Mission Health creates Dogwood Health Trust for proceeds of potential sale

Press release from Mission Health:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (July 16, 2018)– The Board of Directors of Mission Health System, Inc. (“MHS”) is pleased to announce the creation of the Dogwood Health Trust (“DHT”), a North Carolina nonprofit, private non-operating foundation.  As set forth in its articles of incorporation, DHT’s sole purpose is: “to dramatically improve the health and well-being of all people and communities of Western North Carolina.”  This purpose continues and both builds upon and expands the 133-year mission of MHS.

If and when the contemplated transaction with HCA Healthcare is completed, MHS intends to convey the net proceeds of its sale to DHT following receipt of all necessary approvals and the development of required organizational infrastructure.  This new region-wide resource would enable significant investments, encourage partnerships and facilitate coordination with others to analyze, understand and address core social determinants of health and well-being for the people and communities of Western North Carolina.   The DHT’s goal is to partner with local communities to produce a powerful, positive, long-term impact on the people of Western North Carolina.

The Founding Chair of the Dogwood Health Trust Board of Directors is Ms. Janice Brumit, a western North Carolina native.  Ms. Brumit was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University. Ms. Brumit has strong ties to the people and communities of our region and has spent the last 30 years serving on local and state-wide non-profit boards to improve the lives of its citizens. She has received numerous awards for her community service, including both the Mountain Child Advocacy Award and the North Carolina Hospital Association Trustee Merit Award in 2017.  Her current and prior regional Board service includes:

• Asheville Area Chamber
• Asheville Buncombe County United Way – Alexis de Tocqueville Society (Co-Chair)
• Asheville Buncombe Partnership for Children – Smart Start (Chair)
• Asheville City School Foundation (Chair)
• Blue Ridge Heritage Area (Chair of Management Board)
• Buncombe County Economic Development Coalition (Chair)
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina (Allocations Chair)
• Mission Health Foundation (Chair)
• Mountain Area Health Education Center (“MAHEC”)
• North Carolina Rural Center
• UNC Asheville – Board of Trustees (Chair)

Under Ms. Brumit’s leadership, the DHT Board will be fully formed over time and embark upon a deliberate, multi-year process to become fully educated about the history and lessons learned from prior healthcare conversion foundations, obtain all necessary approvals for operation, develop appropriate staff and infrastructure for DHT and carefully assess the strengths and the needs of all populations and communities within our region. DHT will then prioritize these needs, identify collaborative strategies to address them using our communities’ existing strengths and seek partnerships with others to implement its long-range strategic plan.  Grant funding for approved initiatives will most likely not begin earlier than calendar 2020.

A broader public announcement discussing more about the DHT is currently planned for September 30, 2018.  In the meantime, DHT is seeking applications from potential Board members.  Criteria established for DHT Board Members and a formal application process will be available at: www.DogwoodHealthTrust.org on or before August 1, 2018.