The Hope Center was established in 1996 to address the unmet needs of patients infected with HIV-AIDS in Knox and surrounding 18 counties. Due to gaps in care for this population, Hope Center began developing and implementing consistent, practical, psychological and supportive care programs at no charge to inpatients, outpatients, and families affected by HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses. The nonprofit Center relies entirely on charitable gifts and donations for its existence.

Located in Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Hope Center is adjacent to physician offices. This location facilitates continuity of care between the hospital and home and allows clients to be followed from diagnosis through end-of-life. Referrals come from physicians, hospital staff, family members, social service agencies, other hospitals, and patients self-refer.

All About Hope ...

When Hope Center first opened its doors in 1996, it began its journey with six words to set the course: "Hope is the Belief in Possibilities."

As a mother, founder and director Jeannie Gillian had experienced first hand the challenges of caring for someone living with HIV-AIDS when her son, Bobby, was diagnosed. As a medical professional with a doctoral degree in psychology, she knew the importance of being sensitive to a patient's psychological needs while advocating for the best medical treatment available.

Through it all, Dr. Gillian understood that, when living with a disease for which there is no cure, one of the most important aspects of patient care is the presence of hope. Dr. Gillian decided to use her unique experience and knowledge to help others, and thus began her work with Hope Center. And year by year, patient by patient, there have been countless milestones that have helped maintain hope for those who need it most…moment by moment.

In the words of our patients -- "Hope is the Belief in Possibilities."

Hope Center Mission and Goals

• To provide direct supportive care, advocacy and education for patients and families affected by HIV-AIDS or other serious illness
• To address individual psychosocial needs, quality of life, and end-stage care
• To ensure patient rights, privacy, and comfort in safe, nonjudgmental surroundings
• To provide HIV educational programs and offer outreach referrals
• To value and complement the work of multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and community volunteers
• To sustain hope

Direct Patient Care & Advocacy:

• Address individual needs of culturally diverse inpatients and outpatients dealing with mild to profound health problems and psychosocial stresses, including those who are newly diagnosed or dealing with end-of-life issues;

• Consultations - Patients generally wish to:
  • explore their feelings about being diagnosed
  • understand medical conditions, treatments, or difficult medical procedures
  • cope with side effects of treatments
  • identify and articulate their expectations of the healthcare team
  • communicate with family about their medical condition
  • discuss concerns about medical decisions-confidentiality, starting/stopping treatment regimens, and Advance Care.

• Provide patient-focused supportive care and written consultation reports to referring physicians; offer provisions for advocacy if applicable; provide ongoing monitoring of patients and grief and bereavement support for caregivers and family.

• Develop care plans in collaboration with the patient and physician; assist with existential stressors related to acute and chronic illness, disability status, and insurance matters.

© Oliver & Company is a unique team of trained volunteers that provide non-medical support for patients with special needs, or they may assist patients in the absence of, or in addition to, the primary caregiver. Oliver volunteers are recruited to offer additional practical services in partnership with the healthcare team. After a background check, volunteers participate in HIV education sessions and training in HIPAA, Universal Precautions, Cultural Diversity, and Integrity Compliance. Ongoing support-team meetings are attended. Supportive care assignments evolve from referrals to Hope Center from Covenant Health physicians/staff, other community healthcare facilities, and from family or friends. Depending on patient needs, volunteers may be involved at the onset of illness or at any stage, including family bereavement. Oliver volunteers accept assignments compatible with their time schedule, physical abilities, and level of comfort with the task requested. All patient-focused support is arranged in collaboration with the patient, physician, volunteer, and caregivers--when applicable.

HIV: The Human Perspective Workshop - The day-long interactive workshop is designed to enhance awareness, empathy, knowledge and hope for healthcare professionals, students, families, caregivers, or anyone wanting to learn the HIV-AIDS caregiving that also focuses on the human perspective. Learning objectives are: fostering understanding of the psychosocial challenges and existential aspects of living with a medical problem for which there is no cure and improving caregivers' confidence in the ability to provide care that will impact the quality of life and well-being of the patient. Sensitivity and confidentiality is respected throughout the workshop. We gratefully acknowledge the invaluable contribution provided by the Hope Teachers and volunteers.

Hope for the Holidays - During the first "Hope for the Holidays" in 1995, we gathered to light candles in memory of lost friends and to share stories about their lives. And still now, we gather around the hope tree with candles in hand remembering those we hold closet to our hearts. We are grateful to the dozens of caring supporters who brighten the holiday season much beyond our early days of lighting candles. They provide "Hope Buckets" for our members, "Angel Tree Gifts" for their children, a "Free Holiday Shopping Store," children's activities, a warm meal, live music, and pictures with Santa Claus. Our hope is that guests will be able, for at least one day, to leave their troubles outside and enjoy the holiday celebration.

Hope Buckets - Chucky Moyers was the inspiration for this project. After he had attended his last Hope Center Holiday party in 1999, he felt a bit overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of gifts just for children. When his sister, Carol-Ann McMillan, discussed the idea of a "Hope Bucket" for adults, he thought it was great! After his death in 2000, Carol-Ann initiated the Hope Bucket project. Hope Buckets are intended to give the patients a spark, sometimes their only spark for the holidays. They are filled with everyday items that can be used throughout the year. Thanks to the donors' continued support of this project, more than 150 Hope Buckets are distributed at the Hope for the Holidays celebration every year.

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