State Farm Agents Donate to Frontline Staff Respite Areas

Among the innumerable donations from the community during the pandemic, a unique donor group made an unusual contribution in support of frontline caregivers. This special group is made up exclusively of State Farm insurance agents. 

Their gifts went toward outfitting special respite rooms for clinical staff at each Miami Valley Hospital campus. Critical care staff have very little time to eat or take a short break away from clinical care areas. A respite room is a quiet place that allows staff to have a few minutes to decompress and reenergize during a long shift. The Premier Health hospital foundations have been seeking funds and in-kind contributions to equip the rooms with recliners, mini-fridges and microwaves, along with food and beverages. The first respite room opened in early December on the Intensive Care Unit of the Southeast Addition building on the MVH Main campus, thanks in part to the donations from the agents.

“State Farm agent Mick Lundy is my insurance agent and I knew he had a personal connection with our hospital,” said Anne McDevitt, director of Development at the MVH Foundation. “After contacting him for help, he went above and beyond and got the ball rolling by emailing his fellow agents to explain the need and to ask for financial support for our frontline staff.” In addition to their individual contributions, State Farm matches gifts made by each agent.

“In addition to many in-kind gifts, their financial contributions have allowed us to furnish nine respite rooms for our heroic staff at the MVH campuses,” McDevitt added. “Many agents said they wanted to donate because they, or someone they knew, had been touched by Miami Valley Hospital. Needless to say, our frontline caregivers are thrilled and grateful for the phenomenal support provided by generous State Farm agents throughout the region.” 

As the acuity of patients remains extremely high in critical care units, the respite rooms will continue to provide a calming atmosphere for hospital staff. If you would like to make a gift in support of respite rooms for our healthcare heroes, please click on the Give Now button.