Our History
Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety is a Houston-based active learning organization that specializes in patient safety research and education.
In early 2003, the need to create a non-profit organization devoted to the study of patient safety that includes the patient's unique health status, family history, current medical condition, beliefs, concerns, and values was carefully examined. Three foundation officers diligently researched the need for this learning organization, evaluated similar foundations, and attended professional healthcare societies meetings. They consulted with numerous healthcare and business leaders, hospital administrators, deans of health information sciences and pharmacy departments, and other academic leaders. To be successful, it was evident that partnerships and collaboration with existing healthcare communities would be required. Effective April 2006, CRG (Community Resource Group) Medical Foundation for Patient Safety, doing business as (DBA) Community Medical Foundation for Patient Safety, was established for this purpose.
Our original eight member advisory board has expanded into the Board of Directors and Board of Advisors together with 15 highly qualified and diverse individuals. They represent major healthcare and academic institutions, business groups in health, and a wide range of disciplines and competence, from medicine and public health to engineering and law.
Our U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax-exemption status was received in December 2003. Dr. Elizabeth Smith, Founder, developed and trademarked the concept of Communities of Competence™ in which people work together, build partnerships, and share knowledge to improve the quality and safety of healthcare. From the beginning, this concept has served as the philosophical foundation of our organization-building competent communities to improve patient safety and healthcare quality.
Today, our Board of Directors and Board of Advisors comprised of outstanding and accomplished individuals serve to direct and guide the Foundation to an ambitious future!