We all have the power to impact our communities positively, and one of the best ways to do so is by giving to charities that promote good health. Charitable donations can fund research and provide crucial resources for those in need of medical care.
During the holidays, giving can be an enriching gift you can give to yourself. Along with making a difference in the lives of others, you connect yourself to the broader community.
Where should you give, and which charities are doing the most good? Let’s explore some of the organizations whose work is improving community health.
National Council on Aging
According to the National Council on Aging, 1 in 3 seniors is economically insecure, making it much more challenging to address their health issues. The National Council of Aging’s goal is to improve the health and financial well-being of 40 million senior citizens by connecting them with vital food and medical assistance programs. ncoa.org
The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association aims to cure and fight the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease from all sides. Donations fund research and clinical trials and connect individuals and families affected by the disease to care in their communities. The organization also promotes Alzheimer’s research on a national and state level. alz.org
Feeding America
The mission of Feeding America is to ensure that safe and healthy food is delivered to food banks, pantries, and soup kitchens before it goes to waste. This is done by working with farmers, manufacturers, and retailers. Every dollar donated can provide ten meals for those in need. With 5 billion meals served last year, Feeding America is the country’s largest hunger-relief organization. feedingamerica.org
Camp del Corazon
The overwhelming amount of money raised for heart disease charities is directed toward adults. But heart disease also affects children, and these kids’ resources are very scarce. Camp del Corazon is one of the very few nonprofits that focus on children with heart disease. Medical bills, doctor’s appointments, and hospital stays for these kids cause enormous financial burdens for families affected by heart disease. CDC provides a residential summer camp for children ages 7-17 at no cost to the parents. The children served by CDC are not eligible for normal summer camp as they require round-the-clock medical supervision and care. Many of these kids have had several open-heart surgeries, pacemakers, and heart transplants. CDC also helps young adults cope with their heart disease by providing a supportive community and linking them to education opportunities. campdelcorazon.org
Hearing Health Foundation
The Hearing Health Foundation is the largest funder of hearing research and a leader in driving treatments and innovations for people with hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing disorders. Finding and providing inclusive opportunities for those with hearing loss is also a priority for the foundation. hearinghealthfoundation.org
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is just as committed to finding a cure as it is to supporting those with cancer who are already suffering. This nonprofit has donated nearly $1.3 billion to research for clinical trials. Their website provides access to live information specialists, financial assistance, and support groups for people already diagnosed with cancer. lls.org
Mental Health America
Knowing when you need mental health help is the first step toward getting it. More than 6.7 million mental health screenings have been conducted using Mental Health America’s (MHA) free online screening tool since 2014. Organizers advocate for legislation to promote a nation that is more supportive of mental health. It supports reduced stigma, early intervention and discrimination, better treatment, and decreased homelessness and incarceration among people with mental illnesses. Suicide prevention through access to crisis care, early intervention for youth, and workplace mental health is also a significant focus. mhanational.org
Doctors Without Borders
A major focus of Doctors Without Borders is to help communities in countries with fragile health systems – treating more than 2.6 million malaria cases and vaccinating more than 1.3 million people against measles every year. They have several significant initiatives, including keeping HIV and tuberculosis programs up and running. doctorswithoutborders.org
