SwedishAmerican Health Foundation relaunches with new name, same mission

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The philanthropic arm of UW Health in the Rockford region unveiled a new name Thursday and launched a refresh of its website and brand identity.

The name change is notable in part because it keeps a close tie to the legacy of SwedishAmerican Hospital in the community. While many former Swedes facilities have been renamed to put UW Health front and center, the nonprofit will be called SwedishAmerican Health Foundation to honor the local legacy first. UW Health and SwedishAmerican Hospital merged in 2015, and name changes began in 2021.

“As the philanthropic pillar of UW Health in northern Illinois, (SwedishAmerican Health Foundation’s) new brand honors the legacy of SwedishAmerican and the innovation of UW Health,” Barb Aaby, executive director of the foundation, said in a news release. “We believe it captures the essence of our vision to support remarkable health care and shape a healthier future for our region.”

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SwedishAmerican Health Foundation, which was formerly called SwedishAmerican Foundation, held a ribbon-cutting Thursday at its offices at 1415 E. State St. with the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the changes.

“Our commitment to advancing health care remains steadfast, and this rebranding signifies a new chapter in our journey,” Aaby said. “We are committed to raising dollars that stay local to fund the facilities, services and investment necessary to save lives and deliver remarkable health care, close to home.”

The foundation supports UW Health in the Rockford region by raising money to support local facilities and local health initiatives.

“SAHF inspires and connects local donors, throughout northern Illinois, to projects and initiatives crucial to our region’s health and vitality,” said SwedishAmerican Health Foundation Board President Michael Broski. “Every dollar donated to SAHF stays here and is strategically invested in world-class facilities, leading-edge technology, innovative services and personalized, remarkable care at UW Health in the northern Illinois/Rockford region.”

The new website can be found at swedishamericanhealthfoundation.org, where you’ll find success stories, ways to give and other information on the nonprofit. It’s intended to serves as a hub of information, news and opportunities for the community to support the foundation and get involved in its mission.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas