Erlanger Health System and Legal Aid of East Tennessee on Thurdsday, December 20, celebrated the first anniversary of the Erlanger Health Law Partnership and noted major accomplishments of providing legal assistance for low-income patients.
Emily Lay, EHLP attorney, said over 90 individuals have been served during EHLP’s first year of operation. EHLP helps low-income patients with issues such as substandard housing, lack of access to public support programs and family violence - all issues that can affect health.
“We’ve helped reduced the number of returning emergency room visits by assisting patients with legal issues,” Lay explained. “We’ve also executed dozens of power of attorney documents and advanced care plans, and provided orders of protection for victims of domestic violence.”
The Erlanger Health Law Partnership provides free legal services to Erlanger patients with household incomes at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. By combining the health care expertise of hospital professionals with the legal expertise of attorneys, the Erlanger Health Law Partnership provides services to address the legal, policy and ethical issues that affect patients’ health.
“EHLP is the only model of its kind in Tennessee,” added Dave Yoder, executive director of Legal Aid of East Tennessee, “and one of only six in the Southeast. We are very proud of this successful partnership.” Yoder also announced that the Benwood Foundation made a substantial donation to EHLP this year.
“You’ve made Erlanger an access point for justice,” praised Circuit Court Judge Marie Williams, one of the featured speakers during the celebration.
The EHLP office on the Erlanger Baroness Campus assists with the needs of low-income patients Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Source: Erlanger