South Central Health Care Foundation board member Becky Brewer accepted a $15,000 check from Brent Shelby, Laurel project manager for the SUEZ Corporation (United Water in Laurel) during a presentation ceremony, Thursday, July 16.
“SUEZ has been in partnership with the city of Laurel for almost fourteen years, and we operate the water distribution and collection system, water treatment facilities, wastewater facilities, meter reading, and utility collections,” stated Shelby. “SUEZ believes in giving back to the community and putting the community and city first.”
Shelby said SUEZ is an international company and have projects to support communities all over the world.
“This is the only project in Mississippi,” exclaimed Shelby. “South Central is pretty much the heart of Jones County and Laurel.”
Shelby added that the heroic actions of the hospital in dealing with the pandemic and working to keep Laurel and Jones County safe and secure prompted the company to give this generous donation to the hospital’s foundation.
“This will further our ability to help the public,” said Brewer.
She explained that the funds would help the foundation’s community projects, such as the annual Health Fair, which gives the public an opportunity to get free health care screenings.
“There are so many patients who are diagnosed at these health fairs that would otherwise not have been tested,” added Brewer.
“We do a lot of community education outreach with our health initiative programs,” said Becky Collins, South Central Health Care Foundation executive director. “This includes support groups and education. We work to provide any service that is needed for the health of our community.”
Collins explained that the donation will go into the general fund of the foundation to meet the needs that are arising during this unusual time.
“For instance, education for our support groups that may not be able to come together but we can give to them at home,” said Collins. “Or, whether it’s a piece of technology that we may need for those that come into our hospital or clinics that we can provide,” said Collins. “We greatly appreciate SUEZ and their support of our community and support of our organization.”