Penn Community Bank is donating $30,000 to the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership to establish the Penn Community Bank Healthcare Operational Priority Emergency Fund, which will cover the cost of care for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents.
In concert with Bucks County hospitals and local officials, the HOPE Fund is established to provide resources to support individuals who are unsheltered due to COVID-19. These may include shelter clients who cannot safely return to group homes. Costs may include expenses such as space for safe isolation during illness, essential medical supplies, or personal protective equipment for clients and staffing. In addition, funds will be used to address and meet the rapidly changing needs of the Bucks County community brought about by the pandemic.
“Some of those most impacted by COVID-19 are individuals residing in group settings throughout the county. If these individuals do not need acute medical care, but are required to quarantine for a period of time, they may be left without anywhere to go or any resources to ensure their recovery,” said Kimberly Everett, BCHIP executive director. “Thanks to Penn Community Bank, the HOPE Fund will provide the financial resources to meet the needs identified by government leaders and health experts. BCHIP is grateful for Penn Community Bank’s continued involvement in promoting the health and wellbeing of all Bucks County residents.”
“As a community-first financial services provider, we’re committed to serving our region – including the most vulnerable among us,” said Jeane M. Vidoni, Penn Community Bank president and CEO. “In times like these, we’re proud to live out our mission to deliver financial resources to meet the needs of individuals and families, help businesses grow and prosper, strengthen local economies, and partner with local organizations to improve quality of life.”
The six Bucks County hospitals affiliated with BCHIP are: Grand View Health, Doylestown Health, St. Luke’s Hospital – Quakertown, Lower Bucks Hospital, Jefferson Bucks Hospital and St. Mary Medical Center. Other partners include the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Bucks County Medical Society, Bucks County Department of Health, and other community organizations and nonprofits.
The donation is Penn Community Bank’s second major contribution in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. In March, the bank partnered with the United Way of Bucks County to launch the Bucks County COVID-19 Recovery Fund, including a $25,000 initial contribution. The relief fund is being used to assist those experiencing a financial crisis as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities and transportation. To learn more and to contribute to the recovery effort, visit uwbucks.org/COVIDrecovery
