GAINESVILLE, Texas – The Covering Cooke County coat and blanket drive, launched by North Texas Medical Center (NTMC) during the month of January, was very successful with 70 coats and 30 blankets collected.
This initiative was born out of a recognized need within the hospital’s patient community. Staff members in both the hospital and clinic settings observed that many patients lacked proper warm clothing upon discharge, often due to clothing being soiled during treatment or accidents. Additionally, some clinic patients were arriving underdressed and lingering in the warmth of the building. Access to clean, warm clothing can significantly impact the health and wellbeing of our community, and NTMC is helping to make a difference.
“The simple act of providing warm clothing and blankets can have a significant impact on a patient’s recovery and well-being,” said NTMC Population Health Coordinator Hayle Dangelmayr. “Many patients leave the hospital in gowns or hospital attire, and some are reluctant to ask for help. Our goal is to ensure that those in need receive assistance as soon as possible. Hospital staff often uncover situations where help is required by asking the right questions.”
Thanks to the success of the coat and blanket drive, NTMC was able to not only collect clothing for patients at the hospital, but others in the community who may have a need for warm clothing. The first donation delivery went to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, which serves a large group of people in its food kitchen on Mondays. In January alone, they reported serving hundreds of people food and a warm place to stay during the cold snap.
The Hughes family at Dry Clean Super Center in Gainesville provided free cleaning of all the donated coats.
NTMC hopes to make this an annual event. For more information on how you can help, contact Dangelmayr at (940) 612-8640.
