Kettering Health (KH) endeavors to recognize the whole patient by supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being in every interaction. It’s a value that radiation therapists Jessica Schwab, Zack Gregus, and Crystal Bullock have taken to heart.
The KH team members have spearheaded Coats for a Cure, which partners with Miami Valley hospitals to establish Care Closets. The local nonprofit, founded by the three employees in October, opened its first closet at KH Main Campus on Jan. 6 and added a second with a ribbon cutting Jan. 21 at Soin Medical Center.
“As it got colder, we noticed patients coming in without the resources they needed,” said Jessica, who manages the closet at Soin Medical Center, where she works as a therapist. “Even though we’re treating the physical body, we have a responsibility to consider the whole person. If it’s minus 10 degrees outside, we’re not sending someone out in a T‑shirt just for them to end up admitted with the flu.”
Opening up a second location
A number of Jessica’s colleagues attended the ribbon cutting, along with Soin Medical Center President Paul Hoover.
“To have your own employees come up with something like this is so exciting,” said Paul, who worked with Jessica to solidify a home for the closet. “Our employees care deeply about those they serve.
“When Jess had this idea and said, ‘hey, do you think we could do something like this here?’ Kettering Health and Soin Medical Center were all over it. We’re so excited to see it brought to life.”
The Soin Medical Center Care Closet is located on the second floor in Room 2057A. The closet at KH Main Campus is housed on the bottom floor near the Sleep Center and is managed by Crystal and Zack, therapists at that location. Each space is stocked with warm clothing that medical center staff can access immediately for any patient facing hardship. Items include coats, blankets, hats, gloves, scarves, warming kits, and other needed essentials.
Making the most of the mission
“Our mission is to live God’s love by restoring and promoting health, and I think Coats for a Cure really brings our mission to life,” Hoover said. “We provide great clinical care, but in this case, they are cared for as a whole person. If they need a coat, they’ve got a warm coat, which is just really beautiful.”
Jessica is thankful for the support.
“We could not have done this without the admin team here,” she said. “Their support has been amazing; so kind and truly living the mission. It’s a testament to how we want to care for the person physically, but on an emotional and spiritual level as well.”
If you’d like to donate to Coats for a Cure, proceed to the website or visit the nonprofit’s Facebook page. All funds go toward restocking and creating new closets. KH team members are welcome to donate new clothing, as well. Team members can inquire about donations by emailing Coats for a Cure.
