SSM Health announced Tuesday the creation of a $10 million fund designed to help patients address needs such as food access, housing and transportation after leaving the hospital.
The fund was established through a donation from Carolyn Kindle, owner and CEO of St. Louis City SC, an SSM Health board member and president of the Enterprise Mobility Foundation.
SSM Health said the initiative will support partnerships with community organizations serving low-income and economically disadvantaged residents in the St. Louis region. The St. Louis Area Foodbank is among the participating organizations.
The fund also will support medical respite care programs at Haven Recovery Homes and LIV Sober Living, providing temporary housing, meals, medical support and case management for eligible patients. SSM officials said the effort aims to address social factors that can affect health outcomes and reduce avoidable emergency room visits.