S. Mark Taper Foundation Gives $200,000 to Support Physicians Serving the Poor
In an effort to support young doctors and dentists working in low-income areas, the S. Mark Taper Foundation has given $200,000 in funds to the nonprofit Uncommon Good. The recipients will use this grant money to pay off educational loans.
Online, April 9, 2010 (Newswire.com) - PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Nancy Mintie, Executive Director
Uncommon Good
435 Berkeley Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711
Phone: (909) 625-2248
http://www.uncommongood.org
S. Mark Taper Foundation gives $200,000 to support physicians serving the poor
The S. Mark Taper Foundation has made a generous $200,000 grant to Uncommon Good to provide support for idealistic young doctors and dentists who serve impoverished populations in Los Angeles County. This follows a $100,000 grant that the foundation awarded in 2005 for the same purpose.
Young people now are graduating from medical and dental schools heavily in debt from their college and medical schools. It is not uncommon for a new physician to owe over $300,000 in educational loans. It is difficult, or even impossible, for these young professionals to accept jobs in free clinics serving the poor, the lowest paying jobs in the medical profession, and repay such debt.
The S. Mark Taper Foundation grant will be distributed among ten young doctors and dentists working with low income communities and populations. The grants are for educational loan repayment assistance, so that these young people can repay their loans while providing health care to the neediest patients.
The recipients were selected by Uncommon Good, in partnership with the Community Clinic Association of Los Angeles County. Uncommon Good Executive Director, Nancy Mintie, expressed her appreciation for the grant, saying, "The generosity of the S. Mark Taper Foundation will allow these compassionate and inspiring young doctors and dentists to provide quality health care to those who have no where else to turn when they or their children fall ill. The foundation is to be commended for recognizing that educational loans are a significant obstacle for new graduates of medical school who wish to devote themselves and their careers to serving the poorest among us."
One of the grant recipients, Dr. Joy Jackson of the Mission City Community Clinic in North Hills, California, stated upon being informed of her award, "I am beside myself. I am so grateful to Uncommon Good for this help. I feel so blessed. I will continue to pay it forward."
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Tags: Grant, Healthcare, low-income, non profits, uncommon good