CaringBridge
| Type | Health Crisis Information Portal |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 |
| Structure | 14 Board Members 66 Paid Staff |
| Leadership | Sona Mehring, Founder and Chief Executive Officer |
| Governance | Janice Aune, Chair of the Board |
| Field | Health Crisis Support |
| Scope | Provide communication portals to families and friends during significant health crises |
| Website | www.CaringBridge.Org |
CaringBridge is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 1997, which offers free personalized websites to people facing various medical conditions, hospitalization, medical treatment and/or recovering from a significant accident, illness, injury or procedure. The service allows family members and friends to receive information. Visitors who are provided the personal Website address (or URL) and password, if required, can read updates on the patient's condition and post messages to the family.
Purpose
CaringBridge allows patients, caregivers, families and friends to exchange information about a patient's medical condition on an ongoing basis. The websites are designed to become conduits between patients, their families, friends, neighbors and colleagues.[1] When visiting an individual’s website, visitors can post messages of support during a significant medical condition, crisis or event.
Privacy
CaringBridge is qualified to display the TRUSTe and HON Code privacy seals because of its privacy policy and business practices.[2]
History
CaringBridge was created in 1997 by Sona Mehring when a close friend suffered a life-threatening pregnancy. The site was intended to keep family and friends informed about the friend's situation.
- 1997: Sona Mehring creates the first site
- 1998: More than 50 sites are established
- 2000: Donor supports begins
- 2001: Board established
- 2002: Nonprofit status is granted
- 2005: Donations top $1 million
- 2006: More than 5,000 sites established
- 2007: First national media coverage
- 2009: Spanish-language access is created
- 2010: CaringBridge.org visits top 1 billion
- 2012: 132,000 donors; 110 volunteers
- 2013: Visits to CaringBridge.org total 46 million
CaringBridge is headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota; in 2012, it had 66 employees.[3]
Revenue
The website and mobile apps allow users to make donations, which are termed "tributes", in the name of specific individuals. The donations support CaringBridge and are not disbursed to individuals or families.
Total Revenue:
2013 – $8,339,743.00
2012 – $7,662,118.00
2011 – $8,535,425.00
2010 – $7,895,101.00
Affiliations
CaringBridge is a member of the National Health Council.[4]
CaringBridge is listed as an accredited Better Business Bureau (BBB) charity.[5]
CaringBridge is affliated with Community Health Charities of America.[6]
See also
- Social network service
- Virtual community
References
- ↑ Connections between different personal groups: Newsweek cover story, April 17, 2007,
- ↑ CaringBridge privacy policy
- ↑ Prather, Shannon (June 25, 2012). "CaringBridge connects hearts". StarTribune (Minneapolis, MN).
- ↑ National Health Council membership: NationalHealthCouncil.org website.
- ↑ BBB.org CaringBridge report
- ↑