Columbus Regional Health’s leader and his wife have established a new fund to support individuals and families seeking substance abuse treatment and services as identified by the Alliance for Substance Abuse Progress in Bartholomew County.
CRH President and CEO Jim Bickel and his wife, Joan, have established the fund within the Columbus Regional Health Foundation, the health system announced this week.
The amount of seed money the Bickels have provided has not been released, but the foundation is hoping the establishment of the fund will encourage other donors to support it in the future.
Establishment of the fund via a monetary start-up gift is motivated by their personal experience in trying to navigate and find appropriate substance abuse treatment programs for a loved one and the need to find family education and support, hospital officials said.
“The process can be overwhelming to understand treatment and support options for both the individual and the family. Joan and I hope this fund can assist families facing these challenges,” said Jim Bickel. “Addiction treatment and recovery is a road the entire family travels.”
At ASAP’s community report meeting Wednesday night, Bickel said there are many gaps individuals and families face when seeking help, and the fund is designed to bridge those to help in the recovery process.
The Jim and Joan Bickel Family Fund for Substance Abuse Assistance will provide assistance options for individuals and families dealing with the effects of addiction.
“This generous gift and commitment from Jim and Joan is integral in establishing the role of Columbus Regional Health Foundation’s emphasis on treatment and recovery fundraising,” said Julie Abedian, foundation president and CRH vice president of corporate responsibility and community partnerships. “The fund provides important, much-needed resources for those addicted, and their loved ones, who are also suffering.”
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To learn more about the Jim and Joan Bickel Family Fund for Substance Abuse, visit the Columbus Regional Health Foundation website at:
crh.org/community-foundation/foundation
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