TAMPA, Florida – (November 2, 2021) – HCA Florida Healthcare announced today that the HCA Healthcare Foundation has awarded a $350,000 grant to the American Heart Association (AHA) to support their efforts to improve nutrition for families in communities along Florida’s west and east coast. The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact effort that is designed to support innovative initiatives focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity.
“This is another example of our ability to identify and address community needs throughout the state through the support of the HCA Healthcare Foundation,” explains Ravi Chari, President of HCA Healthcare West Florida Division and Chair of the 2021 AHA Tampa Bay Heart Walk. “We know that good nutrition and access to healthy foods is critical to staying healthy and getting healthy, and we are thankful for the foundation’s support as we strive to give communities throughout the state a healthier tomorrow.”
“We know that a healthy lifestyle starts with eating nutritious foods,” said Charles Gressle, HCA Healthcare East Florida Division President. “If we want to make Florida a place where residents can lead healthier, longer lives, we need to start with the food on their plates. The HCA Healthcare Foundation is proud to be making that happen with the American Heart Association.”
The grant will support the AHA’s efforts to increase families’ ability to purchase healthy foods. Community members will also learn more about how to implement healthy habits in their lives through Healthy for Life, which is an evidence-based community nutrition program that empowers people to make healthy food, nutrition and lifestyle choices. Additionally, the AHA will work collaboratively with pantries and area food banks to support the healthy choice as the easy choice.
Funding the Healthier Tomorrow Fund at the HCA Healthcare Foundation is one example of the many ways HCA Healthcare is making a positive impact in the communities it serves. In 2020, HCA Healthcare provided more than $3.4 billion in uncompensated care and incurred $4.1 billion in federal, state and local taxes. Additionally, HCA Healthcare continues to invest in the ongoing education and development of its colleagues and, as an enterprise, contributed to $45 million to community organizations in 2020.
“HCA Healthcare colleagues are driven by our mission to care for and improve human life,” said Joanne Pulles, President of the HCA Healthcare Foundation. “That mission extends outside the walls of our facilities and into our communities. Partnering with organizations like the American Heart Association has always allowed us to unlock possibilities for improving health and well-being.”
For more information on the HCA Healthcare Foundation, visit www.hcacaring.org.
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About HCA Healthcare Foundation
The mission of the HCA Healthcare Foundation is to promote health and well-being and strive to make a positive impact in all the communities HCA Healthcare serves. We accomplish this mission by providing leadership, service and financial support to effective non-profit organizations working individually and collectively.
About HCA Florida Healthcare
HCA Florida Healthcare is a family of 49 hospitals and approximately more than 350 sites of care, including physician practices and free-standing ERs offering the state’s leading network of personalized care. United as a statewide network in 2021, HCA Florida Healthcare includes 11,000 experienced doctors and 77,000 colleagues working together to deliver advanced, collaborative care to more than 6.4 million patients each year. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. The network provided nearly $3.4 billion in uncompensated care and $45 million in charitable cash contributions in 2020 and has invested significantly in innovative technologies and facilities across Florida, including the new $440 million state-of-the-art, multi-specialty HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie, Fla. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and residencies and fellowships throughout the Sunshine State.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.