NBA’s Andre Drummond Makes Generous Donation to Middlesex Health

Andre Drummond, a former UConn basketball standout and current center for the Cleveland Cavaliers, has generously donated $100,000 to Middlesex Health’s Emergency Response Fund. The fund was recently established to help the health system, based in Middletown, Conn., with expenses related to its response to COVID-19.

Like other health systems throughout the country, Middlesex Health is facing increased demands due to the spread of COVID-19. Expenses include, but are not limited to, purchasing personal protective equipment for staff and paying for the auxiliary equipment and supplies needed to help assess and treat patients during this pandemic.

In addition to attending college in Connecticut, Drummond grew up in Middletown. His mother worked at Middlesex before leaving her job to become her son’s manager when he headed to the NBA.

“The community of Middletown has always supported me throughout my entire career,” says Drummond. “It’s my turn to help give back and provide those on the frontlines with the resources they need to help fight the virus.”

Middlesex Health is very grateful for Drummond’s generosity.

“This is a difficult time for everyone, and we feel very fortunate that Andre chose to give back to his hometown in its time of need,” says Middlesex Health President and CEO Vincent G. Capece, Jr. “His generous donation will help ease the burden on our health system and ensure that we can continue to provide the safest and best care possible to our patients.”

Drummond’s sizable donation is one of many donations made to the Middlesex Health Emergency Response Fund. To date, there have been more than 100 donations made to the fund, including a $68,000 donation from an anonymous donor made through a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. The Liberty Bank Foundation also generously gave $25,000.

The fund currently totals $273,765. All donations—large or small—make a difference both to Middlesex Health and its community.

Separate from the Emergency Response Fund, other local businesses and members of the community have donated personal protective equipment, homemade face masks and food for health care workers. They’ve also sent heartwarming messages of support to Middlesex staff.

“Our community has really stepped up to help us during this pandemic,” Capece says. “We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. It helps us stay Middlesex strong during this health care crisis.”

For more information about the Middlesex Health Emergency Response Fund and to donate, visit MiddlesexHealth.org/emergencyfund.