BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation has committed $1.5 million in support for acute care hospitals to support caregivers on the front lines of COVID-19 at acute care hospitals in Southeast Michigan and Western New York.
The foundation has allocated more than $6 million toward COVID-19 response efforts.
“As our communities struggle during this time of uncertainty and crisis, our team felt it was vital to act immediately to provide funding and relief to groups and organizations within our focused giving areas, and larger collaborative funds supporting our regions,” said David Egner, president and CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
The $1.5 million will be divided among these health systems in Southeast Michigan and Western New York:
Western New York:
· Brooks-TLC Hospital System
· Catholic Health
· Eastern Niagara Hospital
· Great Lakes Health System of WNY (Erie County Medical Center/Kaleida Health)
· Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center
· Rochester Regional Health
· UPMC Chautauqua
· University of Rochester Medical Center
· Buffalo VA Medical Center
· Wyoming County Community Health System
Southeast Michigan:
· Ascension Michigan
· Beaumont Health
· Detroit Medical Center
· Henry Ford Health System
· McLaren Health Care
· St. Joseph Mercy Health System
· Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan
· Veterans Health Administration – John D. Dingell VA Medical Center
The Foundation’s intends for the funds to be primarily directed to help caregivers on the front lines of COVID-19, including nurse aides, environmental and food services staff, and others who may not have access to financial and social support.
As part of the overall $6 million investments, the Foundation provided $2 million in support for the Southeast Michigan and Western New York communities through the following COVID-19 collaborative funds:
Western New York:
· Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo: WNY COVID-19 Community Response Funds ($700,000)
· United Way of Greater Rochester & Rochester Area Community Foundation: Community Crisis Fund ($200,000)
· United Way for Southern Chautauqua County: Chautauqua County Crisis Response Fund: COVID-19 ($100,000)
Southeast Michigan:
· United Way for Southeastern Michigan: COVID-19 Community Response Fund ($500,000)
· Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan: Community Crisis Fund ($500,000)
An additional $2.5 million has been granted to different organizations in both regions to support urgent needs related to caregivers, small businesses, entrepreneurs, nonprofits and early childhood care.
