Bridge to Care Fund
Access to care shouldn’t depend on income. This fund is dedicated solely to making healthcare advocacy and doula support accessible to those who would otherwise be shut out. Advocacy is often needed most by people navigating systemic barriers and financial hardship, yet it’s the very service least covered by insurance or public programs.
The Bridge to Care Fund was created to close that gap. It ensures that those navigating illness through broken systems don’t have to walk alone just because of financial barriers.
As a business member of Herbalists Without Borders, we’ve seen how grassroots networks can fill the gaps left by healthcare systems that fail to care for the most marginalized. Bridge to Care is our way of weaving that spirit of solidarity into the Arasa Root Works practice.
When you contribute to Bridge to Care, you’re not giving charity, you’re standing in solidarity with a movement for health justice and community care.
How It Works
Every time someone books services at Tier 3 of the sliding scale, a portion of their payment flows directly into the fund.
Donations from community members add to this pool.
Those resources are then used to cover or reduce the cost of sessions for clients at Tier 1, making it possible for more people to access the support they need.
Clients at Tier 1 still contribute to their care — the fund exists to bridge the difference so cost is never the barrier to access.
Support Equity in Healthcare Access
The Bridge to Care Fund is a mutual aid initiative created and managed by Dove Shepard as part of their wellness and advocacy practice, Arasa Root Works (Earthwise Digital, Llc). Funds received go directly toward offsetting costs for clients who would not otherwise be able to access advocacy support, and are distributed transparently and equitably. By contributing, you acknowledge that your payment is voluntary and non-refundable. Contributions are not tax-deductible and do not qualify as charitable donations under U.S. law. Thank you for helping expand access to care and making health justice accessible to all!Carrying Health Justice Forward
Health systems can be overwhelming, inequitable, and traumatic, but through collective care, we can push back. When you add to this fund, you’re helping Arasa Root Works show up for folks who might not otherwise have access to advocacy. If you’d like to learn more about broader movements for health justice, here are some of the organizations inspiring and informing this work.
Suggested Organizations
Herbalists Without Borders – working at the intersection of herbal medicine, mutual aid, and health access.
The National Health Law Program (NHeLP) – advocates for the health rights of low-income and underserved individuals.
The Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF) – focused on advancing the civil and human rights of disabled people.
The Trevor Project – offering crisis intervention and advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth.
Mental Health America – centering equity in mental health access and policy.
The National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA) — Leading a movement to uplift compassionate, holistic doula care at the end of life.
