We’ve learned a lot in the last 12 months, and one thing has become more apparent than ever: health workers are essential. During the ongoing global crisis, the resilient physicians, nurses, and care team members of UW Health have put their lives on the line to ensure everyone in need receives the care they deserve. When the pandemic arrived in March 2020, we created the UW Health COVID-19 Fund to make sure that those working and sacrificing on the front lines are prepared and have their needs met, as well.
Over the last year, our generous donors have shown steadfast support of these health care heroes, enabling them to respond quickly to evolving situations. “Despite the unimaginable challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our faculty and staff provided remarkable health care when patients needed it the most,” shares Dr. Alan Kaplan, CEO of UW Health. “Support from the donor community has helped to sustain our frontline workers during this incredibly stressful time, and we are so grateful.”
Contributions have sustained frontline workers and our patients by offering emergency childcare and scholarships to summer camps for kids, $50,000 in patient assistance grants, food pantries for patients, and 254 guest nights at the Dejope Residence Hall for health care workers. Funds were also used to expand access to testing and treatment and offer 1,089 employee assistance grants, which were given to eligible UW Health staff who make less than $18 per hour. The UW community supplied more than 12,625 meals to staff at the American Family Children’s Hospital, University Hospital, and UW Health at the American Center and donated more than 100,000 PPE items, including masks, gloves, and gowns. While our work is far from over, the power of annual giving accomplished all of this and more in support of the innovative and tireless professionals fighting to save the lives of patients affected by COVID-19.