As kids head back to the classroom, AdventHealth and its team members recently donated enough supplies to fill nearly 1,500 backpacks, with back-to-school essentials such as paper, pencils, folders and crayons.
In partnership with various non-profit organizations throughout Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, the donated supplies will be given to local families in need. This annual initiative ensures local children are prepared to head back to the classroom for the new school year.
As the only national, non-profit health care system headquartered in Florida, AdventHealth is one of the largest faith-based health care systems in the U.S. and is committed to extending its mission through sustainability initiatives that foster wholeness.
As part of this commitment, AdventHealth recently completed the highly anticipated 2023-2025 Community Improvement Health Plans (CHIP). Studies show that 80% of health care outcomes are influenced by factors outside hospitals' walls, such as transportation, housing, food security, and workforce development issues.
“Our students of today represent the future and our hope is that these supplies will remove a barrier for some students, setting them up ready to succeed in the classroom,” said Audrey Gregory, PhD., RN, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division – North Region. “As a parent, I vividly remember the excitement my kids had on the first day of school. To see our teams, ignite that same enthusiasm in children who really need our support brings me such joy.”
In addition to donating school supplies, AdventHealth is also the Official Healthcare Champion for Flagler Schools and Volusia County Schools and is dedicated to addressing key issues affecting students. As part of this commitment, AdventHealth hosted free sports physicals, including cardiac screenings, for thousands of attendees. During these events, over 15% of the attending students stated they do not have a primary care physician. This highlights the significance of these annual events as a critical means of giving students in the area access to medical care.