Orlando Health and Florida Hospital announced Wednesday that they would not be billing survivors of the Pulse nightclub shooting for treatment. They are expected to write off an estimated $5.5 million in care.

In the announcement, Orlando Health President and CEO David Strong said, “The pulse shooting was a horrendous tragedy for the victims, their families and our entire community. During this very trying time, many organizations, individuals and charities have reached out to Orlando Health to show their support. This is simply our way of paying that kindness forward.”

Orlando Health’s main hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, treated 44 of the more than 50 individuals who suffered critical injuries from the attack. Nine of those patients later died while at ORMC, but the hospital has assured their families that they won’t be charged for the care.

Kena Lewis, a spokeswoman for Orlando Health, said that bills will be sent to health insurers for patients who had coverage, but that all remaining costs would be absorbed by the hospital.

At Florida Hospital, which treated roughly a dozen wounded club-goers, officials said they would not even bill the survivors’ insurance.

“It was incredible to see how our community came together in the wake of the senseless Pulse shooting,” said Daryl Tol, Florida Hospital’s president and CEO. “We hope this gesture can add to the heart and goodwill that defines Orlando.”

From NewNowNext