$2 million gift to support our employees with emergency costs and PPE, and fund research

In recognition of our work on addressing COVID-19, the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation has given University of Iowa Health Care a $2 million gift to help us overcome the pandemic. The gift will be used for current and future expenses associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the COVID-19 virus; to aid front-line health care workers with emergency childcare, housing, and food costs; and personal protective equipment purchases.

“This is a tremendous gift, and, shows how others recognize the important work our people do here, especially those on the front lines,” says Suresh Gunasekaran, MBA, chief executive officer of UI Hospitals & Clinics, and associate vice president for UI Health Care. “In times like these, there are added demands on our health care workers. They need to continue caring for their patients while keeping their families and themselves safe without the usual support mechanisms, such as child-care. This will be a great help.

“The donation will also be helpful in supporting the research we already have underway for the treatment and prevention of COVID19,” says Gunasekaran.

Governor Kim Reynolds provided a video message to thank the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation and UI Health Care Staff.

Information about how the funds will be dispersed will be communicated when it has been determined.

Richard O. Jacobson Foundation has helped us before

The Richard O. Jacobson Foundation has supported UI Health Care before, including a $4.5 million gift to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital in 2019. The foundation was created in 1976 by distinguished businessman and philanthropist Richard “Dick” Orrin Jacobson, who attended the University of Iowa as a member of the class of 1958. For 45 years, the foundation has focused its grant activities in the following areas: education, including primary, secondary, and higher education; youth development; and medical research.