Community Regional gets $10 million gift to boost neuroscience services

Robert Smittcamp and his family, the prominent owners of Fresno food-processing companies, are giving $10 million to Community Medical Centers to bolster the hospital’s neuroscience programs and services.

It’s the largest cash gift that Fresno-based Community Medical Centers has ever received, and follows a 2016 gift of more than $1 million from the family, also for neuroscience. Smittcamp is chairman and CEO of Lyons Magnus and a co-owner of Wawona Packing Co.

Community is “the charity where I can make the biggest difference, for the most people, for the greatest number of years,” Smittcamp said.

The latest contribution will be used by Community to establish a neuroscience institute at Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno. The hospital already operates the Valley’s only comprehensive center for treatment of brain and spinal ailments, including strokes, injuries, illnesses and cancer.

But “additional growth and recruitment of world-class neurosurgeons is still required to ensure the success of this service line,” Smittcamp said. “I am hoping this new gift will accelerate the hospital’s plans in this critical service area that affects so many Valley families.”

This story was originally published February 27, 2018 at 1:38 PM with the headline "Community Regional gets $10 million gift to boost neuroscience services."