NASCAR presents Allegiance Health with $15,000 for new Cardiovascular facility
July 2, 2007
Jackson, MI—Allegiance Health’s open-heart surgery program recently received a $15,000 boost from NASCAR and the Michigan International Speedway (MIS). Set to open next spring, Allegiance’s cardiovascular program will draw 1,000 new patients while accommodating 200 open-heart surgeries annually.
"Giving back to a community that not only supports our endeavors every summer, but is also home to all our employees and their families, is very important to us," track President Roger Curtis said. "We are proud to be connected with many great events that help several non-profit organizations reach their goals each year."
John Maino, MD, longtime medical director for both Allegiance’s Emergency Department and MIS, recognizes the mutually beneficial relationship between the two organizations.
“On race weekend, MIS becomes a city of 200,000, yet it is without a formal healthcare system,” Dr. Maino said. “Allegiance plays a major role in providing the medical services necessary to fulfill the needs of such a large number of people.”
According to Dr. Maino, the number-one complaint MIS medical staff respond to is chest pain. “We are grateful that the speedway would appropriately direct its gift toward Allegiance’s cardiac services,” he said.
"We have a responsibility to use our resources and our influence to make a positive impact in our community," said Curtis. "In addition to hosting great racing events, Michigan International Speedway owes its time and resources to charitable organizations throughout the communities that support us."