Gifts to Avera Will Revolutionize Rural Health Care Delivery

Avera leadership announced today gifts of more than $13.5 million to be used in innovative initiatives that will transform rural health care delivery at the national level. The grants were awarded to Avera by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

In the five-state Avera region, the grants will support expansion of Avera eCARE™, Avera's nationally recognized, visionary model for addressing the challenges of rural health care delivery. Some $2 million will create greater access to sophisticated cancer services in the 19-county Avera Queen of Peace region.

"Avera's vision for transforming rural health care delivery achieves national recognition today, and we are grateful for the opportunity to accelerate its implementation," said Avera President and CEO John T. Porter. The model engages Avera's robust technology and communication platform to improve patient safety and provide 24-hour rural access to specialty care physicians and pharmacists.