Koetters’ $1.6M UC Health gift to support patients with developmental disabilities

A $1.6 million gift from the Ronald and Florence Koetters Family Foundation aims to dramatically impact current and future patients at the Timothy Freeman, MD, Center for Developmental Disabilities at UC Health.

The Freeman Center provides person-centered, coordinated, interdisciplinary health care for adults with developmental disabilities while training physicians and supporting research related to caring for a frequently underserved population. Around 1,200 adults receive care at the Freeman Center each year; this number represents only 5% of adults with developmental disabilities in Hamilton County, per UC Health.

Through this donation, the center will create the Koetters Family Nursing Program, directly addressing health care disparities in the community by providing home visits for adults with developmental disabilities.

UC Health noted that there is a 20-year difference in life expectancy between adults with developmental disabilities and the general population.

“I’m profoundly grateful for the tangible difference this gift from the Koetters will make in the lives of our patients and their families,” said Dr. Lauren Wang, director of the Freeman Center at UC Health. “Nurses will offer real-time support where it matters most — in a person’s home. This nursing program supports adults with developmental disabilities living in the community and breaks down barriers to accessing health care. This will be a real game changer.”

A personal connection

Florence Koetters has long been an advocate and passionate supporter of adults aged 18 and older with developmental disabilities. Her daughter, Gretchen, has Down syndrome. Florence has worked at Cincinnati Children’s for more than 20 years.

Through the family donation, the Koetters will support a range of nursing activities:

• Visiting nurses will check on acute or ongoing medical issues and serve as a liaison between community residences and the Freeman Center.
• Patients and caregivers will receive education, training and support in their home environments such as dietary guidance and meal planning, assistance with medication administration and health coaching.
• Patients will receive assistance with obtaining medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, tube feeding supplies, home oxygen, etc., allowing people to thrive in the community.
• Nurses will serve as liaisons between the Freeman Center and the inpatient setting when patients require hospitalization. They’ll provide behavior support at bedside, assist with communication during admission and ensure hospital follow-up upon discharge.
• Nurses will assist patients in need of transportation, waivers, housing and employment through connection to community resources.
• Nurses will triage phone calls and messages at the Freeman Center to address patient concerns in a timely manner.

“My family’s experience with the Freeman Center has been positive and affirming,” said Florence. “It provides patients with the care every individual deserves. I’m pleased to support its work and our community.”