(NAPSI)—Over the last several decades, I have witnessed the power of philanthropy—using charitable dollars as venture capital to solve some of society’s challenges and create change in our communities. The cost of health care in America represents one area where this power is needed.

Fortunately, foundations have a unique ability to forge community consensus and bring together disparate parties to tackle challenges in new ways, as well as the philanthropic resources to test programs before public money is spent.

For example, consider one program that’s not only effective on a small scale but can be implemented all over America.

Through nonprofit health care facilities, Legacy Health Endowment creates and funds programs that provide medical and health services, health screenings, testing, education, preventative health care, medical education, research and wellness—to residents of two counties.

The challenges facing these residents include a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly specialists; an insufficient focus on the needs of non-Medicaid-eligible working families; the lack of a community-based long-term care system to help middle-class families; a crumbling mental health system; and a desperate need to focus on wellness for those communities fraught with multiple chronic disease conditions.

The program could be a chance to change the health care landscape and create health care solutions that work.

If you are interested in helping, contact Jeffrey Lewis, President of LHE at 2441 Geer Rd. Suite A Turlock Ca. 95382. You can be part of the solution.

Mr. Lewis is the president and CEO of Legacy Health Endowment. He can be reached at jeffrey@legacyhealthendowment.org.