Individuals who show a passion for helping others presented with inaugural awards for long-time commitment to Redlands Community Hospital

REDLANDS, Calif. (April, 2016) –The Redlands Community Hospital Foundation (RCHF) recently awarded the inaugural President’s Luminary Awards to four individuals who have donated their time, talents and financial resources to further the mission of the 122-year-old community hospital. The presentation of the awards was conducted during the annual President’s Forum luncheon.

Each year, the new award will be presented to recognize those who have financially supported the hospital.

“With this special recognition, the Redlands Community Hospital Foundation celebrates the generosity and passion of these local philanthropists,” said Lynn Whitmer, chair of the RCHF Board of Directors. “Their financial support enables the hospital to provide patients with exceptional care, and drives new technologies and program expansion forward.”

Karen Zirkle, PT, director of the hospital’s Spine and Joint Institute and Department of Physical Medicine; community members Jake and Jan Jacobson; and Alvin Umeda, M.D., an otolaryngologist and RCH board member, were named the first-time recipients of the President’s Luminary Awards. Zirkle, who has worked at RCH since 2002, donates annually and provides an inspiration for other staff members of the hospital to give and support the mission. The Jacobsons have spent numerous hours as volunteers, and have written grants and newsletters to support the hospital. Additionally, the couple donates annually to the hospital and to the RCHF’s annual Golf Classic.

Dr. Umeda, who also serves on the hospital’s board of directors, supports the hospital financially as well as by his dedicated spirit to providing his patients with exceptional care.

Redlands Community Hospital is one of the few stand-alone, not-for-profit community hospitals in the region. The Foundation supports the hospital’s mission by raising contributions that increase the margin of excellence in the delivery of healthcare to our community.

For more information about Redlands Community Hospital Foundation, please visit www.redlandshospital.org or call (909) 335-5500.

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About Redlands Community Hospital

Redlands Community Hospital is a 229-bed, independent not-for-profit, stand-alone facility located in Southern California. The hospital has been providing quality healthcare to neighbors in Redlands and surrounding communities since 1904. The hospital has 270 board certified physicians, 100 health plans, 1,400 employees, and more than 300 volunteers. Many of our Inland Empire neighbors have come to rely on us for all their healthcare needs.