Supporting our own in times of need.

When life takes an unexpected turn, the Associate Relief Fund is there for Health First associates. 

For Melissa Byrd, a nurse who spent her career caring for others, asking for help was never easy. That changed in 2022 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Multiple surgeries quickly stretched her family’s resources. 

“As a nurse, I was used to helping others, not asking for help,” Melissa shared. “The Associate Relief Fund provided the support I needed to undergo another surgery—and that assistance means more to me than I can express.” 

Stories like Melissa’s are why the Associate Relief Fund exists. In 2025, the fund provided $174,695.94 in emergency assistance to 148 associates, helping cover essentials like housing, utilities, childcare, and transportation so no colleague has to face hardship alone. 

Even if you never need these services yourself, the impact is real and lasting. Your support strengthens and brings comfort to your colleagues.  

You can be part of someone’s journey forward. 

Requesting assistance from the Associate Relief Fund.

if you or a colleague needs to request assistance from the Associate Relief Fund, click here for additional information and application located on The Current.

If you have questions about the application process, please contact community@hf.org.

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