neighborhood House Charter School, MEEI also participated in many screenings throughout the community.
The following is a listing of some of the specific efforts in fiscal year 2007:
Neighborhood House Charter School Vision and Hearing
Care Program
Donation: MEEI’s budget for the project could exceed $12,000 per year. This figure is dependent on the number of students who come to the MEEI for their follow-up care, as well as what is needed for that follow-up care.
In Kind: Staff time, equipment and materials (approximately $5,000)
Provided vision and hearing screenings at Dorchester-based school. The school now has more than 400 students, ages 4 through 13, in grades K-8. The MEEI’s program involved conducting vision and hearing screenings and then working with the students’ parents/guardians to ensure that those who need follow-up care receive it, regardless of their ability to pay.
This year none of the students screened for vision problems had any significant pathology. However, many children were found to be in need of corrective lenses and some needed more extensive hearing tests. One mother reported that her child had a miraculous benefit from a simple pair of eyeglasses. Mary McNulty-Anglin, the school nurse, followed up with the parents of each child who needed further attention. All children who failed hearing and vision screenings were invited to come to the MEEI for free care if care by their own pediatricians was unavailable.
Smith Leadership Academy Hearing Loss Education Educating Children about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Donation:
In Kind: $1,840
MEEI participated in a program to warn children about noise-induced hearing loss in April 2007 at the Smith Leadership Academy, a charter school in Dorchester. Director of Audiology Sharon Kujawa spoke to students about ways to avoid this preventable form of hearing loss. Ben Jackson, son of Boston Pro-Arte Chamber Orchestra conductor Isaiah Jackson, performed a rap entitled “Turn It to the Left.” Ben originally performed the song at MEEI’s most recent Public Forum on Hearing and Hearing Loss.
Microtia Conference for Parents and Children with Ear Malformations
Donation:
In Kind: $60,515 in supplies, staff time and services
MEEI hosted the 4th Annual Atresia and Microtia Conference, organized by the Let Them Hear Foundation, on Sept. 28 and 29, 2007. MEEI pediatric otologist Dr. Ron Eavey and audiologist Barbara Herrmann, Ph.D., CCC-A, lectured about the treatment of microtia and atresia, and provided 250 free physician consultations, 7 free C.T. scans and 9 free audiograms for 62 families, 57 of whom had never had an atresia and microtia consultation. MEEI audiologist Christine Carter, M.S., CCC-A, also worked with Dr. Herrmann to provide consults to attendees. Staff members who helped included Radiology Department members Drs. Paul Caruso and Hugh Curtin, Greg Donnelly, Eileen Hadley and Steve Kovach; Dietary Department members Ken Savino, Ethel Hargrove, Joanna Ioannidis, Markley Foster and Charles Matthews; John Kuhns (Facilities); Kristine Oldenburg (Pediatrics); and Jessica Johnson (Pediatric ENT).
HMS Health Education Fair
Donation:
In Kind: $300 materials, $762 staff time
Harvard Medical School Health Fair
MEEI was one of several organizations who participated by invitation only in the HMS Office of Diversity and Community Partnership health on April 10, 2007, where presenters provided students from Boston and Cambridge with information about a variety of health issues. The Office held the fair to encourage students to envision positive change in the health of their communities. MEEI staff taught the middle-school students about refractive errors and visual phenomenon.
Hearing Aid Orientation Classes
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time (approximately $2,500)
Hearing Aid orientation classes were held on Fridays at the MEEI and its satellite in Stoneham for those new to hearing aids. Family members and friends of patients were also encouraged to attend. The classes help to orient the patient to hearing aid wear and offers the opportunity for discussion with family members and friends to help them better understand the difficulties experienced by individuals with hearing loss and to improve communication.
Public Forum on Hearing
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time and supplies $2,956
The Department of Audiology presented the 7th Annual Public Forum on Hearing and Hearing Loss, Have You Heard?, on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the Meltzer Auditorium. This year’s seminar focused on the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss and featured presentations by Albert Edge, Ph.D., Chris Halpin, Ph.D., and Tina Stankovic, M.D., Ph.D. Presentations included what’s new in hearing aids, future therapies for repair and regeneration of the inner ear, and the causes and treatments of hearing loss: from genes to surgery. This free seminar was for anyone interested in learning more about the ear and hearing, treatments for hearing loss and what’s new in current research.
