Clark Gillies Foundation Donates To Huntington Hospital Center For Mothers And Babies

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Clark Gillies Foundation donated $33K to Huntington Hospital’s Center for Mothers and Babies, Northwell Health announced.

The donation will fund the purchase of a Draeger Infant Transporter and a GE Fetal Monitor, "vital equipment" that will enhance care for newborns and expectant mothers in the community, according to the hospital.

Members of the Clark Gillies Foundation joined hospital leadership and staff on April 30 to celebrate their continued relationship.

"Clark always believed in giving kids the best possible start in life, and supporting Labor and Delivery at Huntington Hospital allows us to do just that," said Emily Tyree Collins, executive director of the Clark Gillies Foundation, and Peter Leonard, board member, in a news release. "While the Clark Gillies Pediatric Emergency Unit continues to serve countless families, this new donation helps us extend that same spirit of care and compassion to even more children from their very first moments. It’s an honor to carry forward Clark’s legacy in a place that meant so much to him."

This most recent donation "strengthens the foundation’s enduring partnership with Huntington Hospital," bringing total contributions to more than $3 million, according to the hospital.

In 2016, Clark Gillies and his foundation donated $2 million to help establish the Clark Gillies Pediatric Emergency Unit. The unit is a dedicated, child-friendly space within the hospital’s emergency department designed specifically for young patients and the hospital’s pediatric hospital unit.

Since its opening, the unit has cared for thousands of children, providing "specialized, family-centered emergency care in a comforting environment," according to the hospital.

"The Clark Gillies Foundation has had an immeasurable impact on our hospital and community," said Nick Fitterman, MD, president, Huntington Hospital. "From the dedicated pediatric emergency unit that bears Clark’s name to this new investment in the earliest moments of life, their generosity has helped us deliver outstanding care to countless families. Clark’s legacy lives on through this foundation’s commitment to children and families, and we are deeply grateful."

The foundation strives to continue to honor Gillies's legacy by supporting programs and services that improve the health and well-being of Long Island’s children and families.

"These additions are game changers for our team," said Danielle O’Shaughnessy, MD, chair of obstetrics and gynecology, Huntington Hospital. "The Draeger Infant Transporter will ensure our tiniest patients are safely moved between units when needed, and the GE Fetal Monitor provides critical, real-time information to support mothers through labor. It’s support like this that allows us to provide the highest level of care to every family who walks through our doors."