The Bradford Hospital Foundation is entering a new chapter with a new name, expanded mission and renewed commitment to the health and well-being of the Bradford region.

Effective immediately, the organization will be known as the Bradford Healthcare Foundation.

The name change reflects an important evolution and the foundation’s continued commitment to supporting healthcare services and improving access to care for residents throughout the Bradford region.

The Bradford Healthcare Foundation will continue to foster philanthropic support for healthcare on the Bradford campus, working collaboratively with healthcare providers and organizations to help ensure local residents have access to essential healthcare services close to home.

Growing Care Through Giving

The foundation’s mission statement is:

“Fostering philanthropic resources to protect and advance essential healthcare access across the Bradford region.”

Its new tagline, “Growing Care Through Giving,” is represented by a new tree logo — a symbol of growth, strength, community and a lasting commitment to the future of healthcare in Bradford.

“The Bradford Healthcare Foundation represents both where we are today and where we are going,” said Stacy Shotts Williams, executive director of the Bradford Healthcare Foundation. “Our community has a long history of coming together to support local healthcare, and our donors have entrusted us with resources intended to improve the health of the people we serve. Our responsibility is to honor that trust and ensure those philanthropic resources continue to benefit healthcare in the Bradford region.”

Expanding reach

As part of its expanded mission, the Bradford Healthcare Foundation has also assumed oversight of the Meals on Wheels program. The program provides nutritious meals to individuals throughout McKean County and plays an important role in helping older adults and others remain healthy, independent and connected to their communities.

Bringing Meals on Wheels under the foundation’s umbrella reflects a broader understanding of healthcare — that supporting the health of a community goes beyond medical treatment and includes addressing the basic needs that help people remain healthy and independent in their own homes.

“Our commitment to healthcare extends beyond traditional healthcare settings,” Williams said. “Programs like Meals on Wheels are an important part of a healthy community. By supporting access to nutritious meals and helping people remain independent in their homes, we are addressing an important piece of overall health and well-being.”

Honoring donors and protecting their legacy

The foundation’s board of directors has worked through a period of significant change in local healthcare to preserve the organization’s ability to support the Bradford community and honor the intentions of Bradford-area donors.

The board remains committed to being a good steward of donor-restricted funds and ensuring that equipment and resources purchased with those funds are used in accordance with donor intent and continue to benefit the healthcare needs of Bradford-area residents.

The foundation’s expanded mission allows it to remain focused on its philanthropic purpose while maintaining the flexibility to support healthcare services on the Bradford campus.

“Our donors have always been at the heart of this foundation,” board Chairman Shane Oschman said. “They gave because they believed in better healthcare for their families, friends and neighbors. The Bradford Healthcare Foundation is committed to honoring those gifts and ensuring that future gifts continue to make a difference right here in our community.”

The Bradford Healthcare Foundation will continue to identify opportunities to strengthen healthcare access, support important healthcare initiatives, steward donor-supported resources and invest in programs that improve the health and quality of life of people throughout the Bradford region.

“Growing Care Through Giving” reflects the foundation’s vision for the future — planting the seeds of philanthropy today so that quality healthcare and community support can continue to grow for generations to come.

For more information about the Bradford Healthcare Foundation, its mission or opportunities to support local healthcare and community programs, contact the foundation at (814) 362-3200.