CoxHealth receives $200K donation

CoxHealth was awarded a $200,000 donation from The Sunderland Foundation.

The funds are earmarked to help cover the costs of equipment, such as respiratory and monitoring systems, at Cox South's new COVID-19 unit, according to a news release. CoxHealth spokeswoman Kaitlyn McConnell said the donation helps to reimburse the health care system for equipment that’s already been purchased for the unit.

“This unit is what allows CoxHealth to be ready today, and in the days to come, as we continue to face the challenges of the coronavirus on the health of our local community,” said Lisa Alexander, president of the CoxHealth Foundation, in the release.

The Sunderland Foundation, established in 1945 by Ash Grove Cement Co. President Lester Sunderland, supports nonprofits with an emphasis on brick-and-mortar projects. It has helped to financially back past CoxHealth projects, including the new Cox Monett Hospital and Cox College's renovation in north Springfield.

The foundation's gift follows a $700,000 donation from Prime Inc. that reimbursed CoxHealth for construction costs incurred for the COVID-19 unit on the fifth floor of Cox South's tower.

The unit was completed April 9, on time with a swift two-week schedule. J.E. Dunn Construction Co. led the work to create the 51-bed unit with some 20 subcontractors and 12 suppliers. Costs for the unit were kept at a minimum with partially donated labor and supplies, but $700,000 in expenses remained.

McConnell said the COVID-19 unit has not been used. It’s meant for overflow care if other areas of the hospital are overwhelmed by coronavirus patients.

In Greene County, confirmed coronavirus cases were 96 as of this morning, according to the city of Springfield’s website. The virus has resulted in eight deaths in the county.