Grant to help Ryder Hospital develop a development office

Ryder Memorial Hospital in Humacao, Puerto Rico, continues striving to repair the extensive damage from Hurricane Maria.

UCC Disaster Ministries this month approved a two-year start-up grant of $50,000 for the hospital to create a formal development office. It will help with ongoing recovery by creating fundraising strategies and collaborations with other organizations – like Ryder has with International Aid, which has donated hospital beds and other medical equipment. (UCC Disaster Ministries has helped pay for shipping.)

Ryder also hopes to develop disaster preparedness training; acquire specialized equipment; strengthen outreach and preventive care for vulnerable communities; develop internships and voluntarism, and develop other programs to support its mission, such as palliative and spiritual care.

Ryder Memorial Hospital has historic ties with the United Church of Christ.

Read more about Hurricane Maria recovery in Puerto Rico.