Two local entities have received millions of dollars from the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
Abbott House, a special-needs care center for girls, and Avera Queen of Peace Hospital were the recipients of $3.5 million and $2 million, respectively.
Overall, more than $13.5 million was donated to the Avera Health System by the Helmsley Trust, which is administered by five family members of the late hoteliers, including Walt Panzirer, a former Mitchell resident and one-time candidate for Davison County sheriff.
The announcement of the donations came today, primarily at a ceremony in Sioux Falls.
The $13.5 million donated to the Avera system is to be used in innovative initiatives that will transform rural health care delivery at the national level. In Mitchell, Avera Queen of Peace will use its $2 million grant to create greater access to sophisticated cancer services in the hospital's 19-county region.
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"Avera's vision for transforming rural health care delivery achieves national recognition today, and we are grateful for the opportunity to accelerate its implementation," said Avera President and CEO John T. Porter. The model engages Avera's robust technology and communication platform to improve patient safety and provide 24-hour rural access to specialty care physicians and pharmacists.
The Abbott House donation will help the facility with its $7.8 million capital campaign and the construction of an addition.
Said Abbott House Executive Director Eric Klooz: "This gift has given us a great start to our campaign. Now, we need help from the citizens of South Dakota to fully implement a Trauma-Informed Care program that will give more at-risk young girls 'Another Chance at Youth.' "
For more on the Helmsley Trust grants, look for updates on this site or read Wednesday's print edition of The Daily Republic.
