KINGSPORT– Recognizing the devastating effects of the tornadoes that hit the region two weeks ago, Wellmont Health System will provide financial assistance for people in the region.
The Wellmont Foundation has started an internal campaign for employees to donate in support of residents of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia whose lives were affected adversely by the storms. The foundation will match employee contributions.
Denny DeNarvaez, Wellmont's president and CEO, said this program is a way for the system to give back to the community.
"We have been honored to treat many of the patients who needed care following these tornadoes, and this is just one more way for our employees to show compassion to the communities they serve," DeNarvaez said. "This is an excellent way for us to share some of our personal resources and extend our healing environment philosophy outside the walls of our hospitals and other facilities."
Wellmont previously assisted after natural disasters in Tennessee and in other parts of the world. The health system lent a hand with supplies in 2010 in the aftermath of an earthquake in Haiti and major flooding in Nashville.
Wellmont has about 6,500 employees in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
