Smittcamp $1 million gift will help expand neurosciences services at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno

Community Medical Centers has received a $1 million gift from Robert E. Smittcamp and the Smittcamp Family Foundation to expand neuroscience services for the San Joaquin Valley.

The gift is the single largest donation earmarked for Community’s neurosciences program, said Katie Zenovich, Community Medical Center’s vice president for corporate development.

Community Regional Medical Center in downtown Fresno is the location for the Central California Neuroscience Institute, which is a training site for the UCSF-Fresno Medical Education Program in affiliation with the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine. The downtown hospital provides the only Level 1 Trauma Center between Los Angeles and Stockton, and a significant number of trauma cases involve brain and spine injuries.

Community’s neuroscience program also cares for patients suffering from strokes, brain tumors, spine disorders and neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS and epilepsy. In 2015, Community Regional provided care for nearly 100 stroke patients a month and 2,409 neurology surgery cases.

Bob Smittcamp, chairman and CEO of Lyons Magnus Co., Inc., in Fresno said: “I understand the critical need for stroke, head trauma and spine care in our region, and the terrific neuroscience program they’re building at Community Regional Medical Center needs to keep growing.”

Community CEO Tim Joslin said the Smittcamp gift will help Community create a comprehensive, world-class neuroscience center for the region. “We’re investing in state-of-the-art technology, dedicated bed space, and recruitment of top physician specialists to enhance our capabilities.”

This story was originally published January 8, 2016 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Smittcamp $1 million gift will help expand neurosciences services at Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno."