Advancing New Discoveries Through Science and Philanthropy

PBRF 2010 Annual Report 27
Corporate Partnerships
Amedisys, Inc.
Mission Driven for Healthy Living
“We know that the studies conducted at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center are going to make a tremendous
difference in people’s lives,” says Amedisys founder and CEO William F. “Bill” Borne. “When you see the effect of illness on
the population – as we do every day - it’s so important to support scientists looking for cures. We’re thrilled to be part of
it.”
Baton Rouge-based national home health care provider Amedisys believes in giving back. Each year, the company’s
corporate foundation supports national and community-based charities that impact the 42 states in which the company
operates. The Pennington Biomedical Research Foundation in Baton Rouge is among them.
Amedisys has supported the Foundation’s fundraising event, Soaring to New Heights, since 2004 and has been the title
sponsor since 2007. Amedisys has also helped sponsor the annual education conference for Pennington’s new Institute for
Dementia Research and Prevention (IDRP), whose ground-breaking programs focus on the study of the pervasive problem
of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Several of the company’s key employees have shared their passion for Pennington through countless volunteer hours.
Amedisys Chief Development Officer, Tim Barfield, serves as the Foundation’s current board chair, an appointment that
follows other key volunteer roles. Barfield chaired the Foundation’s inaugural Annual Fund for Excellence campaign.
Amedisys Vice President of Tax, Mike Pitts, serves as the company’s volunteer liaison with Pennington, currently chairing
the corporate division of the Annual Fund for Excellence campaign. Through their corporate and personal involvement,
they inspire others to join in support of Pennington.
“It’s gratifying to support an organization that is focused on finding cures and improving health,” says Pitts. “We know the
devastating effects of disease on patients and their families, and it has been very meaningful for our employees to support
an organization like Pennington.”
Barfield adds that Pennington is a unique asset whose continued growth will benefit the entire region. “We believe in being
a good corporate citizen,” says Barfield. “We’ve experienced a lot of growth here in this community, and we understand
that our success and Baton Rouge’s success are linked. We see Pennington as a huge plus for the state and a game changer
worldwide in disease prevention.”