Major gift to Community Health Network Foundation establishes endowment to benefit mentally-ill patients
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Anita J. Harden, R.N., MSN, MBA and president emeritus of Community Hospital East, announced she has made a $60,000 gift to Community Health Network Foundation to establish an endowment to benefit mentally-ill patients in central Indiana. Harden made the announcement during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held today to celebrate the completed renovation of the new Behavioral Health Pavilion, located on the Community North Campus.
Harden explained the funds will establish the Anita J. Harden Endowment to Benefit the Seriously and Persistently Mentally Ill and will be used to provide education, training and necessities needed to improve the quality of life for central Indiana patients diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness. These programs and services, not normally covered by insurance or publicly-funded sources, will attempt to prevent hospitalization and support the patients’ on-going daily living needs.
“My donation is an investment in creating a way for these patients to live with respect and be treated with compassion as we help them manage their lives,” Harden said. “This is my opportunity to ensure the patients I love, so many times called the ‘lost population,’ will be cared for in perpetuity.”
Harden began her Community Health Network career as a behavioral health nurse coordinator and later served as vice president of behavioral health, providing leadership to develop Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive mental health services program.
During the dedication, she was recognized for her long-term commitment to advocating compassionate care for behavioral health patients and for the 35 years of service she offered Community until recently retiring.
Michele Thomas Dole, Community Health Network Foundation President and CEO, expressed her gratitude for the gift and said it will change the treatment path for patients living with mental illness.
“Anita’s gift will put the needs of these often over-looked patients first, giving them the assistance and respect they need to manage their lives,” Dole said. “She is a philanthropic leader and we appreciate her gift that will support generations of patients.”
Donors who want to support the growth of this endowment can call Community Health Network Foundation at 317-355-GIVE or make an online donation.
