Brittany Lebling, Director of Communications, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Southwestern Medical Foundation is a public charitable corporation and registered 501(c)(3) organization established in 1939 to inspire and advance progress in medicine. The Foundation connects the vision of donors with highly innovative programs and serves as a sustainable funding source for leading-edge research, medical education, and patient care.
We are reminded in times such as these of the elegance of philanthropy in our country. It comes in sizes large and small, from places one doesn’t expect, and it moves with speed and agility to step into gaps and solve problems we face in ingenious ways. We are witnessing such a time of nimble, solutions-driven leadership as COVID-19 comes to the Dallas Region.
“As we have throughout our history, the Foundation’s philanthropic community leaders are working side-by-side its medical leaders to meet the health care needs and challenges our community will face,” said Kathleen M. Gibson, President and CEO of the Southwest Medical Foundation. “It is through this partnership that our leaders have ensured our extraordinary progress in medicine. And, it is through this partnership that our leaders will ensure the progress we seek today.”
COVID-19 Response Fund in Support of UT Southwestern
Southwestern Medical Foundation established a COVID-19 Response Fund, which directly benefits UT Southwestern Medical Center’s efforts.
As the situation rapidly evolves, UT Southwestern is prepared to care for large volumes of patients with the virus and is increasing internal testing capabilities to meet growing demand. The medical center is also participating in clinical trials in order to bring the latest COVID-19 treatments to patients.
Additionally, UT Southwestern has ongoing research efforts in order to define understanding of the mechanisms and structure of this new coronavirus. Research will inform how UT Southwestern can monitor the virus, intervene, and ultimately improve its approach to prevention.
To learn more about the response fund, please visit swmedical.org/covid19. Those looking to make donations of personal protection equipment (PPE) should contact the Office of Development & Alumni Relations at UT Southwestern at giving@utsouthwestern.edu or 214.648.8988.
Spreading Joy Not Germs
In addition to sharing regular updates on our social media channels, the Foundation recently launched a social media campaign that asks the community to share messages of gratitude and inspiration to frontline medical workers. You can participate by completing the following:
- Make a post on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram using the hashtags #heartofhealthcare and #SWMFCares. Feel free to get creative – photos, illustrations, videos, and Instagram stories are all welcome.
OR
- Send an email with a message, photo, video, scanned letter/drawing.
Sharing Credible Resources
Like many in our community, the Foundation curated and regularly updates a resource page to keep its donors and partners well-informed. You can visit this resource-rich page at swmedical.org/coronavirus.