PHOTO PROVIDED Pictured, from left, are Patti Jackson-Gehris, market president, UPMC North Central Pa.; Shane Scanlan, Director of Operations, McElhattan, and Jim Sloan, Director of Operations, Lock Haven, First Quality, and Sherry Watts, president, Susquehanna Health Foundation.

WILLIAMSPORT — Susquehanna Health Foundation is proud to announce a transformational $1.25 million commitment from the Better Together Fund, established by First Quality Enterprises, LLC, to support enhanced patient care at UPMC in North Central Pa.

This extraordinary investment will establish the First Quality Better Together Fund dedicated to strengthening the quality of care, improving patient and family experiences and supporting priority needs across Lycoming and Clinton Counties for UPMC’s hospitals and outpatient sites.

Rooted in the belief that strong communities thrive on strong healthcare, the First Quality Better Together Fund is dedicated to creating meaningful impact. This fund will provide resources to enhance patient experiences, expand access to advanced technology and promote the well-being of employees, families, friends and neighbors across the region.

“For more than 35 years, First Quality has believed that by raising the quality of what we make, we can raise the quality of people’s lives,” said Jim Dodge, chief financial officer at First Quality Enterprises, LLC. “Our communities are the heart of who we are, and we are honored to help create the Better Together Fund that will make local healthcare at the UPMC and Susquehanna Health Foundation better today and for generations to come.”

Sherry Watts, president, Susquehanna Health Foundation, expressed deep gratitude for the Better Together Fund’s generosity, “By establishing the Better Together Fund, First Quality continues to stand beside our community in a meaningful and impactful way. This gift will have a lasting and profound impact on patients and families across our region. We are humbled by the trust and partnership, and we look forward to stewarding this investment to elevate care for all.”