Grant Helps Former Drug Addicts To Get Healthy
Catholic Healthcare West, owner of St. Bernardine Medical Center and San Bernardino Community Hospital, recently presented the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps a $17,000 grant to help with the health care needs of men enrolled in the Salvation Army’s Path to Prosperity program. Presenting the check on behalf of Catholic Health Care West were Joanne Claytor, center, a licensed clinical social worker at St. Bernardine’s and Linda McDonald, vice president of San Bernardino Medical Center’s Mission Integration program, which serves as a liaison between the hospital and outside community benefit programs such as Path to Prosperity. Accepting the check on behalf of the Salvation Army were Capt. Stephen Ball, corps officer for the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps, John Fletcher, director of Path to Prosperity, and Nancy Tortorelli, major gifts coordinator for the Salvation Army Corps in San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
The Salvation Army’s Path to Prosperity program will use the grant to provide additional health care services to the men in its care, including dental exams and treatment, and physical health screenings. It received the grant from Catholic Healthcare West, the owner of both St. Bernardine Medical Center and Community Hospital of San Bernardino.
Path to Prosperity is a residential and educational program allowing 27 men at a time who have completed a substance abuse recovery program to transition back into society. It has served more than 200 men so far.
“There are many health issues faced by men recovering from drug addiction,” said Capt. Stephen Ball, Corps Officer of the San Bernardino Salvation Army. “Often they have dental problems, because the drugs have damaged their teeth, or they are missing teeth and most of them have not seen a dentist in awhile. Dental problems also lead to many more serious health problems, such as not being able to digest food properly.”
The grant presented to the Salvation Army was one of 14 Inland Empire non-profit organizations to receive a grant from Catholic Healthcare West as part of the two hospitals’ combined Community Grants program.
“Times are tough for everyone, but they may be especially tough for these organizations, who serve people who don’t have many financial resources,” said Steve Barron, president of St. Bernardine Medical Center. “We appreciate the work they do, and are happy to help them.”
Men seeking help to overcome drug or alcohol addiction should call their local Adult Rehabilitation Centers at (909) 889-9605 in San Bernardino County or (951) 940-5790 in Riverside County. Women can learn about Adult Rehabilitation Centers for them by calling the center in Anaheim at (714) 758-0414, or the center in San Diego at (619) 239-4037.
About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Radio Network assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church, and also offers evangelical programs for boys, girls and adults. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY.
For local help, call the San Bernardino Corps headquarters at (909) 888-1337.
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