Matching Grant Seeks To Raise $1M For LI Community Hospital

EAST PATCHOGUE, NY — Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue is the only independently-operated hospital on Long Island. The hospital, formerly known as Brookhaven Memorial, announced on Wednesday that it was pledged a matching grant of up to $500,000 from the Knapp-Swezey Foundation, the Island Outreach Foundation and the Gardener Foundation. The grant, called the The Knapp Family COVID-19 Health Crisis Challenge, seeks to raise $1 million for needed supplies and equipment, with a goal of $500,000 in public donations.

"The Knapp Family will match every donation, dollar for dollar up to $500,000 to directly purchase precious personal protective equipment (PPE), supplies, equipment and other items necessary to keep our healthcare professionals safe during this pandemic. These purchases are ongoing and include masks, gowns, eyewear and other protective gear in high demand," the hospital announced in a news release.

"People you know, your family members, friends and acquaintances, no one is immune from this horrific virus and those on the front lines are in the thick of it,” Michele Knapp, a board member at the hospital, and chair of the grant, said.

There were over 17,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Suffolk County as of Wednesday afternoon. Long Island Community Hospital has added a new triage area at the hospital entrance, and added ICU bed capacity.

"In the midst of this crisis, it's truly overwhelming to see that humanity and generosity shines through. Now, more than ever, we need the support of our community and our community has responded,” Richard T. Margulis, the hospital's president, said in the statement.