Daughters of Wisdom Award $15,000 Grant to RotaCare

Over 125 caring and committed volunteers, including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Social Workers, and EKG Technicians and a variety of personnel, including translators staff RotaCare.

$15,000 was awarded to RotaCare, Inc. in Hempstead, NY, as one in ten grants awarded in 2023 through the Wisdom Grant Fund.

RotaCare is a 32-year-old organization that provides free primary medical care and medications to uninsured people without access to care and who are not eligible for federal, state, and local safety net programs. A rotating group of over 125 caring and committed volunteers, including Physicians, Nurse Practitioners, Nurses, Social Workers, and EKG Technicians, provide the care. The practitioners are supported by a variety of personnel, including translators.

Many of RotaCare's patient population are undocumented, have no or very limited access to medical care, and are unable to afford the cost of medications. The majority of patients are diabetic and require at least four to five medications on a lifetime basis. Sr. Catherine Sheehan, D.W., Delegation Leader of the Daughters of Wisdom, endorsed this grant and wrote in her letter of support, "It is my pleasure to endorse the grant application from RotaCare, Inc., in Hempstead, NY. Free clinics help to bridge the gap in health care coverage by caring for the uninsured. RotaCare, like most free clinics, depends on volunteer providers. RotaCare has provided necessary and high-quality care to clients for more than 30 years." Sr. Cathy added that since moving into a new and improved space, RotaCare now has rent to pay in addition to its other costs. She added, "Without RotaCare, the people of its catchment area would delay seeking care, leading to a lack of diagnosis and other treatment. Often, uninsured patients do not seek care or use emergency departments, increasing overall healthcare costs. RotaCare also benefits its clients by providing preventative care that positively impacts health outcomes."

This project aligns with the Daughters of Wisdom mission on many levels, primarily because RotaCare helps our community's most vulnerable access needed medical care and medication. In addition, the late Sr. Joan Klemballa, DW, Nurse Practitioner, was a volunteer provider at RotaCare and much admired by the staff. Sr. Joan impacted the lives of many who received her care.

Before becoming Delegation Leader in 2014, Sr. Catherine Sheehan was the Director of the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport, CT.