The Washington Square Health Foundation, Inc. grants funds in order to promote and maintain access to adequate healthcare for all people in the Chicagoland area regardless of race, sex, creed or financial need. The Foundation meets this goal through its grants for medical and nursing educa-tion, medical research and direct healthcare services.

As a guide to other foun-dations and other service providers and as a part of the Board’s stewardship of charitable funds, the Washington Square Health Foundation, Inc. has developed a grant evaluation system to ensure that the objectives of various projects are carried out in the manner prescribed by the approved grant.

The Foundation wishes to impress on the philanthropic community that the careful evaluation of the outcomes of grant projects is as important as the appropriate selection of grant recipients.

The scope of this crisis is really not properly comprehended by the responsible bodies that govern medical care planning, be they government, private or non-profit entities. Witness to this is the fact that all of us continue to fail in our attempts to solve this serious problem.

The variety of health plans and policies offered by the industry over the years has been confusing and frustrating, to say the least. Now we find Medicare, which was for years a rather straight forward program, adding to the confusion and frustration with a menu of options of its own.

In addition, we compound the problem with a host of advertising and dramatic episodes that startle the public and cast doubt in them about where to go for so-called "best medical care". One would believe that the "powers that be" are convinced that all citizens- young and old- are efficient computer buffs and expert accountants in order to be able to cope with this mess.

There is an old saying that applies, " Keep It Simple Stupid!". The public wants understandable and compassionate programs just as much as they want good medical care!

These concerns, as well as the changing climate in governmental and private industry making funds available for medical education, research and services, have prompted Washington Square Health Foundation to re-examine its 10+ years of service to the community. In January 1999, we plan to review our mission statement, the scope and methodology of grant giving to better position the Foundation in servicing the health needs of this community.

We realize that foundations such as Washington Square Health Foundation will be relied upon more and more by the medical community to help with retooling our health industry. However, the fundamental truth is that an informed citizenry, as well as an informed government, will be needed before any successful conclusion of the crisis can be realized.

The health community has been most receptive to the Foundation's work. We welcome and encourage all components of the health community to work closely with us for the betterment of the health needs of our communities and citizens.