Trager Family Foundation and Republic Bank gift benefits Baptist Hospital East nursery

In 2008, the thousands of babies born at Baptist Hospital East, and their families, could have even better care than before, thanks to a generous gift from a local foundation and corporation. The Trager Family Foundation and Republic Bank have contributed $500,000 to support the services and care provided in the Baptist East Nursery. The gift to the Baptist Hospital East Foundation was announced on March 26, 2008 during a ceremony at the hospital.

“This gift will provide even more resources for our talented and caring team in the Nursery to care for Baptist East’s littlest patients,” said Susan Stout Tamme, president of Baptist Hospital East.

“We’ve had a strong relationship with Baptist East over the years, and while this is not the first time we’ve supported the hospital, it is an opportunity to support one of the services that is very much focused on family. The birth of a baby can be a joyous time. Our family and Republic Bank are delighted to help in making sure new arrivals have the best start possible,” said Steve Trager, chairman and CEO of Republic Bank.

For the past several years, the Baptist East Nursery – with its Level II neonatal intermediate care nursery – has continued to care for more newborns each year. At the ceremony, Tamme, Trager and Baptist Hospital East Foundation Chairman Nolen Allen unveiled a special recognition plaque located next to the nursery.

“We are so pleased with the superb services delivered by Baptist Hospital East and we make this gift in honor of our children: Steve and his wife, Amy; Shelley Trager Kusman; and our five grandchildren, Emily and Kevin Trager, and Brett, Andrew and Michael Kusman,” said Jean and Bernard Trager.

In 2004, the Trager Family Foundation contributed to support the expansion of the Baptist East Emergency Department, including the creation of the Trager Pediatric Emergency Care treatment area within the Emergency Department. That area provides an environment that is more inviting and comforting for young patients as they receive their care.

Allen explained that “the Foundation was created to provide support to the hospital and its initiatives in providing excellent healthcare services to the communities we serve. We are especially fortunate to have the Trager family and Republic Bank, who envision that vital support as an investment for our community’s future.”