Expanding the familiarity of Baptist Health's compassionate care
For many Kentucky residents, Dave Baker’s voice is a familiar one; the WKYT sports anchor has long been the announcer behind University of Kentucky pregame shows and telecasts.
It’s a hand-in-hand association similar to the one Baptist Health has among Kentuckians. “I think people feel a real comfort and familiarity with Baptist that continues to serve us to this day,” notes Baker.
These days, Baker is reminded of the comfort and compassion Baptist Health brought his own family following the birth and NICU stays of his twins 23 years ago. He says he runs into Baptist staff who still ask about them today.
Currently a member of the Baptist Health Onward as One Campaign Cabinet and the Baptist Health Lexington Administration Board, Baker is also passionate about the accessibility Baptist brings to Kentucky.
“Sixty percent of our patients come from outside Fayette County,” notes Baker. “The new hospital under construction at Hamburg, right off of Interstate 75, is really the first opportunity for people outside Fayette County to come here and get the healthcare they need.”
With his own involvement at the hospital dating back to the 1980s, Baker feels there’s never been a better time to support Baptist Health, specifically referencing the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hospitals were able to continue to give great medical care, while also facing some really challenging financial waters,” he says.
Moving forward, Baker says it’s time to step up and walk with Baptist Health to continue the compassionate care they have always offered. “The things we talk about at the Foundation cabinet level are time, talent and treasure,” he explains. “If you can give any of those three, that’s what we’re asking people to do.”
A 2022 Kentucky Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame inductee, Baker, who recently celebrated 41 years with WKYT, is proud that members of the community tie his name to Baptist’s — much the way they tie his name to local news and Kentucky athletics.
“The most satisfying experience is to have someone call me and say, ‘hey, can you connect me with so-and-so at Baptist. That not only says to me that people know and respect and appreciate the Baptist reputation, but it humbles me that they associate me with it as well. That’s the real joy for me.”
The Dawn of a Healthier Tomorrow
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