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Riverside Smithfield Hospital Receives $350,000 Grant from the James M. Cox Foundation

April 28, 2026
group of people standing on stairs smiling holding a check with 350,000 printed on it

Riverside Health and the Riverside Foundation announced today that the James M. Cox Foundation has awarded a $350,000 grant to support Riverside Smithfield Hospital (RSH), expanding access to inpatient, emergency and specialty care for residents across Isle of Wight County and surrounding communities. 

The funding will support patient-centered programs and services at Riverside Smithfield Hospital, helping ensure individuals and families can receive high-quality care close to home. 
“This grant strengthens our ability to care for patients in meaningful ways,” said Jessica Macalino, president of Riverside Smithfield Hospital. “We are grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation for its partnership in improving access to high-quality care for our community.” 

Riverside Smithfield Hospital provides comprehensive, around-the-clock care to support the health and well-being of the growing community. The facility features a 24/7 emergency department, a 34-bed medical/surgical unit, and a dedicated 10-bed intensive care unit (ICU) for advanced inpatient care. Patients have access to a full range of inpatient and outpatient surgical services across four modern operating rooms, as well as convenient on-site diagnostic imaging. 

“The James M. Cox Foundation’s support plays a vital role in advancing health outcomes across our region,” said Kristen Witt, chief philanthropy officer of the Riverside Foundation. “Their investment directly supports the care our patients and families rely on every day.” 

The James M. Cox Foundation supports nonprofit organizations addressing critical community needs in the regions where Cox operates. Its investment in Riverside Health reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community wellbeing and expanding access to high-quality care.

“Riverside has long supported the health and well-being of the people and communities of southeastern Virginia,” said Jeff Merritt, Cox Hampton Roads market vice president. “This grant from the James M. Cox Foundation will help them to further broaden their reach in the area and ensure strong health outcomes in Smithfield and beyond.”

To learn more about Riverside Smithfield Hospital, visit riversideonline.com/rsh