Bear Care Is There When You're Not:

New Program Benefits Out-of-State Families

You want to be there for your student, especially when health problems strike. But how do you stay connected if you're hundreds of miles away? Two words: Bear Care.

Available upon request and free of charge, Hillcrest Baptist Medical Center in Waco designed the Bear Care Program to care for your student when you can't.

Rosemary Townsend, Baylor's director of business affairs and community partnerships in Student Life, said that the program was devised after an out-of-state Baylor student was hospitalized following a car accident.

"Hillcrest saw the need for a liaison for the parents as they were traveling to be with their daughter," she said.

Strict national privacy laws can make it difficult for families to stay updated during emergency situations. The Bear Care Program aims to keep parents informed.

Bear Care associates first help students with a Release of Information form, allowing Hillcrest to reach parents with updates on procedures and conditions.

Associates also can act as liaison for students, make hotel reservations, provide transportation for visiting parents and offer other areas of support for students and their families.

While your student is away at Baylor, hope for the best, but know that Bear Care is available to help if life takes an unexpected turn.

For more information, please call the Bear Care Hotline at (254) 202-9202.