In 1998, the Akron General Development Foundation created the Community Health Initiative Fund, the first fund to provide support to outside community organizations. We are now implementing this effort on a Health System-wide program through the Department of Community Health Initiatives.

In 2008, the Foundation awarded $45,000 in community partnership grants. Included were grants to The University of Akron School of Nursing for their Free Clinic, to the ACHR Center for community health and Healthy Connections for development of a plan of access to care for the uninsured. An initiative started by Dr. Terry Gordon received a second $2.5 million grant in 2007 to provide each Ohio school with an AED unit. We have now awarded an AED to over 4,200 schools and trained over 10,000 people in the use of the equipment and CPR lifesaving procedures.

Akron General Health System also supports our community for better health and economic growth. Read more about how we're giving back in the Akron General Health System 2008 Community Benefit Report.