Grateful patient advances systemwide behavioral health and rehabilitation services

Every six months, longtime Henry Ford supporter and philanthropist Eric Prevost travels across the country to receive care at Henry Ford Health. As advocates for exceptional patient care, he and his wife, Ellen, have made a generous planned gift to benefit Henry Ford, ensuring others receive the same level of care for years to come.

In recent years, Eric, a Detroit native, underwent ongoing complications following a surgical procedure he received at another health system. As Eric continued to seek treatment without progress, a friend recommended he consult Dr. Marcus Zervos, a specialist in infectious disease at Henry Ford Health. Through innovative and experimental breakthroughs, highly personalized care and, within months, the discovery of a life-changing solution, Dr. Zervos and Eric built a strong, trusting patient-physician partnership.

“Henry Ford Hospital is like a home to me. I’ve developed strong relationships with some Henry Ford physicians, like Dr. Zervos, that still exist to this day,” said Eric when asked about his experiences within the health system, “I feel comforted in my care at Henry Ford.”

Dr. Zervos worked with surgery teams to conduct corrective antibiotic and surgical treatments, bringing a catered, personalized approach to Eric’s care.

“Henry Ford has supported me and my family in very impactful ways over the years,” said Ellen, “I think everyone should be cared for in the ways we have been.”

Dedicated philanthropists, grateful patients and friends of Henry Ford Health, Eric and Ellen embody the culture of philanthropy valued so deeply across the organization. Recently, the couple made a transformational gift through a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT), part of which will elevate behavioral health services— which the couple shares a deep passion for — across the system. This will advance suicide prevention efforts, adolescent rehabilitation services at the Henry Ford Maplegrove Center and greatest needs within the service line.

“Henry Ford Health has supported us for decades, and giving back makes us happy,” said Eric, adding, “We just want to help people and ensure the impact of Henry Ford continues far beyond our lifetime.”

Notably, Eric and Ellen’s gift will also support the Global Health Initiative Strategic Fund in antibiotic resistance research with Dr. Zervos.

“Partnering with patients is truly what helps us move the needle,” said Dr. Zervos, “we are dedicated to providing excellent care, and to witness that dedication come back around through generous philanthropic support — I’m immensely grateful to Eric and Ellen and for the culture of giving here at Henry Ford.”

A CRUT is one of many ways to make a gift to advance patient care at Henry Ford Health. To learn about more ways to give, visit henryford.planmylegacy.org.