The CRC recently received information (our thanks to Eileen Joyce) about two programs that could make telephone communication more affordable for your patients. LASTING CONNECTIONS donates calling cards and funds which help to pay telephone bills and LINK-UP AMERICA, offered by Bell Atlantic, gives discounted telephone hook-up service and monthly rates.)

Lasting Connections
is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance for telephone communication to families who are facing a serious medical crisis. Although they grant assistance to ill people of all ages, their emphasis is on terminally and chronically ill children whose only link to family and friends, while receiving treatment, may be the telephone. Those who have received assistance from Lasting Connections range in age from children who are only months old to adults over 70, and suffer from a wide spectrum of illnesses such as pediatric cancer, aplastic anemia, Alzheimer's disease, organ transplants, and breast cancer.

Lasting Connections grants up to $500 in telephone services to those who meet their eligibility criteria. Included in the realm of 'telephone services' they provide are, standard telephone and telecommunications services (for local, international, and long distance calls), direct service by way of calling cards, and guidance on how families can make the most of current telecommunications capabilities.

Eligibility for Lasting Connections depends on:

• The financial situation of the family
• The severity and duration of the medical crisis
• The geographical distance between family members and friends
• The family's own analysis of their communication needs

Applications for Lasting Connections are available in the Community Resource Center or by contacting the organization directly through their website: http://www.lastingconnections.org.

Link Up America
gives income-eligible Bell Atlantic customers up to 50% off their telephone installation charge and a discounted monthly service rate.

To qualify for Link Up America, one must be receiving government aid in the form of SSI, MassHealth, TAFDC, food stamps, EAEDC, etc., and are applying for new Bell Atlantic service in their own name. Once a qualified applicant's application is approved (in about 60-90 days), their telephone hook-up discount (currently a maximum of $18.54) and $13.00 monthly service discount are paid to them retroactively. The $13.00 monthly service discount will continue until government benefits are discontinued.

Those who already subscribe to Bell Atlantic telephone service and receive government aid are eligible for the $13.00 monthly discount, but are only eligible for the retroactive telephone installation discount if the applicant received government aid during the time of installation.

For further information on Link Up America and/or to request an application, please call Bell Atlantic's customer service number (800) 870-9999.

Both programs may be found in IRis under the keywords: Utility Assistance and Financial Assistance