JBS USA gives $100,000 for COVID-19 care at UCHealth Greeley Hospital

Gift made through UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation will support testing costs for underinsured and help with ongoing patient needs associated with pandemic.
By:
Aug. 25, 2020
Staff at UCHealth Greeley Hospital cared for more than 160 inpatients who had COVID-19 in the first four months of the pandemic. JBS USA recently made a gift of $100,000 to support the hospital in providing testing in the community and to assist patients facing the illness. Photo courtesy of UCHealth.

JBS USA has made a gift of $100,000 to help UCHealth Greeley Hospital provide testing and care for patients facing COVID-19.

“We are grateful for this wonderful gift from JBS USA, which will help us to care for patients in need as we continue to contend with COVID-19,” said Marilyn Schock, president of UCHealth Greeley Hospital. “The ongoing effects of the virus can be significant, and this support for our most vulnerable patients as they navigate illness and return to health is an exceptional contribution to our community.”

Since March, Greeley Hospital has cared for more than 160 inpatients who were confirmed or suspected of having COVID-19. Most recovered and were able to return home or transition to another care setting to continue their recovery.

In addition to supporting testing costs, the JBS USA gift will help patients facing financial challenges. The funds will be used to help patients in need with a variety of costs, including assistance with:

  • Meal preparation and grocery delivery while in isolation.
  • Medications and medical equipment (e.g., walker, cane, face masks, home oxygen).
  • Hotel room costs while in isolation for those who are homeless or who cannot isolate sufficiently from other household members at home.
  • Rent and utilities, particularly for uninsured patients living paycheck to paycheck or who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic.
Photo of hospital building
UCHealth Greeley Hospital opened its doors in July 2019. Just eight months later, staff at the new hospital were responding to a global pandemic as COVID-19 cases mounted in Colorado. Photo courtesy of UCHealth.

“The UCHealth team has been an amazing community partner during the COVID-19 challenge, spending countless courageous hours helping serve our city in a time of need,” said Andre Nogueira, JBS USA CEO. “JBS USA is honored to offer our support for COVID-19 testing and other important resources for members of our community who need assistance during this critical time.”

“Now, more than ever, contributions from generous partners such as JBS USA help to ensure that we can address the health and economic challenges facing our community,” said Erica Siemers, executive director of UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation. “The additional assistance we can provide because of JBS USA’s gift will help many patients and their families along their road to recovery.”

For information on COVID-19 testing through UCHealth, please click here. To find community testing locations throughout Colorado, please click here.

COVID-19 Greeley Infectious diseases Northern Colorado UCHealth Greeley Hospital UCHealth Northern Colorado Foundation

About the author

Kelly Tracer is a media relations specialist at UCHealth, based in northern Colorado. For nearly 20 years, she worked as a newspaper reporter, editor and designer before diving into the world of health care communications.

She believes there is an amazing story inside everyone and considers it an honor to get to meet and work with so many extraordinary people – patients, families, providers, volunteers and staff – every day. She is also fascinated by health care innovation and programs that empower and inspire people and families to live healthier lives.

A native of Nebraska, Kelly received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. She and her husband have two children and enjoy paddle boarding all summer and skiing all winter.