Four years ago, Theresa Rivera, BSW began her career at MultiCare. She works at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital’s oncology clinics, connecting with newer patients, explaining what social services are available, assessing needs and eliminating barriers to treatment.
For Theresa, a critical component of being able to help the whole patient is by utilizing the Helping Hands fund to assist with things like transportation, utilities, lodging and more.
“Working with the Helping Hands fund is a feel-good thing,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to express our goal of becoming a high reliability organization (HRO) — really caring for people and making the community better by positively impacting our patients.”
From January to June 2021, 37 individuals received assistance with rent, gas, groceries and emergency medications, along with some miscellaneous items such as flowers and dental extractions thanks to Helping Hands in the Inland Northwest.
Among them was an out-of-state patient who was wary of staying at a hotel given the pandemic and their immunocompromised state. Theresa was able to use the fund to pay for an RV spot at a campground, helping the entire family feel comfortable and well taken care of.
“To those who give to Helping Hands, keep it up — you’re doing fabulous,” she says. “This is a unique opportunity that we have to contribute to the well-being of patients. It’s important to meet patients on the level that they’re at and be able to help them meet their basic needs during a challenging time.”
