HUMANE CHARITY SPOTLIGHT

American Pediatric Heart Fund

Uninsured children in the United States often do not have access to the health care they need. When a child with an illness does not receive treatment, it can lead to a worsening of the illness and sometimes even death. The American Pediatric Heart Fund (APHF) has identified the gaps in the American health care system and is working to provide a lasting solution. It provides long-term health care access for children without other options.

Ever cognizant of the complications and consequences of being uninsured in America, APHF has devised an approach that holistically surrounds the family by not only providing access to treatment for uninsured children, but by also ensuring that the family remains intact to provide emotional support for the child. They also help the family to prevent further poverty and to create a future of success through health, financial stability, and education.

Specifically, APHF will step in at the point of crisis to ensure that families have the tools to prevent bankruptcy, foreclosure, repossession, government assistance, and extreme poverty. These conditions can often arise when a family member with no health insurance becomes ill. This can be prevented with appropriate action.

The American Pediatric Heart Fund acts by:

• Negotiating and providing an interest-only payment for a selected term on the family’s home mortgage and car lien to keep the lien(s) in good standing.

• Providing healthy and nutritious meals to the patient and his family.

• Providing long-term lodging to out-of-state families to ensure that the family remains intact.

• Providing transportation to out-of-state families and families in need so that the family members can provide emotional support to the child in treatment and fulfill outpatient obligations.

• Providing medications without prescription drug coverage while evaluating a permanent solution for drug coverage.

• Providing the required Medicaid and COBRA monthly co-payments for families who cannot afford those costs.

• Providing educational assistance to the patient and/or siblings to ensure success in their studies while their family is in crisis.

• Providing employment assistance to one out-of-state parent.

For more information, please visit www.APHFund.org

Each month the Council on Humane Giving profiles a health charity that displays the Humane Charity Seal of Approval on its Web site or literature. Please consider showing your support by writing a letter of thanks or giving a donation, and be sure to tell your friends, family, and coworkers about this outstanding health charity.

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