SVHC Foundation Launches COVID Relief Fund

SVHC Auxiliary pledges to match donations up to $100,000.

BENNINGTON, VT—March 30, 2020— The Southwestern Vermont Health Care Foundation, part of Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC), has established a special fund to meet needs that have emerged as a result of the health system’s response to COVID-19.

“This is a time of unprecedented need,” said Leslie Keefe, SVHC’s vice president of Corporate Development. “We are calling on our community to support the efforts of our hospital to save lives.”

The COVID-19 Relief Fund will be used to:

• Create additional negative pressure rooms.
• Purchase life-saving supplies, such as ventilators, respirators, additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Implement a surge plan to expand patient care areas, including an off-site Respiratory Evaluation Center (REC).
• Support of employees in distress.

Southwestern Vermont Health Care’s Auxiliary will match all donations to the COVID-19 Relief Fund up to $100,000.

“The Auxiliary has been working to meet crucial needs in our community for more than 100 years,” said Auxiliary President Lila Cestone. “We are proud to help inspire others to contribute and to join us in the effort against COVID-19.”

Donations may be made online at svhealthcare.org/give-now. SVHC Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

About SVHC:
Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) is a comprehensive, preeminent, health care system providing exceptional, convenient, and affordable care to the communities of Bennington and Windham Counties of Vermont, eastern Rensselaer and Washington Counties of New York, and northern Berkshire County in Massachusetts. SVHC includes Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), Southwestern Vermont Regional Cancer Center, the Centers for Living and Rehabilitation, and the SVHC Foundation. SVMC includes 25 primary and specialty care practices.

A COVID-19 information hotline is available for community members. The number, 802-440-8844, is answered 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays. A recorded message provides the most frequently requested information. Telephone numbers and other COVID-19 information, including frequently asked questions and helpful resources, are available at svhealthcare.org/covid-19.

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center provides exceptional care without discriminating on the basis of an individual’s age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Language assistance services, free of charge, are available at 1-800-367-9559.