In a landmark collaboration, Kaiser Permanente Colorado and Denver Health Foundation have successfully concluded the Kaiser Permanente Community Challenge, a crucial initiative that raised more than $18.7 million to sustain, enhance, and expand access to care throughout the Denver Health system.
In May 2023, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, through the Kaiser Permanente Community Health Fund at The Denver Foundation, announced a $5 million grant to address the immediate needs of Denver Health. An additional $5 million was offered as a matching donation—if Denver Health Foundation donors would commit the same amount. Responding to the call, donors not only met the matching goal but surpassed it, raising an impressive $8.7 million in gifts before the end of November.
The total commitment from Kaiser Permanente is the single largest gift Denver Health Foundation has ever received.
“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.”
Kaiser Permanente Colorado understands the critical role Denver Health has played as the core safety-net hospital for the city and county of Denver for more than 160 years. Denver Health’s essential services include providing care to nearly 30% of Denver’s population annually, with the highest percentage of care for uninsured patients in Metro Denver.
Denver Health, a comprehensive health care system, experienced a doubling of uncompensated care from an annual average of $60 million in 2020 to over $130 million in 2023. The COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed care, resulting in patients seeking treatment at later, more critical stages, contributing to increased health care costs.
“Access to health care is fundamental to the well-being of individuals and communities. Investing in Denver Health is an investment in the broader fabric of health equity and community resilience,” said Kaiser Permanente President Mike Ramseier. “Kaiser Permanente recognizes the essential role Denver Health plays in ensuring everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, can access the high-quality health care they deserve. Our support of funding Denver Health reflects our belief that a healthier community benefits us all.”
Once Kaiser Permanente Colorado announced their grant and matching challenge, Denver Health Foundation contacted donors, extending the opportunity to the community and the Denver Health family.
Major gifts came from individual and organizations including Caring for Denver Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, Roots & Wings Foundation, Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation, The Colorado Health Foundation, Gary Community Ventures, The Patricia Crown Family, Rose Andom, Graham and Cathy Hollis, Caring for Colorado Foundation, M.B. Glassman Foundation, The Knowlton Foundation, Patti Klinge, Susan & Lee McIntire and Josh Hanfling.
Donna Lynne personally committed to the cause and urged Denver Health leadership to contribute, including executive staff as well as the boards of the Denver Health and Hospital Authority (DHHA), the Denver Health Medical Plan (DHMP), and the Community Health Services (CHS). Simultaneously, Crystal Potter Rivera, Executive Director of Denver Health Foundation, contributed and encouraged the Foundation board’s participation.
More than 1,000 Denver Health employees embraced the Kaiser Community Challenge, engaging in giving through payroll deductions and one-time donations. Their commitment mirrors a deep concern for patients and a shared belief in the critical importance of access to care.
In total, more than 1,200 unique donors gave more than 12,000 gifts to surpass the matching challenge goal.
“As we reflect on the incredible support we’ve received, Denver Health Foundation is profoundly grateful for the generosity of our donors,” said Megan Fisher, Denver Health Foundation Director of Philanthropy. “Each and every dollar contributed ensures that every individual, regardless of background, served by Denver Health will continue to receive the access to quality care that has been a cornerstone of our health system’s commitment.”
The Kaiser Community Challenge significantly impacts Denver Health’s core mission. Established in 1860, Denver Health demonstrates a commitment to community responsiveness by continually expanding services to address emerging patient needs. A few recent examples include:
“Denver Health Foundation bolsters Denver Health’s mission to provide high-quality health care access to every person,” said Crystal Potter Rivera. Denver Health Foundation Executive Director. “Thanks to Kaiser Permanente Colorado and our generous donors, Denver Health is empowered to fulfill its multifaceted role in serving Denver and addressing health inequities for low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and those experiencing homelessness.”
Your donation to Denver Health Foundation makes a difference today and tomorrow. Invest in Denver’s health.
Denver Health Foundation bolsters Denver Health’s mission to provide high-quality health care access to every person. Thanks to Kaiser Permanente Colorado and our generous donors, Denver Health is empowered to fulfill its multifaceted role in serving Denver and addressing health inequities for low-income communities, communities of color, immigrants, refugees, and those experiencing homelessness.
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