Philanthropy propels growth and advancement

When Carl Thomas accepted a position on the board of directors for Baptist Health Louisville, he expected to learn more about service line specialties, offer advisement on upcoming projects, and gain knowledge about the latest technological advancements in medicine. What he didn’t expect was to discover was how ‘razor thin’ the financial margins in not-for-profit healthcare truly are.

“I have been a patient multiple times from sports injuries growing up to treatment for prostate cancer,” he said. “Baptist Health was always there when I needed them, and like many others, I believed that a hospital that serves so many patients through complex and emergent situations was bound to be highly profitable. Before I took on this role, I didn’t understand how healthcare reimbursement works, and I didn’t truly grasp the cost of medical equipment and leading-edge technology.”

After more than six years of volunteered time on the board of directors, Carl has gained a great respect for the healthcare industry. “This business is hard to be in, the staff here are literally dealing with life and death during every shift. When I began to think about the toll that takes on them, the job they are doing based on their calling to serve, I felt compelled to find a way to help them have what they needed to perform their job to the best of their ability.” 

When Carl began exploring his options, he quickly aligned with Baptist Health Foundation to offer financial support. “Philanthropy is a key component in the equation. Healthcare is able to keep the lights on and maintain staff, but philanthropic giving is what allows this hospital to grow, expand and advance to propel that care to the next level.”

Baptist Health’s faith-based mission resonates with Carl on a deeper level that allows him to know he is investing his time and dollars with an organization that isn’t caught up in dollars earned but is focused on healing the whole person and is made up of staff who are never too busy to take a moment to join you in prayer or offer a warm smile.

Carl finds comfort in knowing that every dollar donated to Baptist Health Louisville stays local to help support his friends, family and neighbors. “You can see the dollars at work. Baptist Health is rising to meet growing demands. We are on the move as an organization, and as a region, we are working to increase access to care and helping to ensure that those who need that care can get it despite prohibitive barriers. Baptist Health is part of our ecosystem here, and when it thrives, we all will.”