HCA Organizes Haiti Relief Gifts from Employees At North Florida Regional Medical Center to Be Matched
January 15, 2010, Gainesville, FL – The impact of the tragic earthquake in Haiti is still unfolding as relief organizations work to meet the immediate and longer term needs of hundreds of thousands of Haitians. In response, Hospital Corporation of America has committed $1 million in cash and in-kind donations for direct relief to the stricken area. Cash donations will go to the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders.
North Florida Regional Medical Center in Gainesville, Florida, is among HCA hospitals nationwide where employees have been asking how they can best join in Haiti relief. HCA has announced that – in addition to the corporation’s $1 million commitment – it will also match employee gifts dollar-for-dollar through the end of January. Employees will be able to make tax-deductible donations through an online link or through the mail. The HCA Haiti Relief Fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“As the days have passed, we have begun to hear from more and more of our employees who want to do something to help those in Haiti,” says Ward Boston III, President & CEO of North Florida Regional Medical Center. “We are very grateful that HCA has stepped forward with such a significant contribution following this tragedy, and we are delighted about the commitment to match contributions from our employees.”
Both the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders have advised that money is far more helpful than sending volunteers at this point. There are concerns for personal safety as the country struggles to rebuild infrastructure, and flights are still restricted. Aid experts say financial resources are what matter most in this immediate time frame.
The HCA East Florida Division has taken the lead in coordinating supply donations and will continue to coordinate medical supply donations from HCA facilities. They are working with Food For the Poor, a South Florida based relief organization, to collect and distribute appropriate supplies.
“Compassion and willingness to help are a true part of the culture at North Florida Regional Medical Center,” Boston says. “As our employees reach out to give and make a difference, our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the thousands of people affected by the tragedy in Haiti.”
About North Florida Regional Medical Center:
North Florida Regional is a 325-bed, full-service medical and surgical acute care center serving 14 counties and offering comprehensive cardiovascular care, oncology, orthopedics, neurosciences, weight loss surgery and treatment, women’s health and wound therapy, among other services. A proven leader, North Florida Regional Medical Center is fully accredited and is certified as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organization. North Florida Regional Medical Center’s cancer program is designated as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as a Commission on Cancer-Approved Cancer Program by the American College of Surgeons. North Florida Regional Medical Center is a member of Hospital Corporation of America (HCA). Based in Nashville, Tennessee, HCA remains the nation’s leading provider of healthcare services, composed of locally managed facilities that include approximately 166 hospitals and 112 outpatient centers in 20 states and England.
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