As of December 31, 2024, the Beyond Barriers Campaign concluded its five-year journey of transformative impact one year early, surpassing its ambitious $60 million goal by raising a groundbreaking $79.6 million. This achievement was fueled by a remarkable $20 million raised in 2024, marking the second-highest fundraising year in Eskenazi Health Foundation’s history. With $18 million raised in 2023, the past two years were among Eskenazi Health Foundation’s most successful, highlighting the power of community support and a collective vision.

Four Years of Work, A Legacy of Impact
Over the past four years, the Beyond Barriers Campaign has driven significant advancements in social determinants of health (SDOH) initiatives across Indianapolis, creating a legacy of impact. Among its achievements:

• Established three Health Equity Zones (HEZs) with formal partnerships:
  • West 38th St./International Marketplace HEZ
  • Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus/Northeast Corridor HEZ
  • Grassy Creek/Far East HEZ
• Defined key SDOH priorities for each HEZ with extensive community involvement and began implementing strategies to address them.
• Constructed the new Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus, which includes Eskenazi Health Center – Grande, as well as a Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center site, providing a space for diagnostic and rehabilitation services and serving as a cornerstone for the Northeast Corridor HEZ.
• Developed a new workforce of community weavers, community health coordinators and doulas to enhance community outreach and support.
• Established the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research at Eskenazi Health (RCHER) and launched 10 studies to evaluate the efficacy of SDOH and health equity initiatives.
• Launched Food as Medicine programs, including Fresh for You Market (FFYM) and FFYM on Wheels, to address food insecurity.
• Screened 80% of patients for SDOH needs, leading to significant improvements in patient care.
• Issued 58,530 food vouchers to combat hunger and food insecurity.
• Welcomed 55 Behavioral Health Academy™ students, 12 care coordinator Pathway students and 27 peer recovery apprentices at the John & Kathy Ackerman Mental Health Professional Development Center (Ackerman Center), helping to build a skilled and diverse workforce.
• Secured long-term sustainability for the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health, ensuring continued support towards achieving employment equity for people with physical disabilities.

The Momentum Continues
From the very beginning of the Beyond Barriers Campaign, Eskenazi Health and Eskenazi Health Foundation knew that closing the longevity gap in Indianapolis would not be a short-term effort. While the Beyond Barriers Campaign has officially concluded, the commitment and momentum to advancing health equity remains stronger than ever.

Eskenazi Health Foundation will not only continue raising funds to sustain and expand the transformative programs launched over the past four years, but will also seek new ways to drive lasting change. In January 2025, the Eskenazi Health Foundation Board gathered for a strategic planning retreat to chart the course for future fundraising priorities. With insights from the Regenstrief Center for Health Equity Research (RCHER) studies, Eskenazi Health will sharpen its focus on the most effective initiatives, ensuring that every dollar raised has the greatest possible impact.

The Beyond Barriers Campaign may have reached its official end, but the work is far from over. Together — with the dedication of Eskenazi Health, Eskenazi Health Foundation and the unwavering support of the community — this movement will press forward, breaking barriers, saving lives and building a healthier, more equitable future for all.

Eskenazi Health is transforming its prescription fulfillment model with the launch of the new Eskenazi Health Pharmacy Central Fulfillment Center. This 32,000-square-foot facility significantly enhances prescription processing capabilities through cutting-edge and efficient automation. With over 1.3 million prescriptions filled in 2024, a centralized approach is essential to meet growing demand and continue improving the health and well-being of Indianapolis residents.

The new facility utilizes machine automation to process prescriptions, with individual patient totes traveling through a high-tech conveyor system for accurate dispensing and pharmacist verification. It also introduces compliance blister packaging to support patients with complex medication regimens. Once verified, prescriptions are delivered to Eskenazi Health retail pharmacies for pickup or sent directly to patients’ homes, ensuring timely and reliable medication access.

By streamlining operations, the facility allows pharmacy staff to focus on critical services such as vaccine administration, medication therapy management and direct patient care. A centralized call center will also launch later this year, improving coordination and efficiency in handling medication inquiries and access issues. By 2030, nearly 60% of all Eskenazi Health prescriptions are expected to be filled at this facility.

This initiative is not just about innovation or efficiency — it’s about ensuring every patient has access to the medications they need when they need them and in a way that supports their health and well-being. The Eskenazi Health Pharmacy Central Fulfillment Center represents a transformative step toward a healthier Indianapolis, now and for generations to come.

Eskenazi Health Foundation is pleased to receive a transformative $500,000 Anchor Grant from Bank of America during a recent ceremony at the Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. This significant contribution supports the continued development and operation of the community-focused health center, which opened in April 2024 at 6002 E. 38th St. This grant plays a crucial role in expanding high-quality, accessible care to Indianapolis’s east side.

To mark this generous occasion, Bank of America, Eskenazi Health and Eskenazi Health Foundation gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling two newly dedicated spaces at the Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus: a main stairwell and a multi-purpose room, both now bearing the Bank of America name. These spaces represent the shared commitment to creating inclusive, welcoming environments that advance health equity and improve well-being for Indianapolis residents.

The Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus serves as a hub for community gathering and comprehensive care, offering essential health services and social amenities under one roof. The funding from Bank of America directly supports the infrastructure that enables Eskenazi Health to continue providing these services, making health care more accessible to those who need it most.

“We support Eskenazi Health’s mission to improve the health and vitality of their patients, and, by extension, our community, which is why we are investing to help provide more accessible, high-quality and affordable health care for east side residents,” said Andy Crask, president of Bank of America Indianapolis.

Eskenazi Health Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Bank of America, whose generosity is helping to strengthen access to health care, financial counseling and other vital health services—building a healthier, more resilient Indianapolis.

Eskenazi Health Foundation is grateful to receive a $10 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to support the Gregory S. Fehribach Center at Eskenazi Health (Fehribach Center).

The Fehribach Center serves as a catalyst for empowerment, enabling college and university students with physical disabilities to realize their full potential. Lilly Endowment Inc.’s transformative funding aims to address the stark employment disparities these students face, as they currently secure jobs at less than half the rate of their peers without disabilities.

Since its inception in 2013, the Fehribach Center has achieved remarkable success in career engagement:

• 95% of interns have either graduated and secured equitable employment or are continuing their education.
• 91% of interns who entered the workforce found equitable employment, nearly three times the national average for college graduates with physical disabilities.
• 22 interns, including six at Eli Lilly and Company, have transitioned into full-time positions with the companies where they interned.

With the Lilly Endowment grant, the Fehribach Center plans to enhance its internship offerings, providing professional development activities and necessary accommodations to ensure that all qualified students can participate fully. This initiative positions the Fehribach Center to set a national standard for accessibility and inclusivity in the workforce.

“Thanks to Lilly Endowment’s support, we can expand our reach and help other communities adopt our successful model,” said Larry Markle, director of the Fehribach Center. “We are dedicated to equipping these talented individuals with the tools they need to succeed and advocate for their peers.”

This generous investment marks a significant milestone for the Fehribach Center, allowing it to continue fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that empowers students with physical disabilities to thrive in their careers. With a vision to create equitable opportunities, the Fehribach Center is poised to inspire growth and change in Indiana and far beyond, championing accessibility and employment opportunities nationwide.

The Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus was celebrated with remarkable accolades at the 47th anniversary of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Monumental Awards, an event recognizing excellence in architecture and design throughout Central Indiana’s nine counties. The annual Monumental Awards honor projects that elevate the built environment, including architecture, engineering, interior design, innovative use, landscape, public art and more.

Nominated by arcDesign, the Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus received the evening’s top Monumental Award, distinguishing it as the best project submission in the region. This award highlights Eskenazi Health’s vision in creating a campus that is not only functional but transformative, strengthening community ties through cutting-edge facilities and public art and serving as a cornerstone of Indianapolis that will benefit generations to come.

The Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus also earned top awards in several other categories, including:

• Merit (Second Place) Award: Neighborhood Revitalization
• Honors (First Place) Award: Public Art
• Honors (First Place) Award: Interior Design
• Honors (First Place) Award: Architecture

This significant recognition underscores Eskenazi Health’s commitment to creating spaces that inspire, support and enhance the lives of all who engage with them.

Friday, October 11, Eskenazi Health celebrated the naming of the Oklak Family Eskenazi Health Pharmacy, located at the Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark this special event and pay tribute to the generosity and commitment of longtime Eskenazi Health supporters Denny and Donna Oklak. Denny, who currently serves as Eskenazi Health Foundation Board Chair, was joined by his wife, Donna, and family members to commemorate this milestone and reflect on the meaningful impact the pharmacy has already made and will continue to make throughout the Indianapolis community.

The naming of the pharmacy highlights the Oklaks’ dedication to Eskenazi Health’s mission and the work of the Beyond Barriers campaign to improve access to health care, mental health care and nutritious food. “All three of these initiatives are important: physical health care, mental health care and nutrition, said Denny and Donna Oklak. “We feel a sense of pride partnering with Eskenazi Health, a trusted provider in our community. They have the people and pipeline to make this successful.”

The Eskenazi Health Oklak Family Pharmacy will continue to serve as a vital resource, offering essential medications, health guidance and support to patients in need. This newly named facility stands as a beacon of compassionate care, reinforcing the importance of accessible health services for Indianapolis residents.

Eskenazi Health Foundation is proud to recognize Denny and Donna Oklak’s generosity and dedication to building a healthier community for future generations.

On Saturday, August 3, 2024, a heartfelt ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus, where the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center waiting room was dedicated to two remarkable women. This meaningful tribute was made possible by Sherry Davis, Eskenazi Health Foundation Board Member and longtime supporter of Eskenazi Health, who named the space in honor of her mother, Mary Logwood, and her ex-husband’s late mother, Mary Walker.

