MIDDLEBURY — The Porter Medical Center Auxiliary voted on June 18 to donate $50,000 to the UVMHN Porter Medical Center as an unrestricted contribution to assist Porter during this unprecedented and challenging time, as the organization continues to transition to re-establishing elective services and procedures under strict protocols.
“We are deeply grateful to our Porter Auxiliary for this significant donation and their willingness to allow us to use it where most needed as we work to re-open services and address the financial challenges that were directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Porter Interim President/COO Tom Thompson. 
Porter, along with every other Vermont hospital, discontinued all non-essential clinical services as part of the State’s response to COVID-19 last winter into spring. 
Although the governor has authorized hospitals to re-establish elective procedures under strict guidelines, the impact on hospitals and nursing homes has been significant. In an email to all UVMHN staff in early May, UVMHN President and CEO Dr. John Brumsted reported that the network was facing an operating loss of $152 million if no actions were taken. Since that time, the UVMHN and all of its affiliates have taken significant steps to reduce expenses and explore new opportunities for government funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
“Porter, along with every other affiliate, has been working extremely diligently over the past several weeks to identify opportunities for new federal and state funding, while also making some difficult but necessary decisions to reduce expenses while maintaining our essential work for the people of this region,” Thompson said.
Added Porter Auxiliary President Alix O’Meara:
“The Auxiliary is grateful for the many generous donations we have received from our sponsors and the community which enable us to continue to support Porter during these challenging times.”