UF Medical Guild establishes its fourth endowment to support UF Health Shands

The University of Florida Medical Guild recently established a $200,000 endowed fund for the department of patient and family resources at UF Health Shands Hospital.

“The fund will provide support in perpetuity to meet the needs of patients that fall outside their insurance coverage or other community resources,” said Marnie Trippensee, UF Medical Guild board president.

The UF Health department of patient and family resources offers vital psychological and social support ensuring patients navigate through and transition smoothly out of the health care system. The department consists of registered nurses, social workers, discharge facilitators, and administrative staff who work in collaboration with other members of the health care team.

For many years the Guild has made an $8,000 annual gift to the department. Each year this gift served nearly 250 patients and their families. To increase their impact, the Guild decided to endow the annual support, which will provide the same funds and continue to grow over time.

“This is the longest standing and continuous project supported by the Guild,” Trippensee said.

This donation also marks the Guild’s fourth endowed gift, bringing their cumulative contributions to UF Health to over $2.5 million. The Guild’s earlier endowments have benefitted the Equal Access Clinic Network, the Medical Guild Graduate Research Award, and Palliative Care Support at UF Health hospitals.

The Guild has a rich history of supporting UF Health and the Gainesville community through various philanthropic efforts. Over the years, they have transitioned from fundraising events like antique fairs to operating The Gift Stop, a primary source of income for their charitable activities.

With this latest endowment, the Guild continues to ensure that patients at UF Health Shands receive the support they need, reinforcing its long-standing tradition of generosity and community service.