Meeting real needs of real people

When Paul Bradford and his wife, Kelsie, were ready to start a family, there was only one place they were willing to turn: Baptist Health Paducah. With the help of their healthcare team at Baptist Health, the Bradfords were able to overcome some initial fertility challenges and welcome two healthy baby boys to complete their small family.

“The experience we had with every staff member we came into contact with exceeded our expectations,” Paul said. “The assistance and support we had in our healthcare team as Kelsie and I started our family is something I will always be grateful for.”

Paul, an attorney at Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub, PLLC, spends most of his day concentrating on trusts, estate planning and probate administration, but found time in his busy schedule to join the Baptist Health Foundation Paducah board of directors. “I have always seen the value in having robust healthcare available locally, but through this role, I have been able to see the depth of the lifeline Baptist Health Paducah plays in McCracken County and the entire regional area.”

Paul views Baptist Health Paducah as a pillar of the community that facilitates community growth and enhances quality of life for local residents. One of Paul’s biggest takeaways from his board involvement is the understanding of hospital financials, including the margins by which the facility runs and the impact of philanthropic dollars.

“I have a front row seat to how Baptist Health is leveraging donated dollars for the greater good,” Paul said. “Previously, I believed that all hospitals were flush with cash, but now I understand that they only see a fraction of the revenue generated from patient care. Philanthropic support is essential for not only breaking down barriers to care for those who can’t afford it, but to filling in the gaps by funding necessary projects that aren’t able to fit within approved budgets. Charitable dollars are for more than extras, it plays a huge part in updating equipment, advancing technology and renovating our facilities.”

Paul has witnessed firsthand that a dollar donated means a dollar reinvested in local healthcare, where a dollar earned from patient care only provides cents towards projects that enhance the patient experience.

“Baptist Health is filtering real needs from real people, and if you pay attention, you can see that in action,” Paul said. “Baptist Health Paducah isn’t only invested in our community, it is invested in the health and well-being of each of us, and that is something I am passionate about investing back in.”