What We Do

Past President Karl Schindler presents a “check” to President Smith at our Annual Luncheon in the amount of $75,000 for the 2010-11 grant funding programs.

The Advocates is a diverse organization that has served Upstate Medical University for more than 100 years. Our mission is to work to improve the quality of patient and family care, medical education, and community health.

Current Activities Include:

• Sponsor hospital blood drives – with our volunteer support, we have met or surpassed our goals at each quarterly drive
• Create special events on select patient units (rehabilitation and psychiatry) as a diversion and encouragement for patients and family members
• Provide periodic educational opportunities for our members and others in the community through our partnership with HealthLink
• This past year, The Advocates provided comfort to patients and their families, not only through patient volunteer efforts, but also through fundraising efforts. These efforts have allowed us to award 45 grants totaling $75,000 to the campus and hospital, helping to educate patients and families and make their hospital stay more comfortable. 2011-12 we have committed to 40 grants totaling $60,000.

In order to do this, funds are generated through several means:

• Commission from contracts for several hospital services – Tim Hortons, EspressOasis, Lori’s Gift Shop, TeleHealth (patient TVs and telephones)
• Our signature event, Mystery, Malt and Merlot, which will be held on March 30, 2012
• Ever-evolving activities by our Fund Development & Service Committees