Dear Friends,
It is with bittersweet emotion that I write to you to announce my departure from the Bloomington Health Foundation. Reflecting on the past nearly eight years I am inspired and gratified by what has been accomplished. Together – with our incredible staff, board, and stakeholders – we have transformed BHF, strengthened our deep local roots, and impacted the health of our community. Thanks to our many partnerships, I can confidently say that we have made great strides in improving numerous health-related issues across our region.
Together, we expanded Hospice House, allowing many to spend their final days filled with peace and dignity. Together, we expanded the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, giving our newest community members a chance to receive life-saving care close to home. Together, we ran and celebrated over 20 years of supporting cancer patients through Hoosiers Outrun Cancer. Together, our community started the Stride Center, the state’s first crisis diversion center for those experiencing substance use disorder. Together, in partnership with Community Justice and Mediation Center, BHF received a $675,000 national grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to help our community build a stronger engagement infrastructure so marginalized and underserved communities can be heard in healthcare policymaking decisions.
Of course, we continue to navigate the local health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and have been working diligently alongside the Monroe County Health Department and others to mitigate its impact. All of this, in addition to nearly $3M in grant support since 2018 targeting increased access to mental health resources, non-emergency medical transportation, increased access to healthy foods, and more. Reflecting on these shared achievements, I am filled with immense pride and am grateful for the role you played in developing these shared successes.
While I will be transitioning from BHF, Brooke and I are glad to remain in Bloomington. This fall I am excited to step into the Vice President role at IU Ventures, assisting IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni with advancing high potential new venture opportunities. I am also honored to share that I will continue my service to BHF as a member of its Board of Directors. Building upon its 50+ year of history as Bloomington’s original healthcare non-profit, BHF is poised to reach an unprecedented level of effectiveness and I am proud to help serve this new phase of its history by leveraging a new strategic vision, strong financial position, and exceptional Board leadership.
BHF has initiated the search for its new President/CEO – a leader who will undoubtedly bring new skills and perspectives to propel the organization and its mission forward.
My final day with the Foundation will be December 4. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (jbarada@bloomhf.org), Heather Robinson (hrobinson@bloomhf.org), or Lauren Dexter-Burns (ldexter@bloomhf.org) with questions.
Though I move forward in my professional journey, I will continue to carry the friendships I have made and cherish the lessons I have learned throughout my tenure with BHF. My sincere gratitude to our volunteer board, my colleagues, and to you for your continued support and friendship. It has been an honor to serve our community and to partner with you as we work together for a healthier tomorrow.
To Our Good Health,
Like what you’re reading?
Recent Comments