St. John’s Health Foundation Launches COVID-19 Response Fund

The St. John’s Health Foundation has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund in support of St. John’s Health employees and their families affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Foundation Board voted on March 19^th to seed the COVID-19 Response Fund with an initial contribution of $50,000 from the Foundation’s unrestricted funds. The Foundation is hopeful that additional donations will be received. Given the evolving nature of the situation, the fund has pledged to be flexible and work to ensure that St. John’s Health employees and families will receive emergency funds with a minimal amount of red tape.

“The coronavirus is not just a health crisis,” said St. John’s Health Foundation Board Chair William J. Best. “It is also an economic one—the depth and magnitude of which is uncertain. The speed with which the virus has spread and the measures necessary to slow its spread and protect national and local health continue to disrupt our day to day lives.”

“We cannot begin to imagine all of the challenges and implications the coronavirus will have on our employees, families and our local economy,” said John Goettler, President of the St. John’s Health Foundation. “We believe there certainly could be a significant impact on families that may suffer a loss of income due to unpaid absence, illness or job loss related directly or indirectly to the virus, increased childcare needs due to school and daycare closures, and the potential risk of not being able to pay housing, utility and food bills due to financial strains. These are daunting challenges, but we are fortunate to live in a remarkable community where people come together in common cause to make a positive difference.”

If you would like to complete a brief grant request, please click here.

If you would like to make a financial contribution in support of the COVID-19 Employee Response Fund, please make a donation by clicking here or contact John Goettler at 307/739-7516.