Community foundation makes $1 million challenge grant to UH Portage Medical Center

Emergency Department is slated for a major renovation

Ravenna, Ohio – The Portage Medical Center Foundation has made a $1 million challenge grant to the community to support the Emergency Department renovation at University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. The Foundation is a separate nonprofit entity, established in 1985 to support the hospital, formerly called Robinson Memorial Hospital.

The total estimated cost of the Emergency Department renovation is $2.5 million; this challenge grant gets the community well on its way to achieving a goal defined by Portage county civic leaders.

The renovation will address the need for designated pediatrics waiting and exam areas, distinct from adult waiting and exam areas. It also will support the build out of secure exam areas for patients requiring mental health or addiction care services.

“We are pleased to fund a challenge grant of this size for such an important hospital project,” said Greg Ferner, MD, President, Board of Directors, Portage Medical Center Foundation. “Our community has benefited from University Hospitals’ clinical and administrative expertise, and now, together we will address the needs of our most vulnerable children, as well as those among us who struggle with addiction and withdrawal.”

The $1 million challenge grant is the largest single gift that the foundation has ever given. It follows a significant gift of $400,000, given in early 2015 to support the purchase of a linear accelerator, used in cancer treatment through what is now the UH Seidman Cancer Center at UH Portage Medical Center. The earlier $400,000 foundation gift made state-of-the art cancer care available closer to home for residents of Portage County.

With this challenge grant, the foundation is encouraging community members to make matching gifts in any amount to help achieve the $2.5 million goal for this comprehensive project.

“University Hospitals is bringing its expertise in several clinical areas to Portage County,” said M. Steven (Steve) Jones, President, UH Portage Medical Center and President, UH Community Hospitals – East. “This enhanced Emergency Department will make it possible to provide specialized pediatric emergency care from one of the nation’s most recognized leaders in pediatrics. And, the recently launched UH Portage Medical Support Program will also integrate with the expanded Emergency Care services.”

To learn more about making a donation, inquiries should go to:
Shawn Gordon, Executive Director, Portage Medical Center Foundation
330-297-8801 or via email at Shawn.Gordon@UHhospitals.org