Of all the special qualities Notre Dame embodies, perhaps one of the strongest is its sense of family. The ND family, which includes alumni, students, spouses, children, parents, relatives, faculty/staff members and friends, is not only extensive, it's loyal.
That loyalty is one of the cornerstones on which the Notre Dame Senior Alumni Hospital Support Program was built.
Launched nationally in January, this program provides assistance to patients and caregivers in hospitals -- as well as to those who are homebound -- all across the country. Through the program, volunteers -- typically those from area ND clubs -- assist caregivers in a variety of ways, including providing meals; physical, spiritual and emotional support; and even transportation. Support also is offered to members of the ND family who are traveling and away from home when they encounter a medical emergency.
The Hospital Support Program relies on individual ND clubs to facilitate the project throughout the country. Because it encompasses different degrees of care, such as emergency care, pre-planned care, long-term care and additional care, the NDSA encourages clubs to follow a templated structure, which is described in the Program Overview.
Though still in its infancy, the Hospital Support Program already is having a significant impact on members of the Notre Dame family. To date, ND clubs have provided support to two dozen patients who have received emergency or pre-planned care. In addition, several hundred caregivers, family members and friends have received spiritual, physical and emotional assistance.
If you or a loved one is or will be going to a hospital, anywhere in the country and need support, please contact a ND club's Senior Alumni Representative. For more information, or to enroll your ND club in the program, click here.
