Women's Circle keeps expanding
Members dedicated to healthcare for women have given more than $350,000 to various programs
This article originally appeared in the Spring 2019 issue of Promise magazine.
Members of The Circle of Women’s Health Philanthropists, now in its seventh year and 69 women strong, demonstrated their continuing generosity to Summa Health at their annual holiday gathering in December 2018. Announcing the award of two grants of $50,000 each for the second consecutive year, Circle members brought their cumulative giving to Summa Health to more than $350,000.
The 2018 grants support the Centering Parenting Program and the establishment of a Pride Clinic at Summa Health.
“We take great pride in our mission to improve the overall health of women in our community,” said Ginger Marchetta, chair of The Circle, about the philanthropic vision shared by members of the influential network of female leaders. “We’re thrilled to be able to support Summa Health and these vitally important services.”
The Family Medicine Center on the Summa Health System — Akron Campus will use its $50,000 grant to grow the Centering Parenting Program, which provides education and support in a group setting to new mothers who are addicted to opioids. Groups meet monthly, allowing participants to access continuing physical and mental healthcare and get help for activities of daily life when needed. The grant will assist with providing full-spectrum primary care for the infant, mother and her family.
“We cannot thank Circle members enough,” said Dr. Lynn Hamrich of the Family Medicine Center. “Their generosity will truly make a difference in these women’s lives.”
The Summa Health Medical Group and Diversity Advisory Council will use the $50,000 award to help open a Summa Pride Clinic in the Chapel Hill area focused on the primary healthcare needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) patients in the Akron region. “The LGBTQ community faces so many healthcare disparities and barriers when attempting to receive appropriate healthcare for their needs,” said Hollie Kozak, division director for the Summa Health Medical Group.
For more information about The Circle of Women's Health Philanthropists, contact Shelley Green, senior director of development, 330.375.6891 or greensh@summahealth.org.