University of Iowa Health Care today received a $2 million donation to help with the most urgent needs in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The gift is from the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation and will be used for current and future expenses associated with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the COVID-19 virus. It will also be used to aid front-line health care workers with emergency child care, housing and food costs, and personal protective equipment purchases. Governor Kim Reynolds provided a video message to thank the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation and UI Health Care Staff. ?This is a tremendous gift, and, on behalf of the entire UI Hospitals & Clinics team, I extend our sincere thanks to the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation,? says Suresh Gunasekaran, MBA, chief executive officer of UI Hospitals & Clinics and associate vice president for UI Health Care. ?In times like these, there are added demands on health care workers. They need to continue caring for their patients while keeping their families and themselves safe without the usual support mechanisms, such as child care. This will be a great help. ?The donation will also be helpful in supporting the research we already have underway for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19,? says Gunasekaran. Others who wish to support University of Iowa Health Care staff can visit givetoiowa.org/uihc. About the Richard O. Jacobson Foundation The Richard O. Jacobson Foundation was created in 1976 by distinguished businessman and philanthropist Richard "Dick" Orrin Jacobson, who attended the University of Iowa as a member of the class of 1958. For 45 years, the foundation has focused its grant activities in the following areas: education, including primary, secondary and higher education; youth development; and medical research. The UI Health Care Staff Emergency Fund is available at givetoiowa.org/uihc.