Skip to main content

UPMC Mercy CRNAs and the Department of Anesthesiology Give Back

"A group of CRNAs posing with a large check"

 

The UPMC Mercy CRNAs, along with some other members of the Department of Anesthesiology, decided they would like to find a community outreach program to work with to help make a difference. With guidance from Phyllis Grasser, Vice President of Mission Effectiveness/Spiritual Care at UPMC Mercy, they were led in the direction of FOCUS Pittsburgh. The group made a $1,500 donation to Rev. Paul Abernathy, director of the organization.

Pittsburgh FOCUS (Fellowship of Orthodox Christians United to Serve) is a part of the FOCUS North America movement and offers numerous free services to help local people in need. The organization works to establish and promote healthy, healing micro-communities through support, health and well-being initiatives, and leadership development.  To date, they have provided meals to over 2,700 children with their Backpack Feeding Program, which provides free weekend meals to children enrolled in the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture National School Lunch Program's Free or Reduced-Price School Meals. In addition, they provide workforce development, transportation program, a health center, and a Trauma Informed Community Development program, which helps revitalize the community by establishing and promoting healthy healing micro-communities.