United South End Settlements’ Harriet Tubman House Glaucoma Screening
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time and supplies $467
During March of 2007, members of MEEI’s glaucoma service performed glaucoma screenings for Boston’s South End residents at the United South End Settlements’ Harriet Tubman House. After discovering a foreign body in the eye of one of the screening recipients, two MEEI resident physicians escorted her to the hospital’s Emergency Department for treatment.
MCOA Annual Conference Participation
Donation:
$1,500
In Kind: 50 hours of staff time including preparation estimated at $2,250
The Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging (MCOA) and Senior Center Directors, a network of statewide organizations that work on behalf of seniors and their families, held its annual conference in October 2006. With an audience of more than 700 representatives from local Councils on Aging, the conference offered 80 workshops to attend and 70 exhibitors to visit. MEEI made quite an impression on this large crowd by hosting two workshops and an information table. Lynn Bushee and Sharon Engelhardt from our Vision Rehabilitation Center presented “Things the Geriatric Patient May Not Tell Us-Hallucinations, Depression and Falls.” Ellen O’Neil of Audiology presented “Elder Hearing Loss-Insights from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.” Carol Brennan, Camille Condon and Suzanne Bade manned the exhibit table, answering questions and distributing information about all of the services MEEI provides to seniors. Our participation at the conference was quite a success.
AARP Convention and Expo
Donation:
$1,800
In Kind: Staff time estimated at $2,500
MEEI participated in the three-day national convention for AARP Sept. 6-8, 2007. MEEI had three informational booths at the event. Staff members who worked at the convention include Sylvia Frazer (Audiology), Lynn Bushee (Vision Rehab), Camille Condon (International), Renee McIntyre (Central Registration), Rose Davis (Research Administration), Lynda Ketchum (Social Services), Patty Houlihan (Professional Billing), Trudy MacDonald (Social Services), Margaret Lankow (Cochlear Research), Judy Gibian (Ophthalmology Administration), Carolyn Carlson (Research Administration), Beth Grande (Marketing), and Carol Brennan (Marketing). In addition, Julie Rose and Tammi King represented the Temporal Bone Registry. Anna Marie Conneely supported the HR Department
R.O.S.E. Fund Collaboration
Donation:
In Kind: MEEI physicians’ and staff time. As well, we provided care free of charge approximating $10,000.
As part of the collaboration with the R.O.S.E. (Regaining One’s Self-Esteem) Fund, MEEI continued to provide medical and surgical care to a 45-year-old woman who had been
assaulted by her husband with boiling cooking oil in 2003. This patient sustained second and third degree burns over 30% of her body, primarily to her face, neck, chest
and arms. Despite previous surgeries she remained disfigured and wore a mask. Last year, she underwent complete upper lip reconstruction with a graft from her stomach.
The graft took well and she will follow up for some minor surgery in the office.
Another burn victim, a 23-year-old woman who had been severely burned with acid in 2004, underwent complex surgery to reconstruct her nose with a rib graft, straighten her septum, and place a 'tissue expander' in her left cheek in an attempt to reduce/rectify/eliminate some of her facial scars. Unfortunately the tissue expander had to be removed. The nasal reconstruction continued this year with several more procedures in the office.
Drs. Mark Rounds and Tessa Hadlock were this year's co-chairs of the R.O.S.E. Fund’s annual dinner and both spoke at the awards ceremony, where their work was honored and a video which included comments by the 23-year-old patient was shown.
Vision Coalition Collaboration
Donation:
In Kind:
Staff time $938
On Oct. 20, 2006 and April 27, 2007, in collaboration with the Vision Coalition, MEEI performed full vision exams for participants in Action, Inc., and students in the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences program. Hospital resident physicians provided eye examinations and prescriptions for eyeglasses when needed, referring participants who needed eyeglasses to the hospital’s Optical Shop for further assistance from its dispensing opticians. The Vision Coalition paid for eyeglasses, allowing the participants examined to receive eyeglasses they would not have otherwise been able to afford. Nine participants were examined in October and seven received eyeglasses. Eleven students were examined on April 27 and 10 of them received eyeglasses.
