Vermont’s biggest medical center has received its largest gift in its history.
Fletcher Allen Health Care CEO John Brumsted announced Thursday the receipt of 15 acres of property - the largest gift in the facility’s history – from philanthropists Bob and Holly Miller of Burlington.
The land is in an industrial park in Williston and includes two commercial warehouses. One is 164-thousand square feet, the other is about 24,500 square feet.
Fletcher Allen’s John Brumsted noted that the donation was not solicited. Bob Miller explained that the medical center had come to him asking about the possibility of leasing more space. After discussing it with his wife, both felt the property should be donated.
The hospital is assessing the space for a multitude of uses, including supply chain, medical records storage and information technology. The lease payment funds will now be diverted to clinical programs.
Fletcher Allen Spokesman Mike Noble took media into the part of the warehouse that the hospital is currently using. Shelving units are packed to the ceiling with materials and stretch across the warehouse floor with myriad hospital inventory items like crutches, syringes, fluids, custom packs, even food and soda.
Warehouse Manager Nathan Frigo says Fletcher Allen’s acquisition of the remaining warehouse space is sorely needed.
Title to the property was officially transferred on Wednesday.