Celebrating the first anniversary of the Erlanger Health Law Partnership (EHLP) were, from left: Charlie McDaniel, Pro Bono project director, Legal Aid of East Tennessee (LAET); Emily Lay, attorney, EHLP; Dale Hetzler, Erlanger Chief Legal Officer; Kari Lucus, EHLP secretary; David R. Yoder, executive director, LAET; and Russell Fowler, LAET.
Erlanger Health System and Legal Aid of East Tennessee recently celebrated the first anniversary of Erlanger Health Law Partnership (EHLP) and noted major accomplishments of providing legal assistance for low-income patients.
Emily Lay, EHLP attorney, announced that 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,” Ms. Lay explained. “We’ve also executed dozens of power of attorney (POA) documents and advanced care plans, and provided orders of protection for victims of domestic violence.”
Erlanger Health Law Partnership (EHLP) provides free, direct 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, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Speakers at the first anniversary celebration of the Erlanger Health Law Partnership (EHLP) included, from left: Dale Hetzler, Erlanger Chief Legal Officer; Dr. James Creel, Erlanger Chief Medical Officer; Circuit Court Judge Marie Williams; and Emily Lay, EHLP attorney.