Funds will support community foundations in Guernsey & Noble counties and create a new health & wellness fund for southeast Ohio
NELSONVILLE, Ohio – OhioHealth, a family of faith-based, not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare centers, has committed $7.25 million across three funds at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio (FAO) to support initiatives that will improve quality of life in communities served by OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center as part of the health system’s full member entry into Guernsey County. In January 2023, Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, United Ambulance and Superior Med Physicians became full members of OhioHealth.
“We are proud to continue our commitment to the Guernsey County community and to work alongside the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and its local affiliate funds to advance OhioHealth’s mission and to support efforts to improve health and wellness in the region,” said John McWhorter, OhioHealth chief operating officer. “In partnering with those who are investing in strengthening local communities, we are building a network of individuals and organizations whose work will improve lives now and into the future.”
OhioHealth has committed $6 million to create the Southeast Ohio Health and Wellness Foundation Fund at FAO, a regional community foundation serving the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio. The new fund will support health and wellness activities in the newly renamed OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center’s service area through grants, scholarships and fellowships.
“FAO and our local affiliates are designed to cultivate and nurture partnerships and opportunities that foster strong, thriving and prosperous communities across our region,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO president and CEO. “This gift is a major milestone in our collective missions that will pave the way for improved health and sustained transformations in southeastern Ohio for generations to come. OhioHealth’s generosity is a testament to its commitment to caring for the communities it serves.”
The Guernsey County Foundation will receive $1 million from the gift from OhioHealth, which will go toward its endowment, and the Noble County Community Foundation will receive $250,000 toward its endowment. The Guernsey and Noble foundations operate as geographic affiliates of FAO, dedicated to increasing opportunities and improving quality of life for people in those counties.
“Thank you does not even begin to express our gratitude to OhioHealth and the Southeastern Medical Center,” said Dave Caldwell, a Guernsey County Foundation committee member. “Not only are they elevating the vital health services needed in our communities, but they’re joining with our foundation to improve the quality of life in Guernsey County. At the Guernsey County Foundation, we often talk about the power of one – the life-changing and community-enhancing opportunities we can create when we bring our time, talent and treasure together to meet goals. This is certainly a power of one moment for us and for our community.”
“OhioHealth’s commitment to Guernsey and Noble counties is a gift that will create a legacy of opportunities in our communities that will outlive us all,” said Don Ullmann, vice president of the Noble County Community Foundation. “These dollars helped both of our foundations meet a dollar-for-dollar match available through FAO and will be used to help meet needs and opportunities in our counties in ways that are impactful, transformative and sustainable.”