Why I Give: Shiva Bidar-Sielaff

“I am proud that we have the Patient Support Funds.”

Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, MA, CDM
Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, UW Health
Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity Transformation
UW School of Medicine and Public Health

As Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at UW Health and Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity Transformation at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, Shiva Bidar-Sielaff is at the forefront of advancing health equity for all patients. She is also passionate about supporting the Patient and Family Support Funds to help patients who face barriers that impact their health.

“As employees, especially those in patient-facing roles, we often see the challenges that our patients face to get the care that they need or to have the ability to focus on their health care when they have other issues going on in their lives,” said Shiva. “It makes me really proud to know that we have the patient support funds and can rely on a systematic and equitable process to help patients.”

UW Health began formally asking patients about social determinants of health, like housing and food security, as part of the patient assessment process in 2023. The Patient Support Funds provides a way to help patients with expenses for transportation, rent or mortgage payments and utilities, as well as medical equipment and supplies not covered by insurance. Any UW Health employee can request patient support fund support through a simple online form.

The beauty of the Patient Support Funds is that all donations make a difference. “Whether it’s contributing $15 for a cab ride or a larger amount to cover someone’s rent, we’re in this together and should give what we feel comfortable with,” said Shiva. “Whatever we each contribute goes to the collective fund to help individuals which means that everything and anything we give helps somebody in some way.”