DURHAM, N.H. - Northeast Passage, a program of the University of New Hampshire, has been awarded the 2014 HealthcareGIVES donation designation. HealthcareGIVES is a giving circle of medical professionals who support not-for-profits in the Seacoast area of New Hampshire and Maine. The group collectively provides grants to worthy non-profit organizations who share the goal of growing healthy and abundant communities. Around 200 medical professionals have pledged to donate to Northeast Passage, totaling $25,000 or more in donations.

In its fourth year, HealthcareGIVES awarded Northeast Passage the grant based on this year's theme, persons living with disabilities. "As we share a mission to cultivate health in the Seacoast community, Northeast Passage is the perfect fit for our 2014 grant focusing on living with disabilities," said Dr. Bob Hickey, chairman of the board for HealthcareGIVES.

Northeast Passage is a therapeutic recreation and adaptive sports organization that serves individuals with disabilities. The donations will support Northeast Passage's 11 adaptive sports and recreation programs, everything from archery to water skiing. Northeast Passage's primary goal is to increase the health and wellness of individuals with disabilities in New England, including children, adults and military veterans. This donation will allow the organization to offset costs for program operation and increase capacity to meet demand, offering individuals low-cost access to sport participation and adaptive recreation equipment.

"We are so thankful for the support awarded to Northeast Passage by HealthcareGIVES," said Jill Gravink, Northeast Passage's executive director.  "This funding will enable us to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage fully in meaningful recreation and sport."

"The format used by HealthcareGIVES is unique," Gravink said.  "Not only does it provide valuable financial support, but it allows us to elevate awareness of Northeast Passage programs within the medical community and promote a partnership for healthy, active living for individuals with disabilities."

Other 2014 finalists included Krempels Center and Granite State Independent Living. Past recipients of the designation include Child and Family Services, New Heights Adventures for Teens and Families First. For more information on HealthcareGIVES, visit www.healthcaregives.org.
For over 20 years, Northeast Passage has been a nationally recognized leader in the field of therapeutic recreation. As a non-profit affiliated with the University of New Hampshire, they specialize in providing innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities including children, adults and our nation's military personnel. For more information on Northeast Passage, visit www.nepassage.org.

The University of New Hampshire, founded in 1866, is a world-class public research university with the feel of a New England liberal arts college. A land, sea and space-grant university, UNH is the state's flagship public institution, enrolling 11,800 undergraduate and 2,400 graduate students.

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