Oregon Health & Science University staff and patients are among countless Oregonians deeply saddened today upon news of the death of Harold Schnitzer. His philanthropic spirit and leadership impacted numerous areas of our lives and played a pivotal role in improving the health of Oregonians.
Through the Harold & Arlene Schnitzer CARE Foundation, Harold Schnitzer and his family have provided transformational philanthropic support for a wide range of program areas at OHSU. In recent years, Harold's personal passion to improve care options for diabetes patients led to a leadership gift to establish the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU, a premier center of diabetes care, research, education and outreach for both children and adults.
Harold and Arlene's support has also been felt across many other areas of OHSU that serve countless residents across the state. Those programs include the OHSU Center for Women’s Health, Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, the Oregon Stroke Center, Casey Eye Institute, the Center for Ethics in Healthcare, rural and global health programs, neurology and oncology research.
The OHSU community would like to offer our sincere condolences to the Schnitzer family. Below are statements from three OHSU leaders on today’s loss.
“Harold Schnitzer was a community leader whose impact will be felt across all 96,000 square miles of Oregon for many decades to come. We will all greatly miss Harold and will never forget his dedication and commitment to the health and well-being of his fellow Oregonians.”
- Dr. Joe Robertson, M.D., M.B.A.
OHSU President
“Anyone who has ever met Harold knows of his amazing generosity of spirit. He is beloved for his belief in the goodness of all people. He has always believed that once you were able to get the right people in the same room, anything could be accomplished. This belief and his approach to addressing the needs of others inspires all of us.”
- Allan Price
President, OHSU Foundation
“Harold was not only a dedicated supporter, he was a good friend to OHSU and the guiding spirit behind the Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU. He took great pride in the work that we do at the center. Thousands of patients have benefitted from this dedication. Countless others have been impacted by his kindness and sincerity. His memory will forever live on through our continued commitment to caring for others.”
- Dr. Andrew Ahmann
Director, Harold Schnitzer Diabetes Health Center at OHSU