Partners LMH Health Foundation receives $10 million gift commitment

Lawrence resident Dana Anderson has made a $10 million gift commitment to the LMH Health Foundation. The commitment is the largest in both the foundation’s 52-year history and the hospital’s 101-year history.

Anderson pledged half of the amount as an outright gift in support of LMH Health’s strategic priorities, to be paid over the next several years. The remaining half will be included in a bequest as part of Anderson’s estate plans, and will create an endowed fund for the same purpose.

Anderson and his late wife Sue have been longtime supporters of LMH Health, a not-for-profit community hospital serving patients in Douglas County and the surrounding area.

Earl Reineman, major & planned gifts manager for the foundation, said the gift is a tremendous honor for the hospital and the community. “The leadership and generosity that Dana and Sue have provided over the years has been nothing short of inspirational,” Reineman said. “In so many different ways, the Andersons have supported the hospital’s commitment to exceptional care for all.”

“The gift will support vital hospital needs,” said Anderson. “And it’s the perfect way for the family to recognize the giving spirit that Sue worked to instill in all of us. We know how proud she would be to see this happen. She always recognized the importance of LMH to the quality of life in Douglas County.”

Russ Johnson, LMH Health president and CEO, said the gift commitment is nothing short of transformational.

“The magnitude of this commitment from the Andersons is significant, and it will have an enduring impact on our mission,” said Johnson. “It was a joy to know Sue, and the way Dana has chosen to honor her through this gift is so consistent with the strength of their relationship. We are humbled and grateful for the Andersons’ leadership and their ongoing support of our physicians, nurses and clinical teams.”

LMH Health has renamed the Lawrence Health Plaza the Anderson Health Plaza in honor of Sue and Dana’s longtime and generous support. The Health Plaza, which is part of LMH Health’s main campus at 326 Arkansas Street, is home to the LMH Health Cancer Center, as well as programs in surgery, urology, gastroenterology, pain management, cardiac rehab, and obstetrics and gynecology.

2022 Board Of Directors

Mark Gonzales president

Gail Vick vice president

Lindy Eakin treasurer

Jane Blocher secretary

Becki Dick past president

Daryl Craft

Barb Heeb

Ernesto Hodison

Joe Hurla

Dr. Walter Ingram

Russ Johnson ex officio , lmh health president and ceo

Teresa Kempf

Derek Kwan

Danny Lewis

Larry McElwain ex officio , lmh health board of trustees

Devon Mihesuah

Robert Fieger ex officio , lmh health volunteers

Livia Sexton

Dr. Mike Thompson

Cindy Yulich