November 5, 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 east and west 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.
“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.”
“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.”
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 other organizations 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.
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 the leading provider of healthcare and the largest provider of trauma care in the state of Florida, where excellent physicians, nurses and allied health professionals treated more than 6.4 million patients in 2020. With an employee base of 77,000, HCA Florida Healthcare’s comprehensive network includes 49 hospital campuses, including the recently opened UCF Lake Nona Medical Center, and more than 350 other care sites. HCA Florida Healthcare can also utilize two regional transfer centers within the state. As one of the region’s largest healthcare systems, HCA Florida Healthcare recognizes the importance of giving back to the communities we serve. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is also a major supporter of university-based healthcare programs and the largest sponsor of 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.