The dedication of the Mary Logwood & Mary Walker Waiting Room in the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center holds deep significance for Sherry. Having grown up near the area, she has witnessed the positive impact that Eskenazi Health has had on the community. Now living just five minutes north of the Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus, Sherry is continually impressed with the comprehensive care and support that the center provides. Her commitment to mental health care is deeply personal, having witnessed several loved ones struggle with their own mental health challenges.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a special occasion, with over 40 family members and friends gathering to celebrate alongside Sherry, her mother and her sons. The Mary Logwood & Mary Walker Waiting Room stands as a testament to Sherry’s dedication to the community and her belief that mental health services are essential for all. The waiting room will offer a place of comfort and support for those seeking care, continuing the legacy of the two women it honors.

There is no health without mental health. This simple yet profound truth resonates on a deeply personal level for many, especially for those whose lives have been touched by mental illness.

On Monday, July 8, 2024, Eskenazi Health held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the naming of an essential mental health facility at 3171 N. Meridian St. Now known as the Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center – Thomas P. Stitt Building, this facility stands as a powerful testament to Eskenazi Health’s unwavering commitment to addressing the mental health crisis in Indianapolis.

The ceremony was more than just a naming—it was a heartfelt tribute to the life of Thomas P. Stitt, who battled mental illness for much of his life and tragically passed away from a failing heart in 2013 at the age of 35. Surrounded by family, the event included the unveiling of a plaque in his honor, symbolizing the enduring impact of his memory. This dedication was made possible through generous philanthropy, which fuels Eskenazi Health’s mission to break down barriers to care and provide accessible, compassionate support to individuals and families in need across Indianapolis.

The Sandra Eskenazi Mental Health Center – Thomas P. Stitt Building now serves as a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of community giving and the difference philanthropy can make in transforming lives. Honoring Thomas P. Stitt’s legacy, this facility represents hope and healing for countless lives. Through the continued generosity of Eskenazi Health Foundation supporters, Eskenazi Health is paving the way for a brighter, healthier future for all.

Eskenazi Health Foundation is pleased to receive significant funding from Cummins Inc.’s racial equity program, Cummins Advocating for Racial Equity (CARE), marking a transformative step toward enhancing health and racial equity across Indianapolis. This funding, allocated to the Beyond Barriers Campaign, will directly support the expansion of Eskenazi Health’s Community Weaver program in the Northeast Corridor Health Equity Zone.

Cummins has a long-standing commitment to social justice. Launched in 2020, CARE aims to address racial inequities in the United States through initiatives focused on dismantling systemic racism and promoting equity and inclusion. In 2023, CARE partnered with Eskenazi Health to tackle food insecurity in Indianapolis by funding the Fresh for You Market (FFYM) on Wheels program, which continues to provide nutritious and affordable food options to underserved neighborhoods.

Building on the success of the FFYM on Wheels program, CARE is furthering Cummins’ commitment by investing in the Community Weaver program in Eskenazi Health’s Northeast Corridor Health Equity Zone. Community Weavers, who are trusted residents from within the local community, have a deep understanding of the everyday barriers to health and racial equity the neighborhood faces. Community Weavers play a vital role in building authentic relationships with residents and connecting them to essential resources that help them overcome these challenges.

The CARE grant will enhance the program by equipping each Community Weaver with the necessary tools to make a lasting impact. The Community Weaver Tool Kit includes resources such as food vouchers and transportation assistance for those in need. It also provides each Community Weaver with customized training, language competency and mental health first aid, enabling them to effectively address high-need situations while building trust and fostering deeper community involvement.

The Northeast Corridor Health Equity Zone is a vibrant community, known for its strong leadership and institutions that play a crucial role in supporting the well-being of residents. However, the area faces considerable challenges: Eighty-five percent of residents in the Northeast Corridor are people of color, with over one-third experiencing food insecurity or housing instability. The community also struggles with disproportionately high rates of violence and unemployment. In light of these pressing issues, the Community Weaver program is essential for neighborhoods like the Northeast Corridor. Eskenazi Health Thomas & Arlene Grande Campus and the United Northeast Community Development Corporation serve as trusted anchors for the area, offering much needed resources and hope.

“The CARE grant will significantly enhance the work of Eskenazi Health Community Weavers, allowing them to connect more community members to vital resources—ultimately fostering healthier, longer and better lives,” says Kerry Dinneen, senior major gifts officer of the Eskenazi Health Foundation.

Cummins’ generous support will significantly strengthen the Community Weaver program in the Northeast Corridor, advancing health and racial equity across Indianapolis. As an early supporter, Cummins plays a crucial role in launching the Health Equity Zones by empowering the specialized and unique Community Weaver workforce. Their funding will allow Eskenazi Health to evaluate the program’s impact, potentially leading to more resources for other Health Equity Zones. It will also provide vital support to enhance the program’s infrastructure and test new tools to maximize the Community Weavers’ effectiveness. Eskenazi Health Foundation is deeply appreciative of Cummins’ continued support and generosity, which are key to creating a healthier, more equitable future for Indianapolis residents.