By Tim Bonfield
The Cincinnati Enquirer

NORWOOD - Several area hospitals and doctors have formed a foundation to provide reconstructive facial surgery at no cost to needy people who have been deformed by domestic violence or other attacks.

The Facial Foundation of Greater Cincinnati will arrange care for up to 24 people a year, with the first surgeries starting this spring.

The foundation is an outgrowth of a charity project launched in February 2002 by Dr. Kevin Shumrick, director of the facial plastic surgery program at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. He started donating his services to some patients because he was noticing more people having trouble getting coverage for reconstructive surgery.

"In my practice I have seen many patients who are deserving of reconstructive surgery, who cannot afford it, and insurance will not cover the surgery," Dr. Shumrick said.

Backers include the Health Alliance of Greater Cincinnati, Mercy Health Partners, TriHealth, and several area plastic surgeons. The expanded foundation will allow hospital care to be donated and more physicians to be involved.

The foundation will be based at the Health Improvement Collaborative of Greater Cincinnati in Norwood. It is still developing criteria for participation.

Information or to make a donation: (513) 531-0267, ext. 130. E-mail tbonfield@enquirer.com