Mission Health senior leadership team donates $120,000 to help emoplyees in tough financial times

From the press release from Mission Health:

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (July 2, 2012) – Mission Health Foundation is proud to announce Mission Health’s senior leadership team has contributed $120,000 to the Foundation’s employee emergency grant program. This program is designed to assist employees who are experiencing unexpected financial problems, so they may continue to serve patients during their period of difficulty.

“The employee emergency fund is an important source of support that we have available for our staff,” said Bruce Thorsen, President and CEO of Mission Health Foundation. “During these tough economic times, it is more important than ever to have programs like this to help our staff. This gift is a significant statement about the leadership’s appreciation for the well-being of all Mission Health employees.”

For over 13 years, Mission Health Foundation has provided funds for Mission Health’s employee emergency grant program. Since its inception, a total of $830,000 has been awarded to 615 Mission Health employees.
Lacie Brigman, a nurse at Mission Hospital, credits the employee emergency grant program with assisting her through some tough financial times. Last year, her husband lost his job, and his unemployment left the family unable to pay important bills. Lacie’s supervisor suggested that she apply for the grant program to help bridge the shortfall during that difficult time.

“The emergency grant program truly saved my family when we were in a financially stressful situation,” said Brigman. “The program coordinators were very helpful and made me feel comfortable throughout the whole process. Within one week of turning in my application, I was approved for funding, which helped me pay certain bills and move on with my life. I am so grateful of Mission’s help during that period in my life. This experience reminded me that I am not alone in my struggles — my employer cares and is here to help.”

“Our leadership team recognizes that our employees are what make us a Top 15 Health System in the nation,” said Ronald A. Paulus, MD, President and CEO of Mission Health. “Supporting employees in a time of need is essential to maintaining their satisfaction and morale. We must first take care of our Mission Health family, so that they can take care of our community.”

About Mission Health

Mission Health, based in Asheville, NC, is the state’s sixth largest health system and the tertiary care regional referral center for western NC and the adjoining region. In 2012, Mission Health was named by Thomson Reuters as one of the Top 15 Health Systems in the nation – the only health system in North Carolina to receive this recognition.

Founded in 1885, Mission Health is the region’s only not-for-profit, independent community hospital system governed and managed exclusively in western North Carolina. Mission operates five hospitals, numerous out-patient and surgery centers, and the region’s only dedicated Level II trauma center. Its medical staff consists of more than 750 physicians, and is certified in over 50 medical specialties and sub-specialties. Centers of excellence include heart, stroke care and neurosciences, and pediatrics. Mission Hospital, the system’s flagship hospital, is licensed for 730 beds and is the busiest surgical hospital in North Carolina. Other Mission hospitals include Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, McDowell Hospital in Marion, and Mission Children’s Hospital in Asheville. With approximately 8,800 employees and 700 volunteers, Mission Health is dedicated solely to serving and improving the health and wellness of the people of western North Carolina.