About Us
CoxHealth Foundation is the philanthropic arm of CoxHealth, serving the mission of providing outstanding care.
CoxHealth history
CoxHealth’s start in a three story house
The early 1900’s proved to be a difficult time as people faced a variety of illness with only one place for care. Mrs. Ellen Burge, a local philanthropist saw the need for a second hospital in Springfield. She donated her three-story home and Burge Deaconess Hospital was born on Thanksgiving Day, 1906.
The hospital grew in the early 20’s and 30’s but in 1948 it began to flounder. The decision to shut down appeared imminent. That’s when the Board of Directors called on local businessman Lester E. Cox to guide a recovery plan. He agreed and started with a personal donation, then raising enough money to repair, replenish and restore the hospital’s resources to give it a second chance. The hospital soon flourished under Mr. Cox’s leadership and by the early 1960’s was caring for not only Springfieldians, but people from across the Ozarks. Following Mr. Cox’s death in 1968, the board voted to honor him by changing the name from Burge Deaconess to Lester E Cox Medical Centers. Today CoxHealth continues to bear the name and legacy of a man and family committed to philanthropy and service through healthcare.
The Birth of the CoxHealth Foundation
In 1998 when managed health care took root in the Ozarks and families began to struggle with the cost of medical care, the board called upon Mr. Cox’s philosophy of “find a need and help fill it” through a newly formed foundation. The CoxHealth Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the health system serving all hospitals, clinics, and affiliates. Fundraising is focused on priority patient needs and programs or projects that will work to improve overall community health. Through grateful patients, corporate and individual donors as well as grants and fundraising events, the Foundation now serves over 5,000+ patients annually as well as offering scholarships for health professions. Donors can give to any area of the health system and help guide innovation in care through their support. The CoxHealth Foundation has a local board of directors who volunteer their time to assist the Foundation in meeting annual goals.
CHF funds programs like the Hospital Chaplaincy and education like this heart health event.
Our Mission in Action
What has the greatest ability to change your life? The answer is your health.
If tomorrow you are diagnosed with cancer, have a heart attack, or are involved in an accident, your life can change instantly. At CoxHealth our focus is on providing the best care close to home, delivered by skilled professionals in innovative medical settings.
To achieve this mission, CoxHealth has relied on the support of the CoxHealth Foundation since 1998. The Foundation was created to support all aspects of healthcare while addressing social determinants of health such as income, location, and access to care.
The Foundation works to remove barriers to care. Programs like the Transportation Fund ensure that patients do not miss medical appointments due to lack of transportation. The Foundation also helps fund advanced technology, prevention programs, and innovative care solutions so patients can receive treatment close to home.