Geauga County Lends Aid to UH Geauga Medical Center
As quickly as COVID-19 disrupted business as usual, the Geauga County community got down to business providing for those in greatest need. Individuals, groups and local companies rallied, generously and creatively providing UH Geauga Medical Center with critical support and supplies.
The volunteer leaders that comprise UH Geauga Medical Center Leadership Council led the way, collectively contributing $25,000 to the UH Geauga COVID Response Fund. Their gift was matched by a $25,000 gift from the Lake/Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation and inspired Leadership Council member Patti DeVault to make an additional generous commitment.
A division of Masco Corporation, Mercury Plastics in Middlefield also responded. “We are grateful for the service, care and attention that UH Geauga Medical Center provides in our community,” said their President, Jay Burnett. “This Masco-funded $50,000 contribution will benefit those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Geauga County. We appreciate the ongoing efforts and support that UH provides to Mercury Plastics and our employees.”
At the grassroots level, Pymatuning Fabrication Laboratory, a non-profit organization recently created by the Andover Public Library Robotics Club, found a way to be part of the solution. PymaFabLab members shared their technical expertise and used 3D printers to produce much needed medical and safety equipment for frontline caregivers. Thanks to their round the clock dedication, more than 1,000 protective face shields were made and distributed to UH Geauga Medical Center, nursing homes and other health care facilities.
Also serving eastern communities, nearby UH Conneaut and UH Geneva medical centers received support through the Ohio Hospital Association and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Available to acute care rural hospitals, the funding will help train staff, expand telehealth and support patients at high risk of morbidity from COVID-19.
University Hospitals is grateful to all individuals and organizations willing to help our caregivers, patients and community during the COVID-19 crisis. Community response and caregiver support funds have been established to support the extensive patient care, medical supplies, research and education needs.