BASF, Wyandotte Hospital Partner to Upgrade ER

Wyandotte’s two largest businesses are joining forces to raise money to enhance the emergency room at .

BASF announced on Tuesday that it was donating $20,000 as the presenting sponsor for the 26th annual Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital Golf Classic, scheduled for June 4 at the Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club.

The chemical company donated an additional $10,000 for the hospital's annual black tie fundraiser, the Harvest Moon Ball.

“We are proud to support our local community where our employees live and work," said Greg Pflum, vice president and general manager of BASF's Midwest Hub. "With southern Wayne County relying on Henry Ford Wyandotte for health care, we want it to remain a first-rate facility for emergency services.”

More than $2 million has been raised over the years through the golf outing, benefiting more than 20 community programs and health care facilities. Last year’s funds helped with the complete renovation of the trauma suites in the emergency room of Henry Ford Health Center–Brownstown ER.

This year’s proceeds are going to help with “critical upgrades” to the trauma suites in Wyandotte’s ER, the company said in a press release. Those updates include remodeling the suites and enhancing the medical equipment in them.

“The ER is critical to the Downriver community,” the release said. “With over 60,000 patients each year, it is the most visited area of the hospital. As the level of patient acuity rises, a state-of-the-art trauma center is needed to ensure that the Downriver community receives the highest quality care to treat their serious injuries and illnesses.”

Jim Sexton, the hospital's president and CEO, said the $30,000 will go a long way.

“Our strong relationship with BASF embodies the essence of community partnership and their continued sponsorship has made a significant difference, not just in our organization, but to our patients and the community,” he said.

This year’s golf outing will include two flights for participants. The morning flight, which includes breakfast, will begin at 7:30 a.m., with a 6:30 a.m. registration. The afternoon flight includes lunch and will begin at 12:30 p.m., with an 11 a.m. registration. Each concludes with hors d'oeuvres and an awards program.

For more information or to register, visit www.henryfordwyandotte.com/golfclassic or email Kim Streich at kstreic1@hfhs.org.