HILL AFB, Utah -- Resources of the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RHMC) are now available to all qualified service members, regardless of the distance they live from the house.
Tammy Custer, Exceptional Family Member Program-Family Support (EFMP-FS) coordinator, said prior to a recent change in a requirement of living more than 35 miles from the RHMC, military members were often ineligible to use the pediatric resources of the Salt Lake City facility. When it was determined that the burden of driving back and forth from Hill and paying for lodging when necessary was seriously impacting families with significant medical needs, RMHC agreed to waive the mileage requirement for military families.
“I feel we are extremely fortunate to have an amazing resource like this in the area that has such a heart for our military families,” Custer said.
Due to Hill AFB's proximity to Primary Children's Hospital and other world class medical facilities, the base receives a high number of families enrolled in the EFMP, a program for service members that have family members with physical, mental health or special education needs. Many have need for the resources of Ronald McDonald House Charities, an independent American nonprofit organization that helps families physically, economically, and emotionally during their health care journey.
The Ronald McDonald House program reduces stress and financial burden for families when they must travel away from home to access medical care for their child. After touring the facility, Custer said it was “impressive, with a feeling of connection and calm that I wasn't expecting.”
For more information about the EFMP-FS and use of the Ronald McDonald House, call the Military and Family Readiness Center at 801-586-2611.