Bloomington Health Foundation

We've proudly served the greater Bloomington
community for more than 60 years

2024

Bloomington Health Foundation announces the Mental Health Collaborative, a multiyear, multimillion-dollar investment dedicated to enhancing mental health outcomes in and around Monroe County. By bringing together business leaders, service providers, nonprofits, lawmakers, clinicians, and concerned citizens, we aim to address the significant and complex challenges that impact mental health access and support.
2020s

In 2020, Bloomington Health Foundation collaborates with other community funding partners to provide a lead gift of $210,000 to establish the Stride Center, which provides a safe and caring place of transition for people suffering from substance use and mental health disorders. In 2021, we help fund the launch of Cancer Support Community South Central Indiana, and commit $1.5 million as part of an ongoing, multi-year grant. In 2022, we award a multi-year grant to Youth First, which has provided more than 2,400 students free access to programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success.

Bloomington Health Foundation awards grants totaling $292,000 to support medically underserved and vulnerable populations, including the unhoused community and those living in shelters, including funds to hire a Family Nurse Practitioner at HealthNet Bloomington, which expands their medical services for the Homeless Initiative Project from one day a week to five days a week. As a result of this program, HealthNet Bloomington has earned national recognition and one of only two 2023 Street Medicine Institute mentoring awards.
2010s

In 2011, over $3 million is raised to open an 8-bed inpatient Hospice House that quickly expands to a 12-bed facility in 2013. IN 2013, the New Beginnings campaign raises $720,000 to provide critical upgrades to the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, allowing the Hospital to care for premature babies close to home. In 2014, the Bloomington Hospital Foundation’s Trauma Campaign raises $320,000 to provide critical upgrades to the Hospital’s Trauma Department, which later earned Level III Trauma Center verification. In 2017, the Bloomington Hospital Foundation marks 50 official years of impacting healthcare in South Central Indiana., and in 2018, the organization expands its impact to include broader community health initiatives and rebrands to become the Bloomington Health Foundation.
2000s

The Foundation kicks off the century with its inaugural Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5k. In 2001, BHF raises a then-record $1 million and the Bloomington Hospital brakes ground on a helipad, thanks to a donor drive of more than $130,000. 2007 sees the opening of a newly-renovated Cardiac Cath Lab, thanks to a $1.4 million allocation from the Bloomington Hospital Auxiliary. The Tichenor Fund for Children’s Therapy is created to ensure that children with special needs in our community have access to the latest equipment and resources.
1990s

In 1991, the Hospital Foundation funds equipment such as a transport incubator for Obstetrics, Med Alert bracelets for Hospice patients, a Lifepak 10 Transport Monitor for the Emergency Department, and a stretch chair for the Oncology Unit. Later in the decade, the Foundation funds the Adult Day Center, donates $350,000 for the Healthmobile and hosts its first Coaches Clinic with former IU football coach, the late Bill Mallory.
1980s

In 1982, the Foundation donates $191,835 to the hospital expansion program. Starting in 1984, all major proposals are filtered through the board. Generous donations throughout the decade from COOK allow for an automated antimicrobial susceptibility system and the Cook Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory.
1970s

In 1976, the total number of BHF donors jumps from 379 to 726. The following year, Barry K. Hurtt is hired as the first Director of the Foundation. Major fundraising initiatives include patient monitoring equipment for the ICU, equipment for the operating room, including three digital monitors, and funds for a new telemetry system for the Emergency Room.
1960s

In 1965, the Bloomington Hospital Foundation of the Local Council of Women (LCW) is established after three years of planning and research with a treasury of $3,000. In 1966, the inaugural Hospital Benefit Ball (now known as the Gala) is held at the College Mall with comedian Joan Rivers as the entertainment. In 1967, BHF becomes incorporated.