After the success of the fall Community Engagement & Services (CES) project gathering supplies for students in the Iowa City Community School District, the CES turned its attention to a more mission-aligned organization that could benefit from the department’s philanthropy. The Hospice Home of Johnson County, more familiarly known as the Bird House, is a not-for-profit in the community that provides a full range of end-of-life support for individuals and their families.
Named in honor of Lois Bird, whose family dedicated its creation to her late husband Gary, the Bird House was five years in the making and just celebrated its three-year anniversary this month. They have cared for nearly 100 people in that time. Fewer than 20 full- and part-time employees are aided by dozens of volunteers.
Photos of the Bird House and its hospice guest rooms reveal a peaceful and contemplative setting where guests can maintain dignity but also the care and management that supportive and palliative care often requires at the end of one’s life.
An important mission such as this, which Internal Medicine aligns with, deserves our support. They have provided our department with a wish list of items that will aid in their work. Cash donations can also be made.
Donation bins have been placed around the department in each division’s administrative office. Instructions about the donation contest happening between the divisions have been sent via email. Donors should keep their division coordinator aware of their contributions.
The Department of Internal Medicine thanks its members in advance for their generosity and commitment to supporting the members and organizations in our community.
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