Healthcare Foundation Grants Fund Significant Programs and Renovations

(Photo: Rendering of the Siemens Artis-Q, x-ray equipment purchased using a more than $2 million grant awarded to upgrade one of three catheterization labs at SMH.)

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation recently approved 10 grants totaling $3,347,698. Nine of the grants were awarded to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and one was made to Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services.

“All of these grants go to the heart of our mission as a Foundation to ensure world-class healthcare throughout our community,” said Healthcare Foundation President Mason Ayres.

The nine grants awarded to Sarasota Memorial Health Care System total $3,309,498 and will provide new diagnostic and interventional tools for the treatment of heart disease and stroke; subspecialty training to Internal Medicine residents at SMH; and new diagnostic and monitoring equipment to enhance care in SMH’s trauma center and lab renovations on its North Port campus.

“We are grateful for the Healthcare Foundation’s ongoing support and investment in the health of our community,” said SMH CEO David Verinder. “The generosity of donors and their commitment to high quality care helps bring the latest treatments to the people of our community.”

The grants include:

• Cardiac catheterization lab upgrade: More than $2 million will go towards upgrading one of three catheterization labs at SMH and will offer the latest technology to diagnose and treat heart problems. The technology includes new X-ray equipment that offers lower radiation exposure to patients, staff and physicians.

• Clinical software to better assess challenging strokes: The Healthcare Foundation granted SMH $370,000 for new imaging software that provides Radiologists with advanced speed, precision and accuracy so they can quickly assess a patient’s stroke risks to determine if advanced intervention is needed. The second grant includes $251,000 to expand SMH’s telestroke capabilities, ensuring 24/7 neurological assessments for stroke patients, either in the hospital or in remote facilities that lack consulting specialists.

• Renovation of SMH’s North Port lab: A Healthcare Foundation grant of $148,000 will help cover the cost to expand and enhance laboratory services in the growing south Sarasota County region.

• New life-saving technology in SMH’s Emergency Care Center and Trauma Unit: A $145,828 grant will provide two new fiber optic bronchoscopes to help intubate trauma patients and treat facial injuries. A second grant of $103,372 will provide five transport monitors including wireless technology to track and record vital measures, including blood pressure and respiration, and monitor patients as they transition from one patient care area to another.

• Advanced Subspecialty training for Internal Medicine residents: A Healthcare Foundation grant of $195,000 will provide faculty rotations for subspecialists training within the Sarasota Memorial’s Internal Medicine Residency Program in endocrinology, cardiology and ambulatory medicine.

• Prescription assistance for uninsured and underinsured patients: The Healthcare Foundation awarded $38,000 to Good Samaritan Pharmacy & Health Services. The not-for-profit organization collaborates with SMH to ensure uninsured and underinsured patients at SMH’s Internal Medicine Practice in Newtown receive medications prescribed as part of their medical treatment.