In late 1996, Doctors Hospital of Stark County, a not-for-profit hospital, was sold to a for-profit organization.  The dollars from the sale formed the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation. The foundation has completed 53 series of grants and has awarded just over $10,000,000 through March 2024. The mission of the Austin-Bailey Health and Wellness Foundation is to support programs that promote the physical and mental well being of the citizens of Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas, and Wayne Counties in Ohio.  The importance of furthering the education of healthcare personnel is reflected in the $43,000 in scholarships that we provide to students in nine schools who are studying in a health-related field.  These schools are Aultman College, Kent State Stark, Kent State Tuscarawas, Malone University, Stark State College, University of Mount Union, Walsh University, Wayne College and Ohio University Heritage School of Osteopathic Medicine.

Over time, the Foundation has heavily supported two areas of health need.  One is the accessibility to prescription drugs for those unable to afford them.  Through Beacon Charitable Pharmacy, which assists other non-profits in obtaining medications for their clients, we have helped many individuals in Stark and other counties to procure prescribed medications.  Another area we have solidly funded is oral health, and major grants have been made to support dental clinics that provide treatment to the under-insured or uninsured.

A listing of the most recent grants made by the Foundation is included in this web site.  We strive to maintain awareness of the health and wellness needs in our four-county area, and to address those needs through our grant making.  We endeavor to make wise grant decisions by providing dollars to those organizations that can best help us fulfill our mission.