During 2008, the Sentara Health Foundation achieved great success in the areas of community benefit and philanthropy. The overriding theme has been collaboration and partnership which I foresee as playing a key role in the future growth of the Sentara Foundation.
On the community health front, Sentara Health Foundation granted over half a million dollars in 2008 to fund projects related to our four priorities – access to basic healthcare, aid for the frail and elderly, pregnancy outcome improvement initiatives and coalition building with other organizations to address healthcare issues. Highlights of these grants include support of community-based free clinics, pharmacy services and medications for the indigent and case management services to high risk teens and low income elderly. As a community-based, not-for-profit healthcare system, we exist in partnership with people we serve and invest in improvement of health resources for all residents regardless of their ability to pay.
In the arena of philanthropic activity, Sentara has begun to develop a robust program to engage our supporters in partnership for healthcare excellence. In 2008, the Sentara Board of Directors established a Foundation Committee to oversee and guide the Sentara Health Foundation in its fundraising efforts. While chaired by a Sentara Board member, the committee is comprised of various community members outside of the Sentara organization who are vested in the continued pursuit of growth and innovation.
Also, our charitable giving society, the Sentara Legacy Society, welcomed new members and hosted its first annual speaker’s forum with former White House nurse, Paula Trivette, RN. The event produced an evening of learning, entertainment and socializing that was well received by all.
I trust that you will find the Sentara Health Foundation’s 2008 Annual Report an informative perspective of our collaborative approach to improving health every day.