Providence National Foundation launches to reimagine the future of health

Led by some of the nation’s most well-regarded thought leaders and doers, the new Foundation will raise funds to solve some of our most pressing health challenges

September 20, 2021, RENTON, Wash. — Providence, one of the largest health systems in the nation, is launching a National Foundation to address the most pressing health challenges facing our nation. The national foundation will work with its local foundations across seven states.

“Philanthropy powers the programs and services that provide access to the latest technology, equipment, facilities and research, so caregivers can deliver the same high quality health outcomes in every community we serve, from rural areas to large cities,” says Rod Hochman, M.D., president and CEO of Providence. “Providence found philanthropic support to be especially important throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which donations were used to support Providence’s research teams as they provided real-time analysis of health trends related to the virus.”

Providence’s 40 local foundations have raised nearly $1 billion in the last three years to positively impact the lives of millions of people in its care. With the new National Foundation, Providence has an opportunity to lead the nation in health care philanthropy.

“Our generous donors and supporters make Providence’s lifesaving, breakthrough treatments possible for patients today, and pave the way for future impact and a healthier world,” says Laurie Kelley, chief philanthropy officer at Providence. Providence National Foundation’s Board of Directors “guide the organization and help cultivate new donors,” adds Kelley. “Our board is comprised of some of the nation’s most inspiring thought leaders and doers, along with Providence’s top executive leaders and industry experts.”

Providence National Foundation’s funding priorities include:

Whole Person Care - Shifting the traditional health care model to personalized, whole person care. Caring for each patient’s values, preferences and priorities to treat the whole person—mind, body and spirit—through all stages of life, bringing health, hope and healing, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

Innovation - Advancing technology, data and research to shape the future of health care and helping to identify and address some of the most complex problems in health care—from telehealth to genome sequencing, data mapping to scientific investigation.

Clinical Institutes - Leveraging clinical expertise and research to ensure excellence in patient care. All Providence regions have access to world-class centers of excellence—the latest research, data, best-practice findings and reports—making quality health services accessible in every community Providence serves.

Vulnerable Communities - Integrating mental health and social care to heal our vulnerable communities. Providence is committed to the total wellness of the community and considers social determinants of health, housing, and treatment of mental health and substance misuse and emotional and physical—abuse as integral to creating the highest level of health for all people.

Health Equity - Promoting greater equity by eliminating disparities in health care. Providence believes health care is a human right and people of all backgrounds, cultures and identities deserve the best, most comprehensive care possible care.

Environmental Stewardship – Providence will work tirelessly to become carbon-negative by 2030 by championing environmental stewardship for a healthier planet. Providence is committed to mitigating the environmental impacts of its operations in the communities it serves.

“Our goal is to help solve some of our nation’s most complex and systemic health issues to improve the health of everyone in our communities and beyond,” says Dr. Hochman. “Especially those who are most vulnerable.”

For more information on the Providence National Foundation, please visit: ProvidenceNationalFoundation.org.

About Providence

Providence is a national, nonprofit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right. With 52 hospitals, over 1,000 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing, and many other health and educational services, the health system and its partners employ more than 120,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states—Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas and Washington—with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif. Learn about our vision of health for a better world at Providence.org.