DLFF is a proud partner of St. Mary Medical Center, where staff works around the clock to fulfill its mission of “providing quality health care in ways which respect the God-given dignity of each person and the sacredness of human life." Since opening its doors 100 years ago, St. Mary has helped thousands of people through life saving services and its dedication to quality health care.
DLFF began its partnership with St. Mary with a five-year pledge in 2014 totaling $125,000 for the Mother-Baby Excellence Fund where the donation was used to contribute to an upgraded maternal/newborn unit at the hospital. This project enables expectant mothers to have access to the highest quality maternity care available close to home. In addition, DLFF has supported St. Mary through other projects such as the St. Mary Community Health and Well Being Infant Safety Program Grant.
Joann Dorr, Regional Director, Community Health and Wellbeing at St. Mary recalls a moment when DLFF’s support greatly impacted its programming at the hospital. “The support St. Mary has received from DLFF has assisted in moving the health equity initiatives forward by addressing social needs many in our community face.”
“We have remained supporters of St. Mary Medical Center because of the impact that this community hospital has had on our own families, friends, and neighbors.” said DLFF Executive Director, Sue Dilisio. “In addition, we recognize the importance of a community hospital to the Bucks County area which serves its population in so many ways.”
Specifically, DLFF was able to provide funds for Community Health Worker (CHW) services. Both in the past and currently the CHW services help support backpack weekend meals to assist the youngest in our community. “St. Mary’s collaboration with DLFF’s team and funding with the help of other community partners brings wellness with dignity and hope to those in the community needing a helping hand,” added Dorr.
Dorr was also able to give us a first hand experience of the impact of DLFF’s support through a patient. “The X family immigrated from Ecuador to join extended family in the US. A week after their arrival, the X family joined St. Mary Bensalem Family Practice. After applying for and receiving financial assistance, St. Mary was also able to provide well checks and vaccines. With support from their family, they often arrive by foot to the practice without an appointment for services. Mom has now been able to secure a part time job while Dad is home with the two boys, four months and four years old.”
“The CHW has developed a relationship with the X family and is their connection to the St. Mary Bensalem Family practice,” Dorr said. “The CHW has since assisted the family with services to address their social needs such as:
- Weekly farm boxes
- Transportation to appointments & the United Way HELP center
- Car seats
- Cribettes
- Scheduled WIC appointments
It is through the support of DLFF that St. Mary is able to further and advance its mission of providing quality health care and services to those in the community. DLFF is proud to continue to support St. Mary in their endeavor to make patients feel welcome, respected, and cared for in what can be uncertain times in life. “The future feels brighter with DLFF’s support,” said Dorr. DLFF remains a proud partner of St. Mary Medical Center and we look forward to supporting future endeavors that continue to unleash the potential of the people in our community.
