Valley Bank Donates $50,000 to Tampa General Hospital Foundation

Tampa FL

08 February, 2021

9:00 AM

Description

Valley National Bank is donating $50,000 to the Tampa General Hospital Foundation to help defray the hospital's significant expenses related to the storage and administration of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Tampa Bay area. "At Valley we're always here for our communities," said Joseph V. Chillura, senior executive vice president at Valley Bank. "We are proud to take a leading role in providing this critical support Tampa General Hospital needs to distribute and administer the COVID-19 vaccine." Valley Bank made a similar contribution of $50,000 to Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey to support its operational efforts as it also prepares to administer COVID-19 vaccinations. In early December of 2020, Tampa General was chosen as one of five hospitals to participate in Florida's pilot program for the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine. It has received doses of the Pfizer two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, that were distributed to health care workers battling COVID-19 on the front lines. The Pfizer vaccine requires ultra-cold storage (minus-80 degrees Celsius/minus-112 degrees Fahrenheit) to maintain maximum effectiveness. Tampa General's pharmacy is currently using three specialized freezers that allow TGH to safely store doses of the vaccine. In addition to equipment, TGH's vaccination efforts will also require more professional resources to organize, distribute and administer the shots. While the State of Florida is covering the cost of the vaccine doses, Tampa General must cover significant unplanned costs of storage and operational support. "We are so thankful for the support from Valley Bank," said Frann Richards, Tampa General Hospital Foundation's senior vice-president and chief development officer. "Their compassionate donation during this time will allow Tampa General Hospital to maximize COVID-19 vaccination efforts for team members, physicians and the community." "COVID-19 has devastated our communities," said Ira Robbins, Valley Bank president & CEO. "The quickest and safest way to a full recovery is the expedited distribution of a vaccine. And our healthcare heroes on the front lines, like those at Tampa General Hospital, will lead those efforts."