Mark Tuffin, President of Smith's Food and Drug presents gift check to Steve McKernan, CEO of UNM Hospitals. Photograph: Lyn Keho

Fund, a stopgap fund for families whose children need the special care only UNMCH provides, but whose income does not qualify them for assistance.

This is the first time Smith’s, a component of the Kroger Company, has provided support for the UNM Children’s Hospital (UNMCH). Based in Utah, Smith’s fundraising arm has expanded its philanthropy from Utah into other markets it serves, including Nevada and New Mexico, to help build strong local ties in the communities it serves.

 "We are extraordinarily grateful to Smith's - locally and at the corporate level - for establishing this financial support for sick and injured children so greatly in need in New Mexico,” said Steve McKernan, CEO of University Hospitals at the check presentation event held December 1, 2011. “Often the families of children who need care are hesitant to bring their children in for care, worrying that they cannot afford the services. It is so important for those children to get the medical care they need as early as possible, and the generous gift from Smith's will go a long way in establishing a fund for those most in need." 

The UNMCH is New Mexico's only dedicated Children's Hospital. The 500,000 square foot facility is a teaching hospital with health care providers expertly trained to deliver the most advanced neonatology and pediatric care in New Mexico. Nearly 60,000 children receive services here each year, over half of whom live outside of the Albuquerque area. The range of care extends from acute illness and trauma to chronic disease and disability.

To learn more about opportunities for providing support for the patients and programs of UNMCH, contact Hazel Tull-Leach at the UNM Foundation 277-5689.