Henry Ford Health System Celebrating Record Generosity in 2016

Donors Deliver Greatest Amount of Gift Revenue in the Health System’s History

DETROIT – Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the people of metro Detroit and beyond, Henry Ford Health System is celebrating a record year of giving. The system finished 2016 with more than $61 million in production revenue and $40 million in cash donations, the largest year of gift revenue in the health system’s 101-year history.

“People care about quality healthcare in the communities we serve,” said Peggy Burns, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Henry Ford Health System. “We have seen a renewed dedication to philanthropic support in Detroit as part of an overwhelming commitment to the revitalization and success of our great city. It’s that kind of generosity that has resulted in a record year of giving at all hospitals across Henry Ford Health System – and we are filled with joy over the lives we will impact with these gifts.”

Among the gifts were ten seven-figure donations, earmarked for many of Henry Ford’s most academically and clinically advanced areas including neuroscience, cardiology, cancer and precision medicine. The funds will be used for initiatives like hospital lab improvements, research, clinical trials, and innovative patient care.

One significant donation, totaling $6 million, will expand and improve the cardiology labs at Henry Ford Hospital, including the construction of a new, high-tech heart catheterization lab, a new vascular operation room, and the remodeling of two busy electrophysiology labs with newly advanced technology.

“This expansion and these improvements will help us meet the needs of patients seeking treatments and procedures not offered at other hospitals in southeast Michigan,” said Henry Kim, M.D., F.A.C.C., Division Head of Cardiology at Henry Ford Health System. “We are grateful for our donors’ ongoing support and enthusiasm for saving lives in metro Detroit.”

Also in 2016, Henry Ford Health System received the largest individual gift in its history – given by Detroit businessman and philanthropist Mort Harris, in honor of his late wife Brigitte. Harris’s $20 million gift is part of a $40 million package to support Henry Ford’s new Detroit cancer building, expected to open in 2019.

Burns said the Harris gift topped off what was already a record year of giving, an overall increase of 176%. “We provide close to $400 million annually in uncompensated care, a true demonstration of our commitment to health and wellness, innovation, and community outreach. Our efforts have not gone unnoticed by our amazing donors. The partnerships we have built are providing unprecedented access to new technology and equipment, advanced treatment options and innovative surgical procedures, and the ability to care for more people than ever before.”

Burns credits much of the overall momentum to Henry Ford’s Impact Partnership, an initiative that helps physicians, nurses, and other caregivers connect potential donors with development professionals. “We have met some of the most inspiring patients through this partnership, patients who want to ‘Care it Forward’ as we say.  These patients are so thankful for the exceptional care they have been provided by our medical team and are eager for an avenue to express their gratitude. We will be forever grateful to all of them.”

MEDIA CONTACT

Brenda D. Craig
Director, Media Relations
Henry Ford Health System
313-283-8331
bcraig3@hfhs.org