Building a Healthier Wilson Community Together

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson is a public foundation that was established in February 2014 when Wilson Medical Center was purchased by Duke LifePoint Healthcare. The assets received, as well as prior hospital reserves, provide the funding for the responsive and strategic grants awarded and many of the physical improvements to the hospital. The Foundation’s mission is to invest in collaborative efforts that influence and measurably improve the health and wellness of the greater Wilson community. Since the first grants were issued in 2016, over $56.7 million dollars have been expended. Grants issued must support at least one of the four focus areas of the Foundation. The focus areas were derived from the Community Health Needs Assessment issued jointly by the Foundation, Wilson County Health Department, and Wilson Medical Center.  The focus areas are:

  • Access to Healthcare
  • Active Living / Healthy Eating
  • Alcohol / Substance Misuse
  • Behavioral / Mental Health

The Foundation remains committed to creating a healthier Wilson community and looks forward to more collaborative partnerships in the future.

News Update

In a specially called meeting, the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson board of directors voted to exercise its put option to sell its ownership in the Wilson Medical Center. This strategic realignment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to adapting and evolving in response to the community’s changing health landscape.

Learn more here.

Featured Story: HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION OF WILSON AWARDS $6.5 MILLION IN STRATEGIC GRANTS

 WILSON, N.C. (Aug. 7, 2024) – The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson board of directors has approved two new strategic grants to support community projects that focus on solutions to some of the greatest health challenges for the Wilson community. The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson provides funding to address four of the community’s greatest health concerns: access to health care, active and healthy living, substance misuse, and mental health.

“Each year, the Foundation is proud to provide financial support to organizations in Wilson County that are both community-focused and solution-oriented with measurable outcomes,” shared Paula Benson, executive director.

“This year is no different, and we are excited to announce awards totaling $6.5 million in funding,” continued Kurt Schmidt, Foundation chair. “Each of the grantees has shown a commitment to supporting one or more of the Foundation’s focus areas, and we are confident that Wilson will be positively impacted by this award.”

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson aims to use these grants to improve the overall health and well-being of the Wilson County area and its people.

The first recipient is Barton College. Barton College was awarded $6 million to support the expansion of the Health Sciences program, which includes the renovations of the Moye Science Building and the creation of a simulation hospital in the Nixon Nursing Building.

“We are grateful for a strong partnership with the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson, which signals our mutual commitment to enhancing the health and wellness of our community,” said Dr. Douglas N. Searcy, president of Barton College. “This direct and meaningful investment in our School of Health Sciences, in turn, will have a direct and meaningful impact for Wilson. Barton will leverage this grant to educate and graduate students who will have an immediate, positive impact in the workforce.”

The second recipient is Wilson Arts Center. The Wilson Arts Center was awarded $500,000 to support the completion of Phase Two of their construction project, adding a makerspace and multiple art studio classrooms.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson to bring our makerspace studios and classroom programming space to life,” said Cathy Hardison, director of the Wilson Arts Center. “This collaboration will significantly impact the mental health and well-being of the Wilson community by providing creative outlets and fostering a sense of belonging and support. Together, we are building a brighter, healthier future through the power of the arts.”

About the Healthcare Foundation of Wilson

The Healthcare Foundation of Wilson is a public foundation that was established in 2014 when Duke LifePoint Healthcare purchased Wilson Medical Center. The assets received, as well as prior hospital reserves, provide the funding for the responsive and strategic grants awarded and many of the physical improvements to the hospital. The Foundation’s mission is to invest in collaborative efforts that influence and measurably improve the health and wellness of the Greater Wilson community. Since the first grants were issued in 2016, over $56.7 million has been expended. The Foundation remains committed to creating a healthier Wilson community and looks forward to more collaborative partnerships in the future.