History
Palm Healthcare Foundation was created in July 2001 as the successor to Good Samaritan Medical Center Foundation and St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation. Staying true to our heritage, grantees of the Palm Healthcare Foundation represent the diversity of needs and ideas in Palm Beach County.
Palm Healthcare Foundation’s Milestones
2001
Palm Healthcare Foundation (PHF) is established.
PHF makes its first grant to the Palm Beach County Medical Society in support of what has become the
nationally acclaimed countywide Healthcare Emergency Response Coalition (HERC).
2002
PHF launches the foundation’s Healthcare Workforce Partnership.
PHF awards $2.7 Million to 14 Area Agencies through its first open grants cycle
H.O.W (Hearing the Ovarian Cancer Whisper) a program of Palm Healthcare Foundation is founded by
ovarian cancer survivor, Jacquie T. Liggett.
PHF funds the Nursing Leadership Institute at the Florida Atlantic University Christine E. Lynn College of
Nursing.
PHF awards $150,000 to 70 students for its first nursing and healthcare scholarships.
2003
PHF and WPTV NewsChannel 5 host their first Nursing Celebration Dinner and present the Nurse of Distinction Awards. Anne Swan, RN, MSN, CCRN is named the first “Nurse of the Year.”
PHF holds its first “Grantee Retreat” for its grantee family.
PHF and Tenet partnered with a grant of 1.2 million dollars to establish a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
PHF awards a three year grant to Alzheimer’s Community Care, Inc. in collaboration with the Hispanic Human Resources Council to address the unmet needs of the Hispanic population diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
2004
PHF launches the programs of the Nursing Education Initiative, including primary and secondary school outreach efforts, a faculty development initiative and the Preceptor of Excellence program.
PHF collaborates with Allegany Franciscan Ministry, Inc. to create the Lorraine Gallagher Freimann Initiative in support of programs that increase access to culturally competent healthcare services.
Peggy Karrh, RN, BSN, MSN, CNA named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s and The Palm Beach Post’s “Nurse of the Year.”
2005
PHF awards Palm Beach Community College a grant to establish an innovative night and weekend nursing program for students unable to attend traditional school during the day.
PHF, in partnership with the Nursing Shortage Consortium of South Florida, launches the Florida Nursing Resource Center.
PHF collaborates with other public and private funders to develop the Center for Nonprofit Excellence to help non profits strengthen their administrative and operational abilities.
Judy Campbell, RN, ARNP, MSN, Ed.S, Ed.D named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s and The Palm Beach Post’s “Nurse of the Year.”
2006
PHF purchases the future site of the Palm Healthcare Foundation Pavilion, home of the Mollie Wilmot Center.
Lois Gackenheimer, RN, NHA named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s and The Palm Beach Post’s “Nurse of the Year.”
PHF celebrates its fifth anniversary with our grantee family, friends and volunteers.
2007
First Cohort of Novice Nurse Leadership Institute (NNLI) graduate.
Palm Healthcare Foundation is recognized for its work with HERC to become a model project for the nation.
Jimmy Smith, RN, is named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s “Nurse of the Year.”
2008
Palm Healthcare Foundation awards 1 million dollars to Lakeside Medical Center to name a dietary and nutrition center and ongoing health and wellness programs in the Glades.
Palm Healthcare Foundation hosts preview party at the new Palm Healthcare Pavilion. Dr. Mehmet Oz is keynote presenter. Palm Healthcare partners with Dr. Mehmet Oz to create visibility for Palm Healthcare Pavilion.
First patients of Children’s Medical Services are treated at their new home at the Palm Healthcare Pavilion.
Gary Reardon, RN, is named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s “Nurse of the Year.”
2009
Dr. Oz addresses donors at Palm Healthcare Pavilion on March 20, 2009
Nursing Celebration Pre-Event is held at Palm Healthcare Pavilion on March 13, 2009
HealthCorps Highway to Health Fair takes place at Palm Healthcare Pavilion on August 18, 2009
Jennifer Mainor, RN, MSN, is named Palm Healthcare Foundation’s “Nurse of the Year.”
Palm Healthcare Pavilion attains silver LEED certification status (Green Building)
Palm Healthcare Pavilion is complete. Official Grand Opening is held May 18, 2009.
2010
Palm Healthcare Pavilion hosts Fashion Show at Flagler Museum to benefit Mollie Wilmot Center.
More than 250 attendees take part in free screenings, health talks and entertainment at 2010 Heatlhcorps Highway to Health Event at Palm Healthcare Pavilion.
Diabetes Education and Research Center offers support groups for teens and adults.
The Health Professions Simulation Center offers competency training to local hospitals in Palm Beach County.
Palm Healthcare Foundation enters in to the mental health funding arena.
2010 is a record breaking year for grant investment in our community ---$4,882,327.
Since 2001, Palm Healthcare Foundation has Invested nearly $45 million to over 100 local non-profit organizations in Palm Beach County operating over 130 programs.