Eblen Charities: Eblen Children

To better assist the large number of referrals from schools, hospitals and other agencies working with children, Eblen Children’s Charities was created in the fall of 1996. Starting with the Michael Wellisch Children’s Cancer Services in 1993, Eblen Children’s Charities grew to 12 programs within the next five years. The children’s charities are led by honorary chairman Brad Johnson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Eblen Children's Charities

The Children’s Dental Assistance Program: In partnership with the Buncombe County Dental Society, the Buncombe County Health Department, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, the Western North Carolina Dental Hygienist Association, the Janirve Foundation, Ingles’s Markets, Pepsi of WNC and the Buncombe County and Asheville City School System this program pioneered a community wide need of dental care. Thanks to a large group of area dentists led by Dr. Keith Black, Dr. Dennis Campbell, and Dr. Mark Knollman, the Children’s Dental Assistance Program began its outreach in the spring of 2000.
The Children’s Dental Sealant Program: Another part of the Children’s Dental Assistance Program is the Children’s Dental Sealant Program. Taking the lead and inspiration from Dr. Keith Black, the Seal the State in '98 program, and the Buncombe County Health Center the sealant program was developed to provide free dental sealants to all third graders in need in the Buncombe County and Asheville City school Systems.; Since its inception in the spring of 2000, this partnership has provided thousands of sealants to children in our community at no cost. By working together the costs of these sealants to the Eblen Charities have been reduced from around $50 a tooth to less than fifty cents a tooth.
The Children’s Pharmacy: Founded in 1996 the Children’s Pharmacy grew out of the increased need for medication, medical supplies, and physician visits requested through the Eblen Charities. Partnering with local pharmacies and the Pharmaceutical Network National Corporation, Ingles Markets, and the Janirve Foundation , the Eblen Children’s Pharmacy provides medication and medical supplies at the lowest prices available nationwide. By utilizing a network of local pharmacies the children served by this program can continue to see their same doctor and visit their same local pharmacist. Having no formulary or clinic provides a wide range of choices for the family with the added benefits of convenience and not running the risk of not being able to obtain a particular medication; In Mary of 2001, the Peter F. Drucker Foundation named the Eblen Children’s Pharmacy as one of the most innovative nonprofit programs in the country.
The Michael Wellisch Children’s Cancer Services: Established in 1984 as the Michael Wellisch Foundation, this strong community based program became part of the Eblen Charities in 1994. Set up as a living memorial to Michael Wellisch, an outstanding student, leader, scholar, and athlete, who lost his battle with cancer at the age of 19. Michael’s program provides assistance to children stricken with cancer and their families with medication, travel, and other emergency assistance.; The Michael Wellisch Children’s Cancer Services was the Eblen Charities first named program and served as the springboard to the development of the Eblen Children outreach programs. All of which will continue in the spirit that Michael began.
Children’s Mental Health Project: Designed to address the growing needs of families whose children are dealing with various needs contributed to mental health problems. This program, in partnership with Copestone Psychiatric Services of the Mission/St. Joseph Healthcare System, the Glad Tithings Foundation and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, provides assistance with counseling, medication, and emergency needs of children and their families as they strive to overcome the difficulties brought on by mental health issues.
The Mission Hospitals/Eblen Children's Dental Outreach: To _________ with emergency and oral surgery needs, Eblen Children has partnered with Mission Hospitals to assist local children in need of extensive dental care through operations at Mission Hospital.; This partnership along with _________ __________ helps provide the opportunities for Children in need of Oral Surgery to option care for little or no charge.
Mission/Eblen Children’s Healthcare Initiative: Created as a result of a request of Buncombe County Health Center Director, George Bond to assist families who were having difficulty paying the enrollment fee for the North Carolina Health Choice Program. This initiative provides enrollment fees for children whose families cannot pay the $50 to obtain health insurance through the state’s Health Choice for Children. Health Choice provides coverage for doctor visits, wellness checkups, eye exams and glasses, hearing exams and hearing aids, prescriptions, hospital coverage, dental care and mental health to children whose families fall below a certain income level.; Even at such a low cost, many families find themselves having difficulty paying for the enrollment fee. Out of concern for these families George Bond approached the Eblen Charities to see if there was a way to provide these families with the financial assistance they needed. Thanks to George’s concern and a partnership with the Mission/St. Joseph Healthcare System, the Eblen Children’s Healthcare Initiative now pays for nearly 25% of all children enrolled in Buncombe County. The Eblen Children’s Healthcare Initiative also pays for physician visits for children who can’t afford the medical attention they may need.
The Patrick Sizemore Children’s Outreach: Every year thousands of families in our community face the daunting and difficult task for having to deal with a child’s illness and the costs that accompany it. As costs increase during these times many families find themselves having to pay medical costs first and leave other necessities until later. All too often, food, rent, utilities and other needs go unmet because of the family meeting their children’s medical obligations. Through the Patrick Sizemore Children’s Outreach Program these children and their families can meet their medical needs and receive help for non-medical necessities.; The Patrick Sizemore Children’s Outreach was established in memory of Patrick Sizemore, an ambassador of the Eblen Charities who lost his life to cancer at the age of 11. With the gracious support of Patrick’s family and friends, he has left a legacy of love, compassion and service to the children of Western North Carolina.
The Eblen Children’s Vision Program: To help assist children with the growing need for eyeglasses and eye exams the Eblen Charities along with Lenscrafters, Champion Vision Centers and Dr. Kim Walters established the Eblen Children’s Vision Program. Through this partnership, area children can receive the vision care they need at no cost to them and a fraction of the cost to Eblen Charities. More than 100 pairs of glasses and eye exams are given each year.