HEALTH FOUNDATION GIVES POSITIVE SUPPORT

Sometimes a helping hand can make all the difference.

In the health field, a foundation that had its start right here in Cape Girardeau has amassed some impressive statistics in terms of helping others. The Health Careers Foundation has awarded nearly $4.2 million to 2,600 people over the last seven years.

The foundation was the brainchild of Earl Norman, chairman of Health Services Corporation of America. He saw health-care shortages on the horizon, especially trained personnel in areas like nursing, medical technology and pharmacy.

In 1990, Norman and several other top officials from health-care related firms developed the plan for the foundation.

This foundation targets non-traditional students. Many single parents don't have the extra income to better their job standing with additional education. Most of the recipients of financial aid are between the ages of 24 and 50. Many already work in the health care field as assistants or clerks and want to move up to a clinical job.

The program is part scholarship and part loan. About one-third is given as a grant. The remainder is a low-interest loan with a liberal payback arrangement. The percentage of payback is impressive: more than 92 percent. It speaks well for the program and the participants.

Meike Newell of Cape Girardeau knows first-hand the benefits of the foundation. The 18-year-old single parent sought help. The money allowed her to earn a pharmacy degree. This is just one of the thousands of success stories.

About 80 percent of the foundation's funds come from health care corporations, including a rather substantial donation from HSCA. Norman's company alone has given $2.5 million over 10 years to underwrite the foundation. The remaining 20 percent of the foundation's money is raised through a high-profile golf tournament.

While the program is national in scope, its focus is local. That is important. About 400 participating hospitals look for people in their communities who could benefit from the foundation.

Earl Norman and the Health Careers Foundation deserve high praise for helping thousands of non-traditional health-care students. This support is making a real difference to better single-parent families and improve the health-care industry.