Community
LECOM and the Erie Community Celebrate National Osteopathic Medicine Week
(L-R) Silvia Ferretti, DO, John Ferretti, DO, Erie County Executive Barry Grossman and Michael Visnosky, Esq. dedicate the new computer lab named for the two LECOM leaders.
LECOM Provides $500,000 to Aid Erie County Government LECOM President and CEO John M. Ferretti galvanized the ever-present commitment of the College to underscore civic service as he announced a landmark contribution by the school that will bolster the coffers of Erie County while simultaneously bettering the community.
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will give $500,000 to the Erie County government over a five-year period. The county will use the funds for two important projects that will support emergency services and improve the county library. The announcement was made in partnership by
Erie County Executive, Barry Grossman and LECOM’s President during a news conference at the Blasco Memorial Library in late May. The announcement of the community gift entailed discussions between college officials and government leaders that resulted in LECOM retaining its tax-exempt status in exchange for the county receiving the contribution. The Erie County Board of Assessment Appeals dropped a challenge to LECOM’s educationally based tax-exempt status with the government’s receipt of the funds. The county Public Safety department will use most of the funds, $350,000, to purchase and to install mobile computers in 40 fire vehicles and in 63 ambulances; all vehicles used by volunteer and municipal fire departments throughout the county. The computers link directly to the county dispatch center and the devices will improve communications between emergency crews on the scene and the dispatch center.
24 lecom connection / july 2012