Metro Our rates will make you want to Cover Story No PATIENT LEFT BEHIND from page 17 Community Council of Metropolitan Detroit and JARC. "There are a lot of people involved who don't know the word 'can't,"' Keane said. "No one said no. They said, lees engage and do it.'" Funding for the project's infrastruc- ture has come from the Jewish Fund, created from the sale of Sinai Hospital in 1997. A three-year grant provides $110,000 the first two years and $90,000 the third year. "Project Chessed was a no-brainer; it's a great idea and concept," said Jodee Fishman Raines, Jewish Fund director. "We were more involved in planning meetings than usual because this is so core to our mission and such an innovative approach. "I've been in grant-making for a while, and I've never seen people corn- ing together like this," she said. Robert Naftaly, vice chair of the Jewish Fund and head of its grants committee, has praise for all involved. "So far, everyone's been terrific," he said. "I applaud the medical profes- sionals for volunteering. It's amazing to get the hospitals to sign on, too. This is where it may end up being a pilot program for the country." Meanwhile, Rachel Yoskowitz is encouraged by the flurry of activity in the nurse practitioners' office next to hers. People already are hearing of Project Chessed by word of mouth and are finding much-needed medical attention. She talks compassionately about a man who came in two weeks ago on a Friday, flushed with fever. He was seen that afternoon, had lab work, received antibiotics and was scheduled for a CT scan — all before the weekend. The same week, a Russian immi- grant who translates with Project Chessed told Yoskowitz she was "sick in the heart" because she didn't know the need was so great in our community. "I get all choked up about it," Yoskowitz said. "I truly believe giving care and improving health is an act of chessed — not asking for any repay- ment or thanks — unconditional giv- ing, an act of loving kindness. All of the providers are doing this." El SHOUT I • 2. 99% APR* 3-Month Intro Rate 5.50 A ° '& Adjusts to Prime Fifth Third Equity Flexlinesm WALK-IN Over 80 Southeastern Michigan Locations CALL 1-877-579-5353 I VISIT www.53.com NEW BANKING CENTERS NOW OPEN! Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods, Ypsilanti, Detroit - East Jefferson, Detroit -Gratiot, and Bloomfield Hills (on Telegraph just south of Maple) in 3N 2/24 2005 18 Fifth Third an Working Hard To Be The Only Bank You'll Ever Need! *Upon qualification. The 2.99% Fixed Introductory APR is available with any new or existing Fifth Third Bank Checking account and a loan to value ratio of 80% or less. When opened, the introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is as low as 2.99% for the first three months. Beginning with the fourth month, variable APR is as low as Prime + 0% and is currently 5.50% as of 02/04/05. Interest rates may vary and are indexed to the Prime Rate as published on the last business day of the month in the Wall Street Journal. Applicable interest rate varies depending on your credit qualifications and loan to value ratio from a variable APR of Prime + 0% (currently 5.50% APR) to Prime + 4.50% (currently 10.00% APR). $5,000 initial draw required to receive introductory interest rate. The maximum APR will not exceed 25%, or the state usury ceiling, whichever is less. $65 annual fee waived for one year. Offer is not available for Fifth Third refinances. In Florida, documentary stamp tax and intangible taxes apply. The total cost of these fees will generally range from $28 - $275. Contact your nearest Banking Center for details. Terms and conditions subject to change without notice. No other discount applies. Consult tax advisor regarding deductibility of interest. Fifth Third and Fifth Third Bank are registered service marks of Fifth Third Bancorp. Member FDIC. Ct Equal Housing Lender. 940400 Call the nurse's line at Project Chessed at (248) 592-2300, if you need health care assistance. Ask for Rachel Yoskowitz if you are a physician who wants to volunteer or if you want to make a donation to the program.