Mass. Health Care Reform Activities/Get Insured Day (April 25, 2007)
Donation:
Staff Time $1,850
MEEI was pleased to help inform its patients, visitors and the public about the new health care reform bill and to provide information on the plans available to patients. Financial counselors were available to help sign individuals up for the plans. Information was provided to employees to share with their friends and families via the employee e-newsletter. Information in various languages was available at the information table and displayed for months on the plasma screens in the lobby and cafeteria.
Mobile Eye Clinic in Weymouth
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time $650
Helping the Weymouth Lions’ Eye Mobile
MEEI ophthalmology residents, Drs. Aaron Savar, Sandra Montezuma, Lynn Poole-Perry, and Erin Salcone, volunteered their time to provide screenings Sept. 22, 2007 on the Weymouth Lions’ Eye Mobile for eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, presbyopia, refractive error, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Community Benefits Health Fair
Donation:
In Kind: approximately $600 staff time
MEEI was one of several member hospitals to participate in the second annual State House Health Fair on May 23, 2007, which was organized by the Conference of Boston Teaching Hospitals. The health fair was free and was open to the public. MEEI provided education and information about protecting eyes and skin from UV damage. Volunteers also handed out sunscreen and sunglasses, and adjusted eyeglasses for those who visited the MEEI table.
Boston Cured Cancer Club Support Group
Donation:
In Kind: Meeting space, volunteers
The Laryngectomees Support Group meets the first Sunday of each month at MEEI with the exception of July and August.
Flu Clinic Assistance
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time $520
MEEI nurses assisted in several community flu clinics during fiscal year 2007. On Dec. 6, 2007, two nurses administered vaccines to employees and the public at a flu clinic set up by the Council of Boston Teaching Hospitals at the State House.
Collection of Used Eyeglasses for the Lions Club
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time $315
Staff in the MEEI’s Laser Center collected used eyeglasses for donation to the Lions Club. The Public Affairs staff members promote the program to internal and external audiences to continue these efforts.
Operation Able
Donation: Direct financial contribution in dollars ($250)
In Kind: (approximately $750 staff time)
Operation Able is a dedicated non-profit organization providing computer training to the economically challenged and to individuals over the age of 45 at training sites in Boston and Woburn, MA. The MEEI participates with Able by conducting mock interviews with soon-to-be graduates in preparation for real job interviews and interviewing graduates of the program for positions at MEEI. A representative of Human Resources serves on the Employer Advisory Committee, which helps identify employer needs so training can focus towards fulfilling these needs. Two Human Resource Generalists serve as volunteers for Operation Able.
PRISM
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time approximately $1,325
Students from Harvard Medical School’s Program for Research Investigation in Science (PRISM) visited the hospital in August 2007 and enjoyed lectures about the vestibular system from Drs. Steven Rauch and Rick Lewis, and a tour of the Jenks Vestibular Diagnostic Lab with project engineer David Balkwill. The PRISM program is designed to provide hands-on education in science and math for middle school-aged students.
Work and Family Series
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time approximately $625
Program includes family support and ongoing educational workshops held to help employees and their families address elder and child care issues. Examples of courses include “Legal and Financial Issues for Older Adults.”
Vision Rehabilitation Center/Reading Senior Center
Donation: $175 for supplies
In Kind: Staff time approximately $125
Vision Rehabilitation staff presented a lecture, “Addressing the Whole Patient in Low-Vision Evaluations” on Jan. 18, 2007 at the Reading Senior Center and facilitated a low-vision support group.
Vision Rehabilitation Center/Foxboro Senior Center
Donation: $175 for supplies
In Kind: Staff time approximately $165
Vision Rehabilitation staff facilitated a low-vision support group meeting in January 2007 at the Foxboro Senior Center.
Vision Rehabilitation Center/Wakefield Low Vision Support Group
Donation: $175 for supplies
In Kind: Staff time $165
Vision Rehabilitation staff presented a lecture and facilitated a low-vision support group meeting of the Wakefield Low Vision Support Group on May 19, 2007.
