Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

Established 1996

Office Hours: Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (865) 541-3767
(24 hour voicemail)
Private Fax: (865) 541-2407
hope_center@covhlth.com

"Hope is the belief in possibilities..."

Introducing 2005 Hope AWAREness Jewelry

Created exclusively for Hope Center by local jewelry designer Deborah Dawkins, Busy Bee Originals, the hope bracelet has become more than the perfect Mother's Day gift; it also connects women who believe that everyone needs hope.

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Member / Volunteer Information Form

Voices Of Hope
The Hope Center Newsletter

New! February 2005
Winter, 2003

(Adobe Acrobat Required)

All About Hope.
Hope Center originated from a qualitative two-year doctoral study in which adults diagnosed with HIV-AIDS described their experience of hope while they lived with an incurable illness. For them, hope meant maintaining dignity, self-worth, and independence throughout their illness. The influence of the hope model as a critical aspect of caring for all people touched by HIV disease is the core of the Hope Center's mission.

An Advocate.
Hope Center's unique location at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center accommodates immediate physician and staff referrals for inpatients, outpatients, their caregivers, and families. Director Jeannie Gillian, Ph.D., who specializes in HIV care, works with the multidisciplinary Covenant healthcare team to offer excellent patient care while sustaining hope.

A Support System.
Hope Center offers caring support and assistance to patients and families affected by HIV disease and to the newly diagnosed who are learning to build coping skills. Identifying individual needs and having opportunities to express fears or concerns are important aspects of the Hope Model approach to care. Emotional support extends to friends and caregivers who say, "I came for some hope."

A Caregiver.

Staff and trained volunteers acknowledge the important role of hope for patients and families throughout the illness and beyond. Included in the support group and care team is Oliver A. Bear, the Center's hope bear. Oliver is a constant companion during good times and tough times. Like the dedicated volunteers, he too is a reminder that hope is the belief in possibilities.

A Resource.
Is there a difference between HIV and AIDS? What is the treatment for HIV disease? Hope Center gathers the latest information on HIV-AIDS. Its staff and volunteers are eager to provide presentations and educational materials when requested. Sometimes referrals are given to other community resources to meet individual needs.

A Community Organization.
Hope Center's diverse membership includes attorneys, computer specialists, healthcare professionals, clerics, and other service providers who have offered to act as resources to patients, family members, and others in the community who need help. With only two paid staff members, Hope Center draws from these generous volunteers to provide many of its services. All services are offered at no charge to patients and families affected by HIV-AIDS and other life limiting illnesses. The nonprofit Center is entirely funded through gifts and community donations.