Donations to support the COVID-19 response at VCU Health have totaled over $800k since March. From monetary donations to gifts of face masks and meals, individuals and organizations have come together to help support COVID-19 care at VCU Health.

• Number of hand-made masks donated — 3,352
• Number of meals donated — more than 19,000 meals for VCUHS team members
• Total philanthropic value  $827,155 

“The generosity of the Richmond community has been inspiring for our patients and team members alike,” said Nathan Cunningham, manager of patient experience at VCU Medical Center. “Not only is this support allowing us to better serve our patients, it’s uplifting to see the community come together during challenging times.”

Donations are being used to support:  

• Patient care. Diagnostics and treatment, equipment and facilities, home monitoring and transportation.
   
• Health and wellbeing of our team members. Accommodations for hospital staff working in COVID-related areas who can’t return home and put their families at risk, and increased child care alternatives.
   
•  Health sciences students. Assisting displaced health sciences students affected by the COVID-19 crisis and increasing virtual learning opportunities for medical students and residents. 
   
• Research. Clinical trials, inpatient antibody testing and participation in national efforts, as well as research related to creating our own equipment and devices to save lives and better treat patients with COVID-19.

You can still help

VCU Health continues to accept donations and now offers the opportunity to adopt a unit, inspired by VCU alumna and current Air Force Lt. Col Elizabeth Hoettels, who provided meals and coffee for night and dayshift for team members on the Medical Respiratory Intensive Care Unit — all the way from the United Kingdom.

To learn how you can adopt a unit, contact Nathan Cunningham at Nathan.Cunningham@vcuhealth.org or call (804) 628-1795.