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FREE Foundation Overview. Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative November 5, 2004. The Beginning. Founded in Roanoke, Virginia – 1998 By a group of dedicated healthcare workers who saw: adults returning home from stroke, spinal cord, brain injury & other serious illnesses
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FREE Foundation Overview Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative November 5, 2004
The Beginning • Founded in Roanoke, Virginia – 1998 • By a group of dedicated healthcare workers who saw: • adults returning home from stroke, spinal cord, brain injury & other serious illnesses • without equipment needed to recover or return to a life of independence • often becoming debilitated upon returning home
Mission To acquire and provide mobility-related rehabilitative equipment to maximize functional independence and improve quality of life
Vision & Position • Vision - To assist underserved adults to whommobility equipment is not otherwise available. - To be a model program for other communities. • Position • Helping adults achieve independence through mobility!
Where We Serve • Initially Roanoke, Virginia • Now serving Southwest & Southside, Virginia • Next area - Eastern Shore • By 2006, FREE will expand to serve the entire Commonwealth of Virginia
What We Help With • Mobility related devices (recycled & customized) • Wheelchairs • Walkers, canes & braces • Power wheelchairs & scooters • Prosthetics & orthotics • Bathroom equipment & similar items
Who We Help • Adults 18 & older living in Southwest & Southside Virginia • In need of mobility-related rehab equipment • With physician-determined medical need • Without other means to acquire equipment • No insurance/Medicare/Medicaid/personal funds • Have confirmed financial need
The Uninsured • Over 1 million Virginians are uninsured • 14.9% of all Virginians Source: www.VHCF.org
The Uninsured • Of those uninsured Virginians: • 77% are between the ages of 18-24 • 67% work full time • 10% work part time • Since 1996, the uninsured rates have: • risen 1.9% in Virginia overall • risen 5.4% in Southwestern Virginia Source: www.VHCF.org
Our Support Base • Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Trust Fund • Harvest Foundation • Carilion Foundation • Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation • Individual contributors • Fundraising events
FREE Contact Info • phone 540-777-4929ntelos.net • www.free-foundation.org • email free1@ntelos.net