Iris and Michael S. Smith Donate $1 Million to Purchase Ventilators at Holtz Children's Hospital and Support Front-Line Workers at Jackson Health System

MIAMI, June 11, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​​​​​Jackson Health Foundation announced today that philanthropists Iris and Michael S. Smith have donated $1 million to support young patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital and front-line workers at Jackson Health System.

"Since the start of this pandemic, we have seen philanthropists in our community step up to help with food, supplies and equipment as part of our “We Are Jackson Health” initiative,” said Flavia Llizo, executive vice president and chief development officer at Jackson Health Foundation. “This donation from Iris and Michael S. Smith means so much to us and will go a long way in helping to keep our young patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital and our front-line staff at Jackson safe as they continue to fight COVID-19.”

Part of the donation will be used to purchase much-needed ventilators for patients at Holtz Children’s Hospital. Two children are currently in intensive care at Holtz Children’s with a potentially deadly pediatric illness linked to COVID-19, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describe as “multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children or MIS-C. The remaining funds will be used to support front-line workers at Jackson Health System.

"We are so grateful to Iris and Michael S. Smith for this donation,” said Don Steigman, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Jackson Health System. “Their generosity will enable Jackson to continue providing the highest quality care to our patients as the fight against COVID-19 continues.”

To learn about ways you can help Jackson Health System continue the fight against COVID-19 (coronavirus), visit www.SupportJHF.org/WeAreJacksonHealth or call (305) 585-GIVE (4483).

About Jackson Health Foundation

Jackson Health Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the fundraising arm for Jackson Health System, the most comprehensive healthcare provider in South Florida and the largest public hospital in the country. Through the generosity of compassionate donors, the Foundation seeks private philanthropic funds to improve the System’s facilities, provide the most advanced equipment and technology, and support its priority projects. The Foundation’s fundraising efforts allow Jackson Health System to provide life-saving medical care to all of its patients, regardless of financial need, and improve health care delivery, enhance the hospital experience for patients, and promote wellness and preventive medicine. Jackson Health Foundation offers several fundraising programs, including the Golden Angel Society, the Foundation’s premier giving society; Guardian Angels, who are dedicated to supporting Holtz Children’s Hospital; International Kids Fund Wonderfund™, a global outreach program that provides medical care to children from around the world who cannot be treated in their home countries. Founded in 1991, the Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors committed to philanthropic activities that, to date, have raised over $140 million to benefit Jackson Health System. For more information about Jackson Health Foundation, please visit www.SupportJHF.org or call 305.585.GIVE (4483).

Media Contact:                                                                                                                   
Jackson Health Foundation     
Tasha Cunningham   
[email protected]
Phone: 305-335-8466  ​​

Source: Jackson Health Foundation