$2 Million Donation From Commonwealth CU Supports ‘Ambitious’ Health Care Project

The amount is the largest donation ever to the Baptist Health Foundation in Kentucky.

From left to right: Chris Roty, MHA, FACHE, president of Baptist Health Lexington; Karen Harbin, president/CEO of Commonwealth CU; Kyle Hagerty, director of public relations and governmental affairs of Kentucky Credit Union League; Patty Smith, chief brand and advocacy officer of Commonwealth CU and Justin Burse, J.D., LL.M., deputy commissioner at Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions (Source: Commonwealth CU).

About 40 miles southeast of Commonwealth Credit Union’s headquarters in Frankfort, Ky. is the Baptist Health Medical Group in Lexington. The regional health care provider is expanding its network to the eastern suburban area of Hamburg with the construction of a new health care center in what officials say is “the largest and most ambitious health care project in Central and Eastern Kentucky in the past 25 years.”

The much-needed access to health care that will be provided by this project is partially being funded by a $2 million donation from Commonwealth. According to officials, this amount of money is the largest donation ever received by the Baptist Health Foundation.

The credit union ($2 billion in assets, 120,234 members) presented the donation to Baptist Health this week.

“We believe that health is the first step to wealth,” said Karen Harbin, president/CEO of Commonwealth. “Our donation is a symbol of our commitment to bettering the lives of Kentuckians, and it’s one we know will have a lasting impact. Together, we’re making a difference – empowering the community through improved general health and financial wellness.”

According to Baptist Health, the new outpatient facility will help thousands of patients receive better and more convenient health care services for cancer, cardiovascular, breast imaging and diagnostics, emergency care, orthopedics and surgery.

Chair of Commonwealth’s Board of Directors Randy Fawns said, “Baptist Health, like Commonwealth Credit Union, exists to serve, and we have a shared vision of unparalleled excellence. We’re thrilled to play a role in this pivotal moment in central Kentucky’s history.”

“Commonwealth Credit Union’s generous gift is an investment in the future of healthcare and the future of Kentucky,” said President of Baptist Health Lexington, Chris Roty. “Through this strong demonstration of support, Baptist Health and Commonwealth Credit Union continue to honor their shared legacies of care and ongoing commitment to the growth and improved health of this community.”

Baptist Health Hamburg is expected to open in the spring of 2024.

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