From left seated, Kristin Melville, executive director, WCA Foundation, Inc.; Jim Pullan, Jr., Foundation board chair. Standing from left, Robert Ungerer, MD, foundation grants committee board member; Brian Durniok, president, UPMC Chautauqua. The WCA Foundation recently gave a grant allocation of $609,000 to UPMC Chautauqua. The funds will support local health care projects and initiatives at the hospital. Submitted photo

UPMC Chautauqua received a grant allocation of $609,000 from the WCA Foundation Inc. at a special check signing at the hospital.

Making the check presentation to Brian Durniok, president, of UPMC Chautauqua, were Jim Pullan Jr., board chair of the WCA Foundation; Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation executive director; and Dr. Robert Ungerer, foundation grants committee board member.

The grant funds will be to help purchase medical technology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment programs, patient education programs, and employee and student scholarships.

Using technology and data analytics, UPMC Chautauqua’s newly acquired technology will be used for gastroscopes that magnify suspicious lesions, colonoscopes that detect and diagnosis colon cancer, and a physical therapy Korebalance Premiere 19 System that uses interactive technology, offering high-tech balance assessment and training. Additionally, the grant will support the procurement of a NeXus® Biofeedback System that uses technology to gain insights into the psychophysiology of health and performance. Similarly, some of the grant money will be used to enhance the quality of essential health care services that strengthen the rural health care system.

Durniok said the magnitude of this commitment from the WCA Foundation is critical.

“The foundation and their generous donors have been so amazing. Their charity to support local health care will have an enduring and lasting impact on our hospital’s mission to provide the highest level of patient care for generations to come,” Durniok said.

The foundation currently manages 50 endowment funds with total assets at nearly $19M. The foundation, established by WCA Hospital, began with an estate gift from Dr. Harold and Joyce Childress. The foundation operates as an independent 501c3 whose sole mission is to support patient care at UPMC Chautauqua. The WCA Foundation grants committee meets twice a year to determine the hospital’s greatest needs from grant requests from department administrators. The fundamental requirement is the foundation’s funds must be used by UPMC Chautauqua to support local health care.

Melville added, “The foundation board of directors and staff are extremely pleased to partner with UPMC Chautauqua. The foundation’s support emulates our belief in providing outstanding health care in rural areas. We know for certain, when care is delivered close to home, patients have far greater positive outcomes.

I grew up with a mother who worked as a surgical nurse at WCA Hospital. As a family, we shared the pride and importance of her work. Anyone has the power to transform lives in a very real way. There are so many opportunities to make an impact, and we’re grateful for gifts of every size. For generations, our work has been powered by giving–and together, we can change the landscape of health care in Chautauqua County and beyond.”

The WCA Foundation celebrates 41 years of supporting patient care, providing $10M in grant funds to the hospital since the foundation’s inception. FMI: To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact their office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Avenue, Jamestown, New York, 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.