IU Health, Habitat For Humanity to Help Tornado Victims

News Release

May 16, 2012

INDIANAPOLIS – Nine hours to pre-build the framing for more than 20 homes. That’s the challenge for thousands of Indiana University Health employees during the annual Day of Service, May 18.

Almost every IU Health community will play host to at least one “panel build,” where volunteers will team up with their local Habitat for Humanity chapter to build the exterior and interior walls for an entire house. Once completed, the wall panels will be moved to their final destinations and finished at various times in 2012 and 2013. Including three wall panels built last month in Bloomington, IU Health employees will build 25 wall panels in all – three of which will go to families displaced by this year’s devastating tornado in Henryville, Ind.

“We know a vibrant community is a healthy community and these Habitat builds are an important step toward revitalizing neighborhoods across our state,” said Ron Stiver, senior vice president for Engagement & Public Affairs, IU Health. “Further, we’ve all seen the heartbreaking images of those in southern Indiana impacted by the recent and devastating tornado, and we’re pleased to play a small part in helping them rebuild their communities.”

Habitat for Humanity officials say this one day of work will go a long way toward improving the lives of more than two dozen Hoosier families in need of their own space. The 25 total homes will honor Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis’ 25th anniversary.

“Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis and IU Health have a history of working together to provide simple, decent housing in the heart of Indianapolis, but also wanted to extend our services to our neighbors in southern Indiana,” says Jim Morris, President & CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis. “Once the full rebuilding begins in southern Indiana, the residents in need will have a head start because of the partnership that Habitat enjoys with IU Health.”

This year, IU Health employees will help revitalize communities across the state, which is a key priority area for IU Health. The annual Day of Service is put on by Strength That Cares, IU Health’s system-wide employee-volunteer team, which numbers more than 10,000 members

About Indiana University Health Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 14 consecutive years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent, patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at iuhealth.org.

About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Indianapolis Habitat for Humanity works with low-income families in need to provide the life-changing opportunity to purchase and own quality, affordable homes. The foundations laid by Habitat go far beyond the physical structure of a home. Habitat for Humanity is creating stable foundations in all areas of life – impacting future generations.

Source: Indiana University Health