Find answers to common questions about our programs, services, and how you can get involved in supporting community healthcare access.
About CHAI & Our Mission
CHAI stands for Community Health Access Initiative. We are a community-driven healthcare organization that believes healthcare should be a right, not a privilege. Through our unique model, 5-10% of our clinic's income goes directly to a dedicated fund for patients in financial hardship. Combined with community donations, we ensure that healthcare remains accessible to all members of our community, regardless of their financial situation.
Our funding model is built on shared responsibility. We allocate 5-10% of our clinic's income to a dedicated fund specifically for patients experiencing financial hardship. This is supplemented by community donations, creating a powerful safety net. Every dollar donated stays within our community, directly helping neighbors access vital medical services, prescription medications, mental health support, and preventive care programs.
CHAI has been proudly serving our community for 5 years. During this time, we've helped over 2,847 patients, offset more than $485,000 in healthcare costs, and built a network of over 1,200 community contributors. Our impact continues to grow as more community members join our mission to ensure no one chooses between health and financial stability.
How to Get Help
Our financial assistance programs are available to community members experiencing financial hardship who cannot afford necessary medical care. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as income level, medical necessity, and available resources. We do not require insurance status for assistance. To apply, contact us at 1-800-CHAI-HELP or visit our community health center.
CHAI helps cover a wide range of medical services including: emergency medical care for unexpected health crises, prescription medications, mental health counseling and therapy, preventive care and health screenings, chronic disease management, pediatric care for children, and senior health services. Each case is evaluated based on medical necessity and available funding.
To apply for financial assistance: 1) Call our helpline at 1-800-CHAI-HELP to speak with a care coordinator, 2) Visit our community health center to fill out an application in person, or 3) Email us at info@chai-health.org with your situation. Our team will guide you through the application process, which typically includes providing information about your medical needs, financial situation, and any supporting documentation. We strive to process applications quickly, especially for urgent medical needs.
Yes, absolutely. We maintain strict confidentiality for all patients and applicants. Your personal information, medical history, and financial details are protected under HIPAA regulations and our privacy policy. Information is only shared with healthcare providers and staff directly involved in your care or assistance application, and only with your consent.
Donation & Support
Donating to CHAI is easy and secure. You can donate online through our Zeffy platform (100% of your donation goes to helping community members), mail a check to our community health center, set up recurring monthly donations to provide consistent support, or donate in person at our clinic. We also accept corporate sponsorships and planned giving. All donations are tax-deductible, and you'll receive a receipt for your records.
100% of your donation stays within our community and directly helps neighbors access healthcare. Your contributions go toward: covering emergency medical expenses for families in crisis, providing prescription medications for those who can't afford them, supporting mental health services, funding preventive care programs and health screenings, and ensuring children and seniors receive necessary medical care. We maintain complete transparency and provide regular updates showing exactly how donations are making a difference.
Yes, all donations to CHAI are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. CHAI is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. You will receive an official donation receipt via email immediately after your online donation, or by mail for other donation methods. This receipt includes all necessary information for tax purposes, including our EIN number and the donation amount.
Absolutely! We believe in complete transparency. You'll receive regular updates showing how your contribution is making a difference, including: quarterly impact reports with statistics on patients helped and services provided, success stories from community members (with their permission), financial reports showing fund allocation, and invitations to community events where you can meet the people you're helping. You can also visit our website anytime to see our current impact metrics and read patient testimonials.
Programs & Services
The Emergency Medical Fund provides immediate financial assistance to community members facing unexpected medical crises. This fund helps cover emergency room visits, urgent surgeries, critical medications, and other sudden medical expenses that could devastate a family's finances. Our goal is to ensure that no one delays or avoids necessary emergency care due to cost concerns. The fund operates 24/7, and decisions on urgent cases are made quickly.
Our Prescription Assistance Program helps community members afford vital medications. We work with local pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies, and generic drug programs to reduce medication costs. The program covers medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and mental health conditions. We also help patients navigate insurance formularies, find generic alternatives, and access manufacturer discount programs. No one should have to choose between their medications and other basic needs.
CHAI's mental health support program provides access to counseling, therapy, and psychiatric services for community members who cannot afford mental healthcare. We offer individual therapy sessions, group support programs, crisis intervention services, and medication management for mental health conditions. We also host free mental health workshops on topics like stress management, coping strategies, and wellness. Our goal is to break down barriers to mental healthcare access in our community.
Yes! We have dedicated programs for both children and seniors. Our Children's Health Initiative ensures every child gets a healthy start with immunizations, well-child checkups, dental care, and vision/hearing screenings. For seniors, our Senior Care Support program focuses on medication management, fall prevention, chronic disease management, and healthy aging resources. Both programs include transportation assistance to medical appointments and specialized care coordination.
Volunteer & Partnership
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds! Opportunities include: administrative support at our clinic, helping with community health events and screenings, assisting with fundraising campaigns, providing transportation for patients, offering professional services (medical, legal, accounting), and joining our community outreach team. To volunteer, fill out our online application or call 1-800-CHAI-HELP. We provide orientation and training for all volunteers, and flexible schedules are available.
Absolutely! We offer several partnership opportunities for businesses: Corporate sponsorship of specific programs or events, employee volunteer programs, matching gift programs for employee donations, in-kind donations of goods or services, cause marketing partnerships, and health and wellness programs for your employees. Business partnerships help us expand our reach and impact. Contact our partnership team at info@chai-health.org to discuss how your company can make a difference in community health.
Yes! Medical professionals are invaluable volunteers. We welcome doctors, nurses, therapists, pharmacists, dentists, and other healthcare providers. You can volunteer at our free health screening events, provide pro bono services at our clinic, offer telehealth consultations, help with health education programs, or mentor other healthcare volunteers. We handle all licensing verification and malpractice insurance. Your expertise can directly help community members who lack access to healthcare.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help. Contact us anytime for more information about our programs and services.
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