The COVID-19 pandemic has created hardships for many families throughout the Ozarks, including those who are already experiencing difficulties due to caring for a sick or injured child. To help with these growing concerns, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at CoxHealth is launching the “Bridge the Gap Campaign” to help offset the greater needs families will likely face in the coming months.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a crisis for many of the children we serve,” says Tim Siebert, executive director of CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth. “We have families who were already struggling with the physical, emotional and financial stress of caring for a chronically ill child. These caregivers should not have to choose between paying the medical expenses to keep their child healthy or even alive, paying the rent, paying the utility bill or paying to put food on the table. These are desperate times, and we are respectfully asking those who have the ability to step up and help, to do so now.”

Due to economic hardship, it is estimated that CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth will see an increase of 10 to 20 percent in direct family assistance requests in the coming months. The Bridge the Gap Campaign will help provide the resources needed to provide a safety net for these families, many that are at their breaking point.

Because CoxHealth underwrites the administrative costs of the local CMN Hospitals office, 100% of gifts and proceeds benefit local children.

“One of the things I love about the Ozarks is the compassion and generosity of caring people who reach out and help others in need,” says Siebert. “This is our time. Thank you for making a difference.”

Individuals can contribute to the Bridge the Gap Campaign online at coxhealthcmn.com or by calling CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth at 417-269-6853. For more information, click here.

CMN Hospitals at CoxHealth launches giving campaign tied to COVID-19