Auxiliary Caring Touch Program (A.C.T.)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Started in 1994, The A.C.T. Program provides financial assistance to qualified patients discharged from specific local medical facilities who are financially unable to pay for certain healthcare needs. The Auxiliary provides emergency help to pay for critically needed prescription medicines or special equipment for a limited period of time until other financial resources can be found.
TRANSPORTATION / INFANT CAR SEATS
The A.C.T program has expanded to support and provide for emergency transportation needs for patients without other means to obtain medical help or transportation home after medical treatment. And in 2020, A.C.T. began to provide infant car seats to be available to patients at who have babies, but do not have the financial ability or access to programs which would provide assistance in obtaining protective carriers for their newborn or infant children.
FUNDING
This program has given out over $690,000 since its inception. It is funded by income from sales in our hospital gift shops. Our clients are patients of Hilton Head Hospital, Coastal Carolina Hospital and Volunteers in Medicine at both the Hilton Head and Bluffton clinics. Care Management personnel at these locations identify and qualify local needy residents requiring financial support. The Auxiliary then provides the documentation and funds to the local pharmacy or organization. This program has been successful over the years because of the continued support of the community and the volunteers who manage and staff our gift shops.