Raising funds for health care often a personal connection

When people give to hospitals, it’s often because their connection is personal. They’ve been patients themselves, seen loved ones receive care, or trained and worked within the system.

“Health care philanthropy is deeply personal,” Greg Sanders, vice president of philanthropy at MetroHealth in Cleveland, said. “Many of our donors have experienced exceptional care firsthand, and they want to make sure others have that same access, regardless of their ability to pay.”

Hospitals rely on philanthropy to bridge the gap between what patient care costs and what insurance or government funding covers.

“Our mission is to provide accessible and exceptional care to all,” Sanders said. “That’s noble – but it’s also expensive.”

Some donors give out of gratitude. Others want to honor a family member