McLean Foundation gives $1 million gift to Providence

Thanks for reading!
Unlock this story and more with a free account.
By clicking “Sign up for free” you agree to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and to receive emails from Times-Standard.
Interested in a trial subscription? Explore all the offers
Already a subscriber?

Thanks for Reading! Don't miss this deal


Get Standard Digital access to enjoy this article and more

The Fortuna-based Mel & Grace McLean Foundation has announced a $1 million gift to Providence, with the majority to be spent on health care at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna.

“We felt strongly that we needed to help,” McLean Foundation President Dennis Scott said. “We feel that medical care is critical to the health of this county and that Redwood Memorial Hospital needs to continue serving the Eel River Valley. We have to have this hospital here.”

The McLean Foundation has placed stipulations on the gift, requiring that $875,000 of the $1 million be spent on patient care at Redwood Memorial Hospital. One focus will be expanding the Intensive Care Unit at the Fortuna hospital.

Additionally, the medical surgery unit at Redwood Memorial Hospital will be renovated and then renamed the Mel & Grace McLean Unit for Medical Surgical Care.

“Mel and Grace (McLean) and Gene (Lucas) would be proud of what we are doing for the medical community in Humboldt County and down here in the Eel River Valley,” Scott said, “and we feel good about carrying that on.”

A news release from Providence states that it has a commitment to Redwood Memorial Hospital, its caregivers, and patients.

“I cannot overstate the importance of Redwood Memorial Hospital continuing to serve the health care needs of our community,” said Dr. Roberta Luskin-Hawk, chief executive of Providence in Humboldt County. “We are excited about the improvements and will continue to look for new ways to enhance services at Redwood Memorial now and in the future. The McLean Foundation is an incredible community partner, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their support.”

The remaining $125,000 of the McLean Foundation gift will support expanded cancer care at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka.

The McLean Foundation gift is the first contribution to the Providence Centennial Campaign, a five-year, $25 million fundraising effort to transform health care on the North Coast by funding advancements in technology, treatment, and facilities at both Providence hospitals (Redwood Memorial and St. Joseph), and increasing access to primary care in Humboldt County.

View more on Times-Standard