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PHONE: 561-85-1638
Boynton Beach, FL – Caridad Center, the largest free healthcare clinic in Florida, today announced it has received a $100,000 grant from The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation to support temporary part-time help for Caridad’s medical and dental clinics.
COVID-19 concerns have led to a steep decline in the number of volunteer doctors, dentists and other medical professionals who volunteer their time to ensure that some 4,500 uninsured and underserved children and families in Palm Beach County receive medical and dental care. Despite the risks, many volunteers have remained committed to providing services.
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation took note of the crucial nature of volunteerism to Caridad through one of the doctor volunteers, Dr. Laura Balda, a general practitioner who has volunteered her time at Caridad Center for several years in addition to running her own private practice. In her honor and recognizing the Caridad Center’s work, the foundation provided a $100,000 grant.
“We are thrilled to support Caridad Center at such a crucial time for their organization and the community they serve,” said Alex Cohen, President, Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation. “COVID-19 has increased the need for healthcare and we are grateful for the lifesaving work the Caridad Center provides to their clients.”
The funding comes at a crucial time when, due to the pandemic, fewer doctors have been able to provide services, leaving Caridad to reduce the number of patients seen monthly, and, for the first time in its history, Caridad is having to pay for some dental and medical services. Currently, Caridad has 102 doctors on rotation; however, since the pandemic only 42 come to provide services: pre-pandemic, 300 doctors were on rotation. While 56 dentists are registered to provide services, 50 are active. In addition, six residency students provide services. On average approximately 1,800 patients are seen in the medical clinic and 500-600 patients in the dental clinic per month. Services include a variety of medical specialties.
About Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation is committed to inspiring philanthropy and community service by creating awareness, offering guidance and leading by example to show the world what giving can do. Since launching the Foundation in 2001, Steven and Alexandra Cohen have generously funded local and national nonprofit organizations that uplift the communities in which they serve. The Cohens’ giving reflects their personal connection with the causes that inspire them. To learn more, please visit steveandalex.org or follow the Foundation @CohenGive on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Caridad Center
Caridad Center, located in Boynton Beach, is the largest free clinic in Florida. It offers comprehensive medical, vision, and dental care for the uninsured and underserved children and families of Palm Beach County. Some 171 volunteer doctors, dentists, nurses, and dental hygienists annually provide free services to some 4,500 poor, uninsured, and underserved individuals and families as well as healthcare education, and outreach services. Visit www.caridad.org for more information.