Naples Standard

NAPLES, Fla. – February 21, 2023 On the heels of our historic $20 million gift announcement made last week, NCH is proud to announce yet a second $20 million naming gift in as many weeks from Diana and Don Wingard. This generous gift will provide the necessary funds to ensure that the NCH stroke program continues to provide the highest level of care and treatment to patients in Southwest Florida. Additionally, in recognition of the extraordinary pledge, the entire stroke program across NCH will be renamed the “Wingard Stroke Institute.” 

The Wingards are well-known philanthropists in the Naples community, having supported numerous causes over the years. Their most recent pledge to the stroke program at NCH is a reflection of their commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents in the area. 

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the United States and the Wingard Stroke Institute at NCH is on the path to become the only Comprehensive Stroke Center certified by the Joint Commission in Southwest Florida, the highest designation possible. Today, NCH holds the second highest designation as a Thrombectomy-Capable Stroke Center. Caring for more than 800 stroke patients each year, NCH is one of the busiest receiving centers in the state. Recent investments in elevating stroke care include a new neurovascular intensive care unit at NCH Baker Hospital with 16 private rooms designed with patient experience at the forefront. The specialized space utilizes modern technology and equipment, giving the most vulnerable patients the best-possible care and recovery. Additional capabilities for improved stroke services will be included in the proposed new Cardiac, Vascular, and Stroke building currently in the planning stages with the City of Naples design review board. 

The Wingards’ generous donation will allow NCH to expand its stroke program and continue to provide top-quality care to patients in need. The funds will be used to enhance clinical services, make necessary capital improvements, support research and develop new programs to address the needs of stroke patients and their families. 

“This gift not only impacts the lives of those affected by stroke, it also inspires our team to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in stroke care,” said Mazen Abuawad, MD, Medical Director, Wingard Stroke Institute. “We are honored to have such dedicated supporters in our mission to improve the health and well-being of our community.” 

Don Wingard said he and his wife chose to support NCH’s stroke program because of the outstanding care provided to stroke patients at NCH and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their community.

“The reason we chose to support the stroke program was to help NCH build on the successes of Dr. Abuawad and his team and ensure that Naples will always have a Stroke Center rivaling the best in America in terms of patient outcomes,” Wingard said. “We hope our gift will inspire others to support this critical program and the many other important initiatives at NCH.”

“We are grateful for the Wingards’ support and their commitment to our stroke program,” said Paul Hiltz, NCH President and CEO. “Their generosity will have a tremendous impact on the lives of stroke patients and their families in our community for generations to come.”

For information about the proposed facility for cardiac and stroke care, or to learn more on how you can support NCH, visit our website.

 Original source can be found here.