The City of Chattanooga is making a major capital contribution of $1 million to aid in the construction of the new Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. The City is committing these funds in honor of the children and families cared for by the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger after the Woodmore Elementary School bus tragedy on Nov. 21.
“Our city and region need a facility to match the medical care children receive at Erlanger,” says Mayor Andy Berke. “With this investment, we can ensure the highest level of care for future generations of Chattanoogans.”
“The doctors, nurses and staff of the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger provide the utmost care and compassion to the patients and families they serve. This was never clearer than during the days after the Woodmore bus tragedy, with the care provided to the children and families at the Pediatric ICU,” says Berke. “I was inspired to see these medical professionals at work, as it was truly a reflection of the talent and heart of this hospital.”
The City of Chattanooga will commit a total of $1 million over the next four years toward construction of the new facility. In addition, the city will work with representatives of the hospital and the Woodmore families to determine the most appropriate way to recognize the children and families impacted by the Woodmore bus tragedy.
“We were all affected by the horrific events of Nov. 21 – as councilpersons, parents and community members – and we felt there must be something more we can do,” says Moses Freeman, council chairman. “This is just one more opportunity for the City of Chattanooga to show that it cares for all of its children.”
During visits with families devastated by the Woodmore bus crash, Berke says he was inspired by the care, compassion and dedication of the Erlanger staff.
“The City of Chattanooga is responding to the call for action to create a new children’s hospital for this region,” says Don Mueller, CEO of Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. “Our hope is that this announcement will spur on additional support from our community.”
About three of four children in Tennessee are seen at non-children’s emergency facilities. Of children who needed care in 2012, only 23 percent were seen at a comprehensive regional pediatric center like Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, which is one of only four in the state. The City’s contribution is intended to help provide the highest care for the youngest citizens in Chattanooga and will memorialize the Woodmore victims.
For more information on the new Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, visit www.webelieve.build.
Source: City of Chattanooga