The Physicians’ Charitable Foundation was created as an extension of the Mercy Hospital Anderson Medical Staff in 1999. The co-founders, Dr. Joseph Russell and Dr. Michael Smith, hoped to provide a vehicle for answering the many requests for donations received by the medical staff.

The Foundation has awarded scholarships to over 100 deserving high school seniors who aspire to careers in a variety of healthcare professions. The scholarships, amounting to over $135,000, have gone to outstanding students from many area high schools, with special consideration given to dependents of Mercy Anderson employees and volunteers.

Since its creation in 1999, Physicians’ Charitable Foundation has given over $250,000 in support of its mission. Donations have been made to projects in Papua (New Guinea), Haiti, Jamaica, Ukraine, and Croatia. Local charities that have benefited include St. Francis Seraph School, Fathers of the Sacred Heart Seminary, Gifts of Light, Heart to Heart, Mercy Heart Gala, the American Heart Association, Bob Stephen Memorial Fund, St. John Bosco Children’s Home, Bob Heidt Educational and Research Fund, and Mercy Franciscan at St. John. The Foundation donates annually to the Charles M. Barrett Foundation and other charities as donations are requested.