Foundation of Onvida Health celebrates 50 years of service with “A Night of Gratitude” event

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Onvida Health Foundation celebrated 50 years of giving back to the community with its “Night of Gratitude” event, honoring the donors, supporters, and community members who have helped sustain its mission in Yuma.

“This event is really about one thing. To say thank you to our donors and supporters... We have some donor testimonials that will be coming and talking to everyone here. Just talking about why they support the institution and some of the programs that we’re supporting currently,” said Russell Williams, executive director of the foundation.

During the event, speakers also acknowledged the role of families and caregivers who support patients throughout their medical journeys.

“We thank God for opening our eyes to patients, but also families walking these journeys beside them. It is truly our honor,” said the Liggett family - both a patient family of Onvida and current donors to its foundation.

Foundation leaders said the organization is also looking ahead to future initiatives aimed at strengthening health care access and workforce development in the region. One of the most anticipated developments is a new medical education program being launched through a partnership with the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.

“The announcement of the new med school - I think that’s the most exciting for us. For me, being from Yuma, that’s a game-changer,” Williams said. "Somebody can be born here, get their education, and now can become a doctor right here in Yuma without having to leave."

Board members said scholarships supported by the foundation are another way the organization is investing in the future of local health care.

“We invest in people [with scholarships] who may be already working for Onvida Health, or who are in our high schools, or our college or universities, who are working on skills who intend to stay in the Yuma area and help our population,” said Dr. Linda Elliott-Nelson, a foundation board member.

In addition to workforce development, foundation leaders said they are focused on expanding access to advanced medical technology that can improve patient care and recovery experiences.

“The new and upcoming technology,” said Shelley Mellon, chair of the board of trustees. "Whether it’s the Da Vinci robots that we have at our hospital and other top technology that makes the recovery easier for our patients, and that experience even better."

As the foundation reflects on five decades of community support, leaders said they remain committed to continuing their work to improve health care in Yuma and support patients and medical professionals for generations to come.