It’s no secret that Barbour County is a close-knit community that Barbour Community Health Association (BCHA) is proud to be a part of. Since 1973, BCHA has strived to make healthcare accessible and affordable for Barbour County residents. For this reason, members of the BCHA staff created Project PINwheel.
Project PINwheel, initially named Patients in Need (PIN), was created with the goal to raise money for BCHA patients who might need to travel outside of Barbour County to seek healthcare. The money is used to directly assist in covering costs that insurance companies don’t typically cover. For instance, funds are used for lodging, gasoline, or food for the patient who seeks treatment.
“We are hoping this will decrease any barrier people in our community may have to receiving treatments they need,” says Debbie Schoonover, COO of BCHA.
“The staff at BCHA is passionate about this project because they love their community and making an impact on the lives of their neighbors. The opportunity to give back means the world to us,” continued Schoonover. In April, BCHA holds their annual bingo fundraiser. The fund continues to grow each year. BCHA along with private contributors have already been able to assist some patients of Barbour County with ancillary medical costs.
“We are all excited about the future of this project and what it means for the residents of Barbour County,” Schoonover concluded.
How to Apply for Help or to Help
BCHA makes applying for help and donating easy, just contact Belington Medical Clinic and ask for Debbie Schoonover or Connie Williams. Most of the funds for Project PINwheel come from individual donors, many of who were touched by illness or have family members who have been. In addition to individual donation, Project PINwheel has fundraisers each year, one of which is the annual Medley Collection Bingo, held each April. “Wherever they come from, donations are greatly” appreciated, Schoonover says.
For more information on Project PINwheel or to contribute, contact Belington Medical Clinic at 304-823-2800 and ask for Debbie Schoonover or Connie Williams.