Indianapolis, April 16, 2020 – The Eskenazi Health Foundation Board of Directors has approved a $500,000 grant for Eskenazi Health to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Eskenazi Health is remarkably prepared to help our community get through this pandemic. The clinicians, staff, and leadership team are simply inspiring,” said John F. Ackerman, chair of the Eskenazi Health Foundation Board of Directors. “During this difficult time, their expertise, resolve, and dedication to our community has not gone unnoticed.”

The funding will be used for various initiatives to support Eskenazi Health employees and providers.

“At Eskenazi Health we stand on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, our mission remains 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 the steadfast and enduring support of the Eskenazi Health Foundation and all they have done and continue to do in the interest of our patients and our staff.” 

For 165 years, Eskenazi Health has been committed to serving the Indianapolis community, including during many challenging times. While the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, Eskenazi Health has doubled its intensive care unit capacity, staffed a Safe Recovery Site for homeless individuals affected by COVID-19, created a “Hospital at Home” initiative to support individuals needing continued care after an Emergency Department visit or hospitalization and implemented numerous other measures across the health system to ensure that patients are able to access the services they need.

“Eskenazi Health Foundation and I are grateful for all of the Eskenazi Health team members who have risen to the challenge of COVID-19, from clinicians to food services to environmental services staff,” said Ernest Vargo II, CFRE, president and chief executive officer of the Eskenazi Health Foundation. “They are truly heroes. This funding will support them as they continue  their committed and compassionate work in serving our community.”

Eskenazi Health Foundation has created a COVID-19 Crisis Response Fund for individuals interested in supporting Eskenazi Health’s COVID-19 efforts. For more information, please visit: http://eskenazihealthfoundation.org/covid-19-support/.