$150,000 Grant Awarded to the Daily Planet

Richmond Memorial Health Foundation Donation Expands Women’s Health Services

RICHMOND – The Daily Planet has been named as the recipient of a $150,000 grant over two years from the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation to help support the Daily Planet’s Women’s Health Initiative Expansion, which will improve access to primary care health services for Richmond’s homeless and indigent population.

“We are truly grateful that the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation selected the Daily Planet as a grant recipient,” said Peter Prizzio, executive director of the Daily Planet. “Without the assistance and financial support of organizations like the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation, many of Metro Richmond’s homeless wouldn’t receive the sufficient level of care they need.”

The $150,000 will help fund staff salaries and enhance health care coordination at the Planet’s Health Care Center over the next two years. The Health Center has experienced a noticeable spike in the number of female individuals in the homeless community seeking health services. Over the past 4 years, the female patient population has increased 146% and currently accounts for 45% of patients seen.  During the next two years, the Daily Planet anticipates increasing the number of patients seen by 12.5%.

“The Daily Planet is one of Central Virginia’s most respected homeless organizations due to its commitment to help everyone who passes through its doors,” said Jeffrey S. Cribbs, executive director of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation.  “Access to high quality, cost effective health care are common concerns affecting many Americans but can be especially hard on those without an effective support system in place. We are pleased to provide support for the Daily Planet’s efforts to expand upon its current commitment of service to its increasing number of female clients.”