Philanthropy: An investment in an entire community

For Jonathan Westbrook, it all started at Baptist Health, literally. As the oldest of four children, Jonathan was the first child his parents delivered with the help of the labor and delivery staff at Baptist Health La Grange. Although, he recalls the most memorable birth was of his youngest brother who became a family celebrity when his parents were interviewed on their way to bring him into the world, and who ended up in a televised commercial before he drew his first breath.

“In a roundabout way, Baptist Health has always been a part of my life,” he said. “I was born here, my siblings were born here, and when it came time to have my own children, there wasn’t a doubt in my mind about where that would happen. It’s full circle in a way, I was one of four children born at Baptist Health, and now my wife and I have had four children at Baptist Health.”

When Jonathan’s grandfather joined the board of Baptist Health Louisville and played a small role in the expansion of healthcare into Oldham County, Jonathan had no idea how big of a role that would play in his own life.

“It’s little things and it’s big things,” he said. “Baptist Health delivered my children, but they also treated me when I had a broken leg and needed surgery. They were essential in my mother’s battle with breast cancer. They’ve been with my family through our happiest moments and times of crippling uncertainty. When I was offered the opportunity to serve on the board of directors, I didn’t hesitate to say ‘yes’ so that I could try to do my part in giving back to an organization who has never failed to be there when I needed it.”

Through his time spent serving the community through his seat on the board of directors, Jonathan has had the opportunity to witness the growth of Baptist Health over the past several years with a unique perspective.

“It’s rare to be able to experience healthcare as a patient and someone who is seeing the big picture,” he said. “I am hearing from men and women who are passionate about the expansion of care into other communities. Baptist Health Louisville is close to me, but through the addition of Baptist Health La Grange, healthcare was brought to my doorstep. With the projects that are coming down the pike, access to healthcare is only going to increase. While that may not seem like a big deal, it is invaluable to those who may not have the resources to travel even short distances to get the care they need or in emergent situations where every second counts.”

Jonathan deems his support of Baptist Health Foundation as a “no-brainer.” “I am confident in the future of Baptist Health, and I am certain that through my support, I am helping to ensure the well-being of my friends, family and neighbors, but I am also able to help strangers I have never met. Healthcare touches us all, and an investment in that, is not only an investment in the future, it is an investment in an entire community.”