April 12, 2005 – After he handed Gregory Calliste, chief executive officer at the Gov. Juan F. Luis hospital, a check for $275,000, Larry Kupfer, president and CEO of Hovensa, said, "Don't worry the money is in the bank."
Calliste was pleased because he was going to start spending the money "today."
The check presentation at Hovensa Tuesday morning was the culmination of several months of exchanges between hospital and oil refinery officials.
Kupfer said hospital representatives came to the refinery several months ago requesting help with purchasing equipment. He said that original request was a little larger than Hovensa could afford, but Hovensa agreed to do what it could.
The $275,000 is to be used for the purchase of various equipment in various areas such labor and delivery care, blood services, emergency services, pathology department, operating room equipment, and pediatric intensive care equipment.
Kupfer said Hovensa has two priorities in making charitable contributions – education and health care. He said, "We want to help keep our citizens healthy."
Calliste said, "We are indeed grateful to Hovensa for helping us in our pursuit of excellence."
He said he has five goals for the hospital, "Excellence in patient care, excellence in patient satisfaction, excellence in staff satisfaction, excellence in community satisfaction and fiscal accountability."
The pair indicated there will be discussions again next year about another donation to the hospital. Last year Hovensa gave to the hospital over $50,000 toward the purchase of equipment.
About three dozen people from the two institutions and the community attended the presentation in the auditorium of Hovensa's Administration building.
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