News Release
Denton Regional Participates in New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Build
DENTON, TX (June 18, 2008) – Denton Regional recently participated in a very special Habitat for Humanity project in New Orleans. Because Denton Regional took part in HCA's national Habitat for Humanity Partnership program, "Build A Hospital, Build A Home" in 2005, they were asked to send and support one employee from the hospital to be a part of a volunteer team during a special build event.
This year, HCA (Denton Regional’s parent corporation) turns 40 and is celebrating “40 Years of Caring” throughout 2008. The HCA Foundation on behalf of HCA and Tulane Medical Center is the largest sponsor of the Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project in New Orleans. In May, more than 1,000 volunteers from across the country blitz-built (start to finish) 7 homes; finished and dedicated 25 homes (homes started since January 1); and started 25 homes (start to dry-in status) during the week. They concentrated their efforts in the 9th Ward, one of the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. HCA’s sponsorship included the building of one complete home from the ground up and the partial building of a second home. A team of 40 HCA volunteers from across the company built these two homes in five days, a volunteer experience like never before!
Since 2000, HCA has invested nearly three million dollars in Habitat for Humanity, building 49 homes across the United States. Nearly 10,000 employees have volunteered in the effort, taking a one-day break and contributing more than 80,000 volunteer hours from their hospital duties to help hard-working families achieve their dream of home ownership.
David Bridges, LP, a licensed paramedic from the Denton Regional Emergency Department, was chosen to represent Denton Regional Medical Center at this event. David was instrumental in the building of the Denton Regional Habitat home in Denton, and was present almost every weekend. He is knowledgeable in every part of the construction process and able to do anything from framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, or dry wall. An exceptional and personable young man, David proved to be a great asset to the HCA build in New Orleans. David is working on his Registered Nurses degree, and should graduate by January, 2009. He lives in Denton and has worked for Denton Regional Medical Center for the past eight years.
David spent the week of May 11–16 in New Orleans. He stated that his team built a complete house in 4 1/2 days, but the highlight of his trip was meeting the family intended for the home and learning about their experiences during Katrina was unforgettable. In addition, a special HCA volunteer dinner was held with Harry Connick, Jr. in attendance, as well as former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Roselyn.
“Working with complete strangers, who hold different jobs within the HCA Corporation, building new friendships while building this house, and feeling as though I was a part of a larger family is something that I will truly never forget. I enjoyed the opportunity to come together with individuals in order to accomplish something that initially seemed impossible. It was a good feeling to know that so many people were willing to put aside their lives for a week to help other people who had lost so much.” David Bridges
Denton Regional was happy to share in this occasion with other HCA employees across the country as we continue to lend our support and service to Habitat and the families who will benefit from this very special effort.
Interviews and pictures available
About Denton Regional
Denton Regional is a 208 bed, full service hospital that serves the growing population of Denton, Wise, Cooke and Montague Counties. Offering the full-spectrum of healthcare including advanced open-heart surgery and oncology programs, Denton Regional's more than 850 employees and 250 physicians are constantly striving to offer the highest quality service to north Texas.
Denton Regional is part of the HCA North Texas Division Hospitals which includes 12 hospitals and related health-care entities serving North Texas and surrounding areas. To learn more about this hospital and others in the division, visit www.hcahealthcare.com and www.dentonregional.com. For more information, please contact Denton Regional Marketing at 940-384-3251.
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