Indianapolis, April 13, 2020 – Bank of America has awarded a grant to Eskenazi Health Foundation that will support Eskenazi Health’s efforts to care for and serve patients who have contracted COVID-19.

“Eskenazi Health’s history can be traced to 1855, when hospital construction began in response to a smallpox epidemic in Indianapolis. Today, we stand on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over these 165 years our mission has remained the same – to ensure that all people, especially our most vulnerable populations, have access to lifesaving services,” said Dr. Lisa Harris, chief executive officer of Eskenazi Health. “We are grateful for this generous and timely contribution from Bank of America, which will support our team in caring for patients and help ensure that our community perseveres through this crisis.”

The Bank of America grant will support a centralized fund that will help Eskenazi Health to be as nimble as possible in responding to the needs of patients and the community.

“Eskenazi Health is a shining example of putting the community first,” said Andy Crask, Indianapolis market president, Bank of America. “Nothing is more important than the well-being of our citizens throughout Indianapolis. Our goal is to make investments in the nonprofit sector that will help our most vulnerable populations access critical resources and essential services where needed most.”

While the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Eskenazi Health has doubled its intensive care unit capacity and implemented numerous measures across the health system to ensure that patients are able to access the services they need. The grant from Bank of America will provide additional resources for this sustaining and lifesaving work, including:

• technology, equipment, and infrastructure required to transform acuity adaptable rooms to intensive care rooms
• an inevitable surge in staffing levels
• telemedicine technology
• basic needs support for essential caregiving and support staff
• a safe COVID-19 recuperation site for patients who are experiencing homelessness

“Eskenazi Health Foundation is thankful for this significant grant from Bank of America,” said Ernest Vargo II, CFRE, president and chief executive officer of the Eskenazi Health Foundation. “Eskenazi Health team members are working tirelessly to battle this pandemic. The recognition of this monumental effort in the form of a significant financial contribution not only provides critical financial resources, but also provides an emotional boost to all those who are involved in the care of patients on the front line. We are deeply appreciative of Bank of America’s support.”