HCA Virginia supports Communities in Schools of Petersburg with $25K grant

Richmond, VA — HCA Virginia has awarded a $25,000 grant to Communities in Schools of Petersburg. The funding is part of the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Healthier Tomorrow Fund, a $75 million community impact fund designed to support innovative initiatives focused on addressing high priority community needs and health equity.

“We are dedicated to investing in the communities we serve,” said William Lunn, president of HCA Healthcare Capital Division, “and we’re proud to support Communities in Schools through this grant that will help cultivate the next generation of healthcare workers. In collaboration with Petersburg City Public Schools, our partnership will provide an engaging learning environment and early exposure to the various pathways in healthcare.”

The partnership will focus on three key areas:

• Tier alignment with healthcare professionals, simulation workshops, and financial support for clinical learning space development
• Focus on workforce development with career track support beginning in 7^th grade and continuing through high school
• Curriculum development to support opportunities in healthcare

Wanda Stewart, president and chief executive officer of Communities in Schools of Petersburg, said: “The grant will allow us to plan for an innovative education experience for all students in the city of Petersburg, which will subsequently better prepare them for postsecondary opportunities. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.”

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 charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at a cost of more than $3.4 billion 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 $45 million to community organizations in 2020.

“At HCA Healthcare, we believe partnerships are essential to advancing our mission to care for and improve human life,” said Christopher Finley, assistant vice president of community engagement for HCA Healthcare Capital Division. “Partnering with organizations like Communities in Schools allows us to do more for our communities than we can do separately.”

For more information, visit the Communities in Schools of Petersburg website. For more information on the HCA Healthcare Foundation, visit HCA Healthcare Foundation website.