Dear Dr. von Friederichs-Fitzwater:
Sutter Health is pleased to support the planning phase of Joshua’s House, a hospice for the terminally ill homeless on the Loaves & Fishes campus in Sacramento. We are aware that, on average, one homeless person dies on the streets every week in Sacramento County and that number has steadily increased in the past few years. This translates into rates three times higher than the housed population in Sacramento County. Approximately 38% die alone on the streets and 35% die in emergency rooms or as inpatients. Cardiovascular disease and internal disease (AIDS, cancer, etc.) account for more than 20% of deaths in this population.
At Sutter Health, we are committed to working with partners across our region to support effective solutions to support housing and end homelessness. Our $15,000 investment in Health Communication Research Institute and support of the Joshua’s House project is part of our ongoing commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve and well-being of our entire region.
We are pleased to partner with you to bring much-needed hospice care to our homeless community and ensure that the poorest among us have an opportunity to experience their final days with dignity and respect.
Sincerely,
Holly Harper
Community Benefit Manager, Sutter Health Valley Area
The Health Communication Research Institute, Inc. is a nonprofit established in 1989 with a commitment to reduce health disparities through community-based research and program development. In 2015, HCRI, Inc. narrowed its focus to better understanding the healthcare needs of the homeless population; developing programs to address those needs; and creating Joshua’s House, a hospice house for the terminally ill homeless.
501(c)(3) Tax ID: 68-0195121 – United Way Nonprofit Code: Org 7371
Joshua’s House Volunteer Hospice
Administrative Office
5020 Hackberry Ln
Sacramento, CA 95841
Phone : 916-502-0946
Email : m.fitzwater@thehcri.org
Copyright © 2019 – HCRI Inc.