The Medcen Community Health Foundation, Navicent Health – the philanthropic entity of the Macon-based health system – officially  announced at a donor appreciation gala last night that it will update  its name to the “Navicent Health Foundation.”
 
“In September of 2014, Central Georgia Health System rebranded itself as Navicent Health in order to allow those in the communities we serve to more easily identify the services that we offer. At that time, our foundation became known as ‘Medcen Community Health Foundation, Navicent Health.’ We did not fully revise their name at the time of our rebranding because we did not want to disrupt their philanthropic endeavors. Now, one year after rebranding, our community has become aware of and comfortable with the Navicent Health name and what we stand for. Now is the time to fully revise the foundation’s name,” said Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders, President and CEO of Navicent Health.
 
Founded in 1973, the foundation serves as the fundraising arm of Navicent Health. Through community philanthropic endeavors and partnerships, the foundation supports a variety of programs to improve the health of those living in the region that Navicent Health serves.
 
“Navicent Health Foundation encourages private donations and community support to fund capital needs, disease prevention, health promotion, medical education and research. We also host a number of annual fundraisers to raise both community awareness and support for these philanthropic needs,” said Ellen Terrell, interim Chief Development Officer for Navicent Health Foundation.
 
The foundation’s charitable efforts include, but are not limited to, Navicent Health services such as Carlyle Place, the Children's Hospital, the Medical Center of Peach County, the Peyton Anderson Cancer Center, Pine Pointe Hospice and Rehabilitation Hospital. Navicent Health Foundation also awards grants to other charitable organizations in the region to fund a variety of health-related programs and services. Such grants include:
 
·         Research and Education Grants: awarded to those in the field of science and medicine who seek to prevent and cure diseases.

·         Community Outreach Grants: available to organizations aligned with Navicent's mission of  improving the health of our communities and ensuring access to care.

·         H.E.A.T. Grants: made possible by Navicent Health employee contributions, these grants fund programs and services at Navicent Health and local charities.
 
“Only our name has changed. We will continue to serve our region, as we have done for over 40 years, to make an impact on our community’s health. Young and old alike will continue to benefit from the work that Navicent Health Foundation is doing along with our community partners,” said Cal Hays, Chair of the Navicent Health Foundation Board of Directors.