Bethesda Hospital Foundation

Barbara James Seeks To Secure Preeminent Healthcare At Bethesda Hospital

It’s season in Palm Beach County, and that has historically meant galas galore. But, this year, those events have taken a back seat to COVID-19. For Barbara James, executive director of the Bethesda Hospital Foundation, social distancing guidelines have led to new plans for annual fundraising events, including Women of Grace, the annual golf tournament and Jewels & Jeans.

What has not taken a back seat is James’ vision for the future of healthcare at Bethesda Hospital. She arrived three years ago as the small community hospital was completing a merger with Coral Gables-based Baptist Health, a deal designed to ensure Bethesda’s survival in a highly competitive healthcare environment.

“The community deserves to have the finest healthcare available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” says James, who has spent the last 30 years working in philanthropy. 

As the foundation’s executive director, James was brought on with an explicit mission: “I seek to engage the community to embrace our culture of healthcare and philanthropy as well as our vision for the future,” she says.

Baptist Health South Florida’s Centers of Excellence include cardiac and vascular care, orthopedics and sports medicine, and cancer and neuroscience. 

“Giving to Bethesda Hospital secures our ability to continue bringing preeminent care to Palm Beach County,” says James. “If you need us, we are here to care for you.”

The pandemic has brought to light the need to modernize the hospital’s emergency department. A multimillion-dollar renovation project is on the horizon. To fund this project, she needs the support of the community. 

“More people are making Florida their full-time home, and people are expecting exceptional care,” she says. “With community support, we will cement our ability to provide this preeminent care to our local and snowbird patients.” 

Bethesda Hospital Foundation is located at 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach. For more information, call 561-737-7733, ext. 84445, or visit bethesdahospitalfoundation.org.

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