PITTSBURGH \u2014 Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O\u2019Connor has announced a five-year funding partnership with the city\u2019s two largest health care providers, Highmark and UPMC. <\/p>\n
This combined $55 million commitment from Highmark and UPMC represents the latest funding initiative secured by the O\u2019Connor Administration for investment in the future of Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n
Highmark will invest $20 million to further support public safety bureaus that provide first-response emergency medical care. This commitment translates to $4 million annually over five years, with an initial focus on acquiring new vehicles for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire. <\/p>\n
Mayor Corey O\u2019Connor praised Highmark\u2019s contribution, stating, \u201cHighmark\u2019s generous, sustained commitment is an investment in making sure that our first responders have the equipment to provide proper care, reliable vehicles to respond and facilities that ensure the highest quality of service for years to come.\u201d O\u2019Connor added, \u201cWe appreciate their shared interest and investment in serving the health and safety of our communities.\u201d <\/p>\n
Highmark Health CEO David Holmberg spoke about his organization\u2019s foundational mission as a civic partner. <\/p>\n
\u201cAt Highmark Health, being a great civic partner is fundamental to our mission and today is another important milestone in our commitment to the health and vitality of this amazing city,\u201d Holmberg said. <\/p>\n
He highlighted Highmark Health\u2019s pride in supporting communities, mentioning efforts such as addressing health needs of marginalized populations through the Center for Inclusion Health, aiding grieving children and families at The Caring Place and playing a central role in downtown revitalization over the past 24 months. <\/p>\n
UPMC is committing an additional $25 million over five years for EMS vehicles and equipment. This new investment follows a $10 million donation<\/a> from UPMC for the EMS fleet made in January, bringing their total commitment to $35 million. This funding will enable the City of Pittsburgh\u2019s Bureau of EMS to modernize its capital resources to reliably provide advanced life support to the community. <\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to thank UPMC for this additional investment in our communities,\u201d O\u2019Connor said. \u201cThis incredible commitment will help both our EMS and their medical professionals to continue partnering to provide world-class health care service to anyone experiencing an emergency in the City of Pittsburgh.\u201d <\/p>\n President Leslie Davis and CEO of UPMC, affirmed UPMC\u2019s dedication to Pittsburgh. <\/p>\n \u201cAt UPMC, caring for Pittsburgh is at the core of who we are,\u201d Davis said. \u201cOur $10 million investment in January helped meet an urgent need and today\u2019s commitment builds on that progress\u2014reflecting our enduring responsibility to the community and ensuring City of Pittsburgh EMS teams can deliver fast, reliable, lifesaving care when it matters most.\u201d <\/p>\n City Controller Rachael Heisler released the following statement following the announcement:<\/p>\n \u201cThis partnership represents a major milestone in the City of Pittsburgh\u2019s history \u2013 one that many of us have said for years was essential to our future. I commend Mayor O\u2019Connor for making this a priority and getting the deal done at a time when the City is in urgent need of new revenue. And I thank UPMC and Highmark for stepping up and showing their commitment to the City and their shared responsibility for ensuring we have the resources we need to provide essential services. I hope that this agreement will serve as the standard for subsequent agreements with our other large nonprofits as we all work together to get through these challenging budgetary years and stay focused on growing our population and our economy.<\/p>\n \u201cMy commitment to City residents is to provide complete transparency and accountability. We will track every dollar so we know how this money is spent and how it benefits City residents.\u201d<\/p>\n In total, Mayor O\u2019Connor has confirmed over $70 million in funding from various local partners. These partners include The Benter Foundation, Carnegie Mellon University, Heinz Endowments, Pa. Laborers\u2019 District Council, Pirates Charities, PNC, Richard King Mellon Foundation and the University of Pittsburgh.<\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n