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BIKUR CHOLIM is one of the leading Jewish health care and social support organizations in Greater Los Angeles. Children, adults, and families who come to Bikur Cholim will find over 40 services and programs to help them lead healthier lives. We represent a heritage of compassion, care, and trust, and an unwavering dedication to those who come to us for help. The Bikur Cholim Holocaust Survivors Assistance Program (HSAP) addresses the health and welfare needs of the most vulnerable surviving victims of Nazi persecution who live in poverty. It is the highest priority of the HSAP that the medical needs of these Survivors be addressed with the utmost dignity and care, and with a realization that time is of the essence for a diminishing population. Bikur Cholim is uniquely suited to provide trusted services to Holocaust Survivors and follows in the time-honored footsteps of community assistance organizations of pre-War Jewish life in Europe. When a Jewish Holocaust Survivor hears the words "Bikur Cholim", they inherently trust us, as we represent a continuation of the life and traditions of their lost home. Each Survivor has a case manager who understands and is sensitive to their culture, past, experiences, and special needs. Holocaust Survivors have a variety of problems specific to their Holocaust experience. Many Survivors who were in concentration camps or forced labor have medical problems directly related to experimentation, harsh living conditions, starvation, disease, and injury. Often, those who were in hiding or able to escape suffered illness or injury that has had lasting effects until today. This is all exacerbated by the debilitating state of poverty and medical issues specific to the elderly as well as by the loss of a spouse, family member, and/or never having children. The escalating costs of health care, home care, custodial care, housing, food, and transportation has an overwhelming impact on those Survivors of limited financial means. The lives of many Survivors have been jeopardized or completely deteriorated due to their impoverished state. Tragically, many Survivors do not receive the life-saving care and attention they need due to lack of funds. The United Jewish Communities, Jewish Federation, Beth Tzedek, and Jewish Family Service estimate that there are thousands of Holocaust Survivors living in poverty throughout Greater Los Angeles. The Bikur Cholim HSAP responds to this crisis by helping pay for home care, health care, medication, food, and transportation. A Survivor's ability to convalesce in a familiar and healthy environment can literally mean the difference between recovery or relapse, life or death. Many medical insurance plans, as well as Government programs, do not provide access to specialists or fully cover medical care, in-home care, medication, and medical equipment. For the neediest of Survivors, this often results in going without surgery or the medications and supplies they need, or even suffering from malnutrition. For those Survivors who have little or no access to transportation, HSAP enables them to maintain a continuity of care with their physicians and health care providers. In 2007 the Bikur Cholim HSAP was awarded an allocation in the amount of $50,000 by the Claims Conference on Jewish Claims Against Germany to be used for the neediest victims of Nazi persecution. As many organizations continue commemorating those who perished in the Holocaust through ceremony and memorials, Bikur Cholim hears the voices of those who have survived and answers their calls for help.