LMH Health Foundation celebrates 50 years of philanthropy

By Courtney Bernard

1969. It was a year of peace and love, tumult and change. A year of gritty determination and giant leaps for mankind.

In 1969, five leaders came together in support of their community hospital: Dr. Monti Belot and Dr. Ralph Reed were internists; Dr. Phillip Godwin, an anesthesiologist and family physician; Dr. Laurance Price, a pathologist; and Anne “Petey” Cerf, a well-known and generous community member.

These were the five original founders of LMH Endowment Association, now known as LMH Health Foundation. The foundation has provided LMH Health with strong philanthropic support from its very beginning.

“Since its inception in 1969, LMH Health Foundation has played a vital role in ensuring exceptional healthcare in Lawrence and the surrounding communities,” said Jason Hoover, LMH Health Foundation board president. “Our anniversary year is a time to honor all that donors have made possible in creating this extraordinary institution.”

From the first Penny Jones Open Golf Tournament in 1982 to the record transfer of support of $3.5 million dollars to LMH Health in 2018, LMH Health Foundation remains committed to serving the hospital and local residents.

Rebecca Smith, LMH Health Foundation executive director, says that community hospitals are evolving and becoming more integrated into their communities.

“Our founders created an avenue for our community to invest its own health and wellbeing,” said Smith. “This year is an opportunity to celebrate their role as catalysts. We also know that the role of the community hospital is evolving. LMH Health has grown to serve a much larger purpose, asking what it means to be a healthy community and finding new ways to be a true partner in lifelong health.”

In 2018, Lawrence Memorial Hospital became LMH Health – a change meant to recognize the expanding role that the hospital plays in creating a healthy community. LMH Endowment Association followed in 2019 by rebranding to LMH Health Foundation.

Nationally and locally, hospital leaders are looking at a dramatically changing healthcare landscape.

Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO, said, “We now see data such as the discrepancy of eight years in life expectancy in two adjacent zip codes in Lawrence as part of our work in healthcare equity. It was there before but now we are expanding our role in the community. LMH Health is moving toward the broader determinants of health into areas like behavioral health, housing and food scarcity.”

LMH Health Foundation is evolving to remain aligned with LMH Health in addressing community issues. This year, the foundation is expanding its Help & Healing Fund – typically used to assist patients with medication and durable medical equipment – to address food scarcity, health screenings and transportation.

Richard Orchard, MD, Lawrence ophthalmologist for 33 years, has watched LMH Health and the foundation transform over the years. Before his retirement, Dr. Orchard served as chief of staff at LMH Health and as a member of the LMH Health Foundation board of directors. He currently serves on the LMH Health Foundation finance committee, a role he has held for the past 12 years.

Dr. Orchard and his wife, Georgia, say they support LMH Health to help purchase equipment and attract quality doctors and nurses.

“We’re lucky to have a top-notch hospital in Lawrence,” said Dr. Orchard. “Many people – physicians, community members, and business owners – have invested in LMH Health over the years and that has made all the difference. It truly is the community’s hospital.”

At its annual meeting in February, LMH Health Foundation kicked off its 50th anniversary by announcing a record amount of support to LMH Health. As part of the continuing celebration, the foundation will host two upcoming events.

The LMH Health Foundation 50th anniversary celebration will be June 22 at the Forum at KU’s Burge Union. It promises to be a fun, 1969-themed bash, complete with ’60s- and ’70s-era décor and live music. The foundation will honor and thank those who have made LMH Health what it is today. To purchase tickets, contact Amy Addington at (785) 505-5005 or Amy.Addington@LMH.org.

“Our 50th anniversary provides an opportunity to honor the past and the evolution of the organization,” said Smith. “Rooted in Elizabeth Watkins’ thoughtful example, LMH Health Foundation celebrates how far we’ve come. To ensure our hospital is the best it can be, we still have a lot of work left to do and we will need our community’s help along the way. “

Courtney Bernard is a development coordinator for LMH Health Foundation.