Vision Rehabilitation Center/Carroll Center for the Blind
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time approximately $525
Vision Rehabilitation staff presented a lecture on low vision at the Carroll Center on April 27, 2007.
Vision Rehabilitation Center/MCOA
Donation:
In Kind: Staff time approximately $712
Vision Rehabilitation staff presented a lecture at the MCOA conference in October 2007.
United Way Campaign
Donation: More than $20,000 raised and donated
In Kind: Staff time approximately $18,750
Employees organized the annual United Way Campaign, which was held Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2006 and resulted in nearly $21,926 in contributions to this national organization.
YMCA Black Achievers
Donation: $5,000
Black Achievers is a national program of the YMCA. The goal is to recognize Black employees for their career accomplishments who, in partnership with their employers, commit their time and talents to the development of young people. MEEI is a proponent of this program.
Shuttle Service Program
In Kind: $5,720
Security and transportation staff shuttled patients who had no way of getting to an from MEEI on their day of surgery
Taxi Vouchers for Needy patients
In Kind:
Free taxi transportation was provided for patients and families in emergency situations until arrangements could be made through Medicaid, the senior shuttle, The Ride, etc. Approximately 20-30 vouchers were provided each month.
Free Eyeglasses Program
In Kind: (approximately $8,500 including staff time)
The MEEI provided approximately $8,500 in free eyeglasses to patients who fit the free care guidelines and were unable to pay for eyeglasses. Sixty-five people were helped this year.
Social Services Caring Above and Beyond
In Kind: Staff time/direct financial support (approximately $8,500)
The Department of Social Work provides funding for emergency food, transportation, parking and other incidentals to patients throughout the year.
Social Services Consultation for Non-MEEI Patients
In Kind: Staff time (approximately 40 hours or $1,875)
The Department of Social Work provides information and referral for homecare, financial resources, and vision and hearing resources for non-MEEI patients in the community.
Hearing Aid Center
In Kind: (approximately $5,000)
The MEEI’s Hearing Aid Center provides an estimated $5,000 each year in free hearing aids for those in needs.
Howe Library Assistance
In Kind:
Staff time/materials (approximately $2,200)
The Medical Librarians at MEEI’s Howe Library assist the general public and those who request information from MEEI’s Web site in finding medical material concerning any medical problem of interest. This could be as extensive as a computer search or as minimal as a quick scan of a book or searching on the Internet.
Diabetes Education
Donation: $1,500
In Kind: Staff time estimated at $1,500
MEEI participated in the Diabetes Expo on March 17, 2007. A booth displayed information of interest to diabetics, including diabetic eye disease options and awareness and wound-healing problems and solutions. MEEI residents and/or medical students performed vision and hearing screenings in a Lions mobile clinic.
Fiscal year 2007’s most notable accomplishment is the continuation of the vision and hearing program at the Neighborhood House Charter School, which is a challenge because of pediatric staffing shortage and a growing student population. We are pleased that were able to collaborate with the Vision Coalition (formerly Prevent Blindness Massachusetts) to provide vision exams for adults in various literacy programs. MEEI physicians provide the full eye exams and any needed eyeglasses are provided by Vision Coalition.
In addition, we extended our commitment to help battered women and children through our collaboration with the R.O.S.E. Fund.
The MEEI’s goal is to continue the many Community Benefits activities that are carried out throughout the hospital and to continue its proactive Community Benefits program. We hope to explore other activities to add to our plan, including a pilot screening program for younger students at one school in Stoneham, Mass.
We plan to screen children at the Neighborhood House Charter School and to provide any necessary follow-up care. We hope the outcome is improving these children’s vision and hearing and ultimately their lives. We also hope to continue our collaboration with the Vision Coalition to help adults with vision problems succeed in their lives and to continue the many programs in which we are involved. We also plan to continue our involvement with the R.O.S.E. Fund to provide needed surgery for victims of domestic violence.
VIII. Contact Information
Mary Leach
Director of Public Affairs
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114
(617) 573-4170
Mary_Leach@meei.harvard.edu
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