Jupiter Medical Center, like most private hospitals, has taken a financial hit because of the coronavirus. Why? Because elective procedures have dramatically dropped off.
Thankfully, residents of the Palm Beaches have rallied to support the local institution.
Over the past few weeks, Jupiter Medical Center Foundation has received nearly $1.8 million in philanthropic donations.
“We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the community and our donors during this uncertain time,” said Liv Vesely, President of Jupiter Medical Center Foundation. “Gifts received are helping to offset losses due to decreased volumes, and have allowed us to purchase additional medical equipment to address the hospital’s highest priority needs.”
The hospital received multiple donations as the community rallied to support Jupiter Medical Center Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. Through ClubsHELP, an organization that connects golf organizations with local communities to provide critical resources in times of need, Jupiter Medical Center was “adopted” by the Seminole Golf Club. Members stepped up collectively, raising more than $250,000 for Jupiter Medical Center Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The Foundation also received an interfaith donation from JupiterFIRST Church, St. Peter Catholic Church and Temple Beth Am of more than $45,000. Additional generous donors contributed funds through #GivingTuesdayNow and through other efforts, which enabled the medical center to purchase equipment needed for FDA-approved rapid molecular testing. Jupiter Medical Center was also able to acquire a telehealth cart for intensive care unit physicians to communicate with isolated patients, which reduced their exposure to the virus. Other donated funds were used to purchase two additional Tru-D light disinfecting robots. The hospital also received thousands of dollars in restaurant gift cards and meal donations for front-line workers, and an anonymous donor made a $500,000 cash donation that was directed toward the hospital’s greatest need to care for coronavirus patients.
Jupiter Medical Center prepared well in advance of the pandemic’s onslaught and stayed in constant contact with state and local officials. Planning for the coronavirus began more than a month before the first patient received a positive diagnosis, allowing time for advancements in testing and the implementation of state-of-the-art methodologies.
