Page 48 - May-June 2025 Life In Naples Magazing

The Sister Veronica Fund,

A Lifeline to Better Health

by Abigail Jose, Marketing Manager

he high cost of healthcare has been a major concern for For patients like Juana who face serious financial barriers, the
many Americans. Too often, the most vulnerable in our fund is essential for her health. She shares, "There are times I don’t
T community are forced to choose between getting the care have money, so Healthcare Network helps me reduce the price of
they desperately need or covering basic necessities like food and medication. Sometimes I pay very little for a two-month supply-
rent. When individuals struggle to access medical care, the effects that makes it worth it for me."
ripple through the entire community, leading to higher rates of Juana is not alone in this struggle, Ofelia, a 56-year-old
illness, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs for everyone. farmworker, has been receiving care at Healthcare Network for over
According to a West Health Gallup 2024 survey, an estimated 30 years. “Working in the fields, my paychecks didn’t always cover
72.2 million Americans have not sought treatment for needed care medical costs.”
in the last three months due to the cost. The same survey found that Since utilizing the sliding fee scale and Sister Veronica Fund,
an estimated 40 million adults consider the cost of healthcare to be Ofelia has been able to get her medication, receive regular blood
a “major burden” to their household. drawings and visit with her primary care provider without worrying
"When I don’t have money, it’s hard for me to seek care," admits about how much of her paycheck will go towards her medical costs.
Juana, a local Immokalee woman and Healthcare Network patient. “Healthcare Network has helped me with laboratory tests,
"Sometimes I wait until I have the money to afford care. If not, I consultations and even mammograms," she says. "They also give me
postpone my appointment until I can gather enough. If I don’t have a great discount on medications, which makes a huge difference."
the money, I don't go to the doctor." Programs like the Sister Veronica Fund and sliding fee scale are
In Collier County, there are a limited number of social safety critical for Ofelia. She shares, “Without them, I don’t think I would
nets that address this crisis. As the only Community Health Center seek care.”
in the county, Healthcare Network remains steadfast in its mission Healthcare should never be out of reach for those who need it
to provide quality, accessible healthcare for all. A cornerstone of most. Too often people in our community are forced to delay or
this commitment is ensuring that no one is turned away due to an forgo essential healthcare. The Sister Veronica Fund ensures that no
inability to pay or lack of financial resources. one has to make that choice.
Ensuring access to care strengthens not just individual health, Be part of Sister Veronica’s legacy and learn how you can support this
but the well-being of our entire community. When people are important program at Healthcare Network by visiting
healthy, families flourish, businesses thrive, and society as a whole https://healthcareswfl.org/sister-veronica-fund/
benefits. To learn more about supporting the Van Domelen Community Health
At Healthcare Network, low-income, eligible patients qualify Center, contact Antonello Castaldi at acastaldi@healthcareswfl.org or
for discounted services through a sliding fee scale. When patients visit HealthcareSWFL.org
are unable to afford the cost of care, even at a discount, or require About the Author
continued specialized care outside of Healthcare Network, the As Healthcare Network’s Marketing Manager, Abigail Jose utilizes
organization’s Sister Veronica Fund covers the high cost for compelling storytelling and strategic marketing to raise awareness of the
follow-up specialist appointments, prescription medications, organization’s mission of providing quality healthcare to all. Her work
transportation and more. helps bridge the gap between Healthcare Network’s services and the
This fund is named after Sister Veronica Marie Cohen, a communities it serves.
devoted Catholic nun, who dedicated her life to serving the
Immokalee community through the East Coast Migrant Head
Start Project until her passing in 1989. Since 2019, the fund has
helped over 2,060 individuals, covering over $130,000 in medical
expenses.

239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

4848 www.LifeInNaples.net