Ascension is a private nonprofit health system that relies on charitable donations to expand, educate, and enhance community programs. The foundations help build and expand health care facilities, acquire the latest medical technology, educate its medical staff, enhance community programs, and serve the poor. Donors can support hospitals and programs in southeast Michigan with contributions to Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit and Ascension Providence Hospital in Southfield and Novi. With the COVID-19 pandemic putting unprecedented strain on health care workers and their families, the Ascension St. John and Ascension Providence Foundations are requesting additional assistance. The foundations have set up the Associate Hardship Fund to support caregivers during this time. Donations to the fund will help workers cover their mortgage payments, utility costs, grocery bills, and additional financial burdens such as medical costs and funeral expenses. Several donors have agreed to double donations, matching all donations to the Associate Hardship Fund up to $55,000. The foundation also lets gifts be designated to other areas in Ascension St. John and Ascension Providence, such as cancer care, the health and hospice program, and pet therapy.
