Eastview Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center’s staff literally stepped out into the community to support an event that raised funds for a worthy cause.
Department heads and therapy department staff members took part in the Sickle Cell Foundation’s 16th Annual Sickle Cell Walk.
Eastview set up a water and safety station along the route in Birmingham’s Kelly Ingram Park. The hydration station prevented participants from becoming dehydrated or overheated during the walk. In total, the Birmingham area nursing home provided water and sports drinks for over 500 people. A job that big takes a team effort. Four staff members handled the station while seven employees participated in the walk.
While they couldn’t walk in the event, Eastview’s residents took part in the days leading up to the event by encouraging every staff member to contribute and asking visitors and volunteers to donate. The effort raised $325 for sickle cell research and support.
“This was a major success, and I plan for us to make this an annual event,” Eastview’s Administrator Brandon Upshaw said. “It’s important to give back to the community. We also want to remind everyone that our residents can support worthy causes and be active in the community.”
From left to right, standing: Eastview Housekeeping Supervisor Jonathan Jolly and UAB School of Medicine Residency StudentJoanna Maya. Sitting: Eastview Administrator Brandon Upshaw and Eastview Social Services Director Ashley K. Starks.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates Sickle Cell Disease affects approximately 90,000 to 100,000 Americans. The Birmingham walk benefits the Central Alabama Chapter of the Sickle Cell Association of America, Inc. Proceeds are used to assist individuals and families to provide medicines, medical equipment, dental and vision care, other services to help families.
About Eastview Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center:
Eastview Rehabilitation & HealthCare Center is a 90-bed skilled nursing facility located in Birmingham. It offers rehabilitation therapy, hospice care and long term care services. Brandon Upshaw is the Administrator and Maxine Collins in the Director of Nursing.
Eastview staff from left to right: Administrator Brandon Upshaw, Assistant Director of Nursing Michelle Perry, Speech Therapist Jessica Bristow, Rehab Director Kenya Pope with her daughter, Bookkeeper Precious Marcus, Social Services Director Ashley K. Starks and Housekeeping Supervisor Jonathan Jolly.
