WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital been awarded a $50,000 grant from the Ralph and Josephine Smith Fund at the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP). This generous grant will go toward initiatives at the hospital aimed at boosting patient care through improved emergency department efficiency and enhanced patient assistance programs.

The grant directly supports the hospital’s 2025 Patient Care Efficiency and Support Project which focuses on two critical areas:

1. Patient Assistance Fund – This fund helps patients meet essential needs upon discharge, including social drivers of health including transportation, food, shelter and clothing, as well as prescription costs and durable medical equipment. By providing short-term support, the fund ensures smoother transitions from hospital to home, reducing delays in patient discharge and streamlining much-needed bed space for new admissions.
2. Emergency Department Efficiency Initiative – As patient volumes and their sickness severities continue to rise, improving efficiency is a top priority. This initiative aims to reduce wait times, alleviate overcrowding, and improve overall patient experience and staff workflow, particularly for those requiring extended care due to medical or mental health conditions.

“We are incredibly grateful to the First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania for their continued support of our mission,” said Donna Schuck, executive director, Evangelical Community Hospital Foundation. “This funding will directly impact the quality of care we provide to our patients, ensuring that those in need receive timely assistance and that our emergency department can best accommodate the growing demands of our community.”

The 2025 Patient Care Efficiency and Support Project aligns with WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital’s ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, compassionate healthcare. The grant will enable the hospital to implement meaningful improvements that benefit both patients and medical staff, reinforcing its role as a cornerstone of health care excellence in the region.