Richard Roehr's Dedication to Employee Giving: A Beacon of Support through the ARH Foundation's Employee Giving Program
September 18, 2024 – Richard Roehr’s commitment to employee giving through the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities goes beyond participation; it reflects his passion for healthcare and community support. As a leader within Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), Roehr’s advocacy for the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund and other giving initiatives highlights his belief in the power of collective effort to drive meaningful change.
The ARH Foundation’s Employee Emergency Assistance Fund provides crucial support to ARH staff facing financial hardships, reducing the worry and burdens they might face so they can focus on what they do best – caring for our communities. However, the Fund is only available thanks to the generosity of the gifts made by ARH Team Members through Employee Giving.
A Personal Connection to Healthcare
Roehr’s dedication to healthcare is rooted in personal experience. Having lost both parents, Roehr witnessed firsthand the challenges and limitations within the healthcare system. These experiences ignited a lifelong commitment to improving healthcare services and making a positive impact on others’ lives.
“Seeing the issues in healthcare that patients and families face inspired me to work to improve healthcare in whatever capacity I am able to,” said Roehr, ARH Regional CEO for the Kentucky River and Cumberland Valley regions.
This personal journey also fuels his passion for employee giving, viewing it as a crucial element in supporting both staff and patients.
“If our employees have concerns at home, they aren’t able to care for patients with a clear mind,” said Roehr. “Through the ARH Foundation’s Employee Emergency Assistance Fund, we are working to help ease those burdens and to do so, the Foundation needs others to be willing to give.”
The Power of Employee Giving
Roehr sees employee giving as more than just a financial contribution; it’s a powerful tool for fostering a culture of care and solidarity within the organization. By encouraging participation in the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities, Roehr aims to create a ripple effect of support that extends beyond the walls of healthcare facilities.
“It’s about showing that we’re invested in the wellbeing of our colleagues and the communities we serve,” he explains. This ethos is central to his approach, driving him to actively participate and inspire others to do the same.
The donations received through payroll deductions for Employee Giving go directly towards assisting ARH team members experiencing temporary financial hardship.
“Your support helps advance the mission of the ARH Foundation and ensures that we are able to assist the ARH team members who need us the most,” said Angela Bailey, Executive Director of the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities.
Inspiring Others Through Action
Roehr’s leadership is marked by a proactive stance on employee giving. His own contributions are not merely symbolic but serve as a call to action for others. During a recent ARH physician meeting, he was moved by the stories shared and the visible commitment of his colleagues. This moment underscored the importance of leading by example and reinforced his resolve to champion employee giving.
“I knew it was time to make a statement,” Roehr says. His goal is to see 100% participation from leadership, reinforcing the idea that every contribution, no matter the size, matters.
Building a Culture of Investment
Roehr believes that for the ARH Foundation to thrive, it must be embraced at all levels of the organization and supported through employee giving. By actively participating and encouraging others to contribute, he aims to cultivate a culture where giving is viewed as a fundamental aspect of being part of the ARH family.
“We need to be able to give internally if we want others to be motivated to do the same,” he asserts. This approach not only supports immediate needs but also builds a stronger, more resilient community within the organization.
Impact on the Community
“ARH Team Members like Richard Roehr who are willing to give a gift to support others are what make our organization so special,” said Angela Bailey. “Throughout our regions, I have been fortunate to meet so many caring and compassionate ARH team members that go to work each day to not only improve patient lives through care, but to improve the lives of one another through their gifts.”
Through initiatives such as the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund and the Duanne Thompson Memorial Community Service Fund among others, the ARH Foundation provides critical support to those who need it most. The ARH Foundation is dedicated to advancing healthcare, education, and community engagement in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia through philanthropy and fundraising efforts.
Looking Forward
Roehr’s vision for giving extends to future developments and ongoing projects within ARH. His commitment to initiatives such as the new cancer center at the Middlesboro campus and the reestablishment of the cardiothoracic program at Hazard reflects a broader goal of enhancing healthcare services and reducing the burden on patients and their families. These projects align with his belief in the importance of community-focused, dependable healthcare.
Investing in Appalachia
Donating to the ARH Foundation for Healthier Communities is an impactful way to support and enhance healthcare in Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia. Eastern Kentucky and Southern West Virginia are home to many rural communities that face unique healthcare challenges. Donations help bridge gaps in healthcare access and support the expansion of services to underserved areas, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.
The ARH Foundation is committed to serving and assisting our team and those in our communities when they need it the most.
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH) is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores, retail pharmacies, and medical spas. ARH employs around 6,700 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 1,300 providers on staff across its multi-state system. ARH is the largest provider of care, the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.