University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network Receives $6.5 Million Donation
Sara and Chris Connor recently donated $6.5 million, bringing their total giving to Connor Integrative Health Network at University Hospitals
Philanthropists Sara and Chris Connor donate $6.5 million to University Hospitals Connor Integrative Health Network in Cleveland, OH. (PRNewsfoto/University Hospitals, Cleveland)
(UH) to $8.5 million. The Connors’ gifts, emphasizing the increasing importance of evidence-based nonpharmacologic therapies for health and wellness, are among the largest in the nation for integrative health.
“We are exceedingly grateful to Sara and Chris for their longstanding support of University Hospitals and for their generous gift to expand the Connor Integrative Health Network,” said Thomas F. Zenty III, CEO of UH. “The Connors recognize the need for approaching health and medicine in a comprehensive and holistic way. We are at a moment of transformation in healthcare and this program is in perfect sync with UH’s overall wellness strategy. We are focused on bringing the highest quality and most comprehensive care to our patients.”
Through advocacy, education and research, the Connor Integrative Health Network is a nationally-recognized leader in efforts to transform the provision of and access to additional forms of health care. “We are inspired by the commitment of UH to develop this comprehensive program,” said Chris Connor. “We have seen great progress in making integrative health an important part of patients’ journeys at UH, and we hope our new gift continues this advancement.”
The Connor Integrative Health Network’s model of quality care aligns with UH’s mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. The Connors’ gift will enable UH to recruit a core team of physician leaders to treat patients, educate physicians throughout UH and beyond about how to effectively incorporate integrative therapies into their patient care plans, and conduct research. To inspire additional donors, a portion of the gift will match future donations.
Currently, Connor Integrative Health Network physicians and therapists offer evidence-based therapies including acupuncture, meditation and mindfulness, massage therapy, music and art therapy, integrative medicine consults, Chinese medicine, recommendations on supplements and nutrition, osteopathic manipulative treatment and yoga to achieve optimal health. With almost 40 percent of Americans using some form of complementary medicine, UH is leading the movement.
The Connors have longtime connections to UH and to the healthcare field. Sara Connor’s background as an occupational therapist coupled with her strong interest in complementary therapies, including Reiki, led to the Connors’ initial support. “Integrative medicine has been shown to enhance the quality of people’s lives. Our donation to UH is about making the program’s services more readily available,” said Sara Connor. “We’re confident these methods will play a key role in the overall wellness of people throughout Northeastern Ohio.”
The Connor Integrative Health Network also aims to boost the health and well-being of UH’s 27,000 employees and physicians, creating an environment of wellness and ultimately a greater patient experience.
For more information, visit www.uhconnorintegrativehealth.org.
