Crisis Health & Dental Support - McKee Wellness Foundation

Medical and dental emergencies are rarely convenient, but for individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet, and members of vulnerable populations, these situations can be catastrophic. With an average 15% increase in health insurance premiums over the past year, Coloradoans experienced the second highest average increase nationwide. Consequently, fewer individuals are enrolling in employer-sponsored plans, there’s a decline in healthcare utilization, and people are rationing treatment and medication to manage their needs.

Dental and prescription needs represent the primary deficiencies in community health programs, leading to patients forgoing essential treatment. This deprivation engenders more severe and potentially catastrophic consequences over the long term, which is already being realized through metrics such as longer, costlier, average hospital stays.

Through McKee Wellness Foundation’s Crisis Health & Dental Support program, funding will be made available to individuals struggling to afford their medical, dental, or prescription costs, and assist them with daily living needs to ensure a continuum of care.

Funding would also assist with medical respite services – ensuring those who are unhoused have resources during their recovery from a hospitalization. And funds would support preventative services such as LifeLine, helping our older adults to age safely and independently in their homes, equipped with tools to dispatch first responders in the event of a medical emergency.

Baby Michelle's Story

When baby Michelle was born in Oct 2022 at North Colorado Medical Center and diagnosed with the fatal disease, Donahue Syndrome, it was simply a matter of time. Time that Michelle’s family desperately wanted to spend
with their baby girl. Every day they made the long drive to Children’s Hospital in Denver to be with their child.
Every night when they left, they didn’t know if it would be the last time they saw her.

The financial challenges were building up as well. They didn’t know how much longer they’d have a home to
return to. How they would put food on the table. How they would be able to lay their baby girl to rest.

Reaching out to McKee Wellness Foundation, Baby Michelle’s mother, Laura, shared “We don’t
have money to pay rent, or for her funeral when the moment comes.”

Our community stepped forward, granting more than $5,000 to keep Michelle’s family safe and housed
while they spent all the time they could with Michelle. There are more families like baby Michelle's;
families who are struggling.Who don't know how they'll pay rent. Who have medical expenses soaring
out of control. Families that need a light of hope.

Baby Michelle's Story

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