Kaiser Permanente and Denver Health Foundation donors sustain affordable health care access
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Denver – Donors throughout the Denver community pitched in to exceed the goal set by Kaiser Permanente’s community health grant and matching challenge, successfully yielding $18.7 million to preserve and enhance affordable health care access and help ease the burden of rising uncompensated care costs at Denver Health which totaled $140 million in 2023.
“Kaiser Permanente’s acknowledgment of Denver Health’s unique service to the community is truly appreciated,” said Denver Health CEO Donna Lynne. “We extend our gratitude to all donors who engaged in this matching challenge, with special thanks to our dedicated employees. The widespread support of our community highlights the significance of Denver Health and the need for access to high-quality health care for everyone.”
Last May, Denver Health and Kaiser Permanente jointly announced a new $10 million commitment from Kaiser Permanente to assist Denver Health with urgent, vital health care services for the community, including continued access to primary and specialty care for people who do not have the means to pay.
Kaiser Permanente, through the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund at The Denver Foundation, funded an initial $5 million grant to address Denver Health’s immediate need. Another $5 million was available as a matching donation — an incentive for local organizations, members of the business community, members of the health care industry, and others — to step up and help Denver Health address the rising costs of uncompensated care.
The $10 million commitment from Kaiser Permanente is the single largest gift Denver Health Foundation has ever received. Kaiser Permanente is a leading nonprofit health plan, and this support for Denver Health is part of the organization’s mission to improve the health of the Colorado community.
“Kaiser Permanente made this commitment to Denver Health, because it was the right thing to do,” said Kaiser Permanente President Mike Ramseier. “Denver Health’s essential role in ensuring everyone in Denver can access high-quality, affordable health care, regardless of their background or circumstance, means this is an investment in a healthier community, which benefits us all.”
Roughly eight months later, the matching challenge is complete. More than 1,200 unique donors rallied to the task, contributing more than 12,000 gifts to reach the $18.7 million. With this infusion of funds, Denver Health can sustain and fortify programs that facilitate affordable access to the diverse array of health care services provided by the system, such as primary care, first responder and paramedic services, mental and behavioral health services, pediatric and maternal care, school-based health, and more.
The funds will be strategically allocated to targeted initiatives, specifically aimed at bolstering services for underserved populations, expanding critical health care services, and elevating the overall quality of patient care.
Kaiser Permanente’s matching challenge with Denver Health exemplifies a shared commitment to the betterment of community health. Denver Health and Kaiser Permanente remain steadfast in their missions to provide affordable, accessible and quality health care, and this collaborative effort serves as a testament to the power of united efforts in achieving meaningful outcomes.
###
About Denver Health
Denver Health is a comprehensive health and hospital system that provides high-quality care and proudly serves as the city’s safety net hospital. For more than 160 years, Denver Health has been guided by its mission to serve the people of Denver, to educate the next generation of health care professionals and to engage in research and community partnerships to better deliver the health care needs of our patients while strengthening our community.
About Denver Health Foundation
Founded in 1988, Denver Health Foundation helps donors with diverse interests make a comprehensive impact on the City and County of Denver's health, social, and economic well-being by supporting the exceptional care Denver Health provides. Funds raised by the Foundation support Denver Health facilities development, academic program enrichment, equipment purchases, patient care, medical research and professional education. All funds, whether for facilities or research, ensure the highest quality of care for current and future patients.
About Kaiser Permanente Colorado
Kaiser Permanente Colorado is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and nonprofit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.5 million members in 8 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org