It all comes back to you
Terry R. Lambert
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
YOU MAY have noticed some articles recently about the Newman Regional Health Foundation. Although the foundation was actually established in 1957, many people did not even realize it existed. The foundation has mostly served as a receiving entity to distribute donations benefiting the hospital and the School of Nursing. Last year, the Foundation Board held a strategic planning meeting and decided to breathe new life into the foundation. While the mission to “enhance and support quality health care” continues, the board is also committed to increasing foundation activities particularly in the area of health education, outreach and prevention programs.
One of the first steps taken by the foundation board was to hire a part-time manager, Karen Kenney. Her office is located just past the east information desk; we invite you to stop in and meet Karen.
The foundation board also has increased in number from seven to nine to better represent the community and provide more opportunity for input from the public. It is always exciting to have new people join an organization, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.
The new foundation board members are Sharon Stewart, retired owner of Sunflower Nook; Deb Hagland, county coordinator on aging for Chase County; Larry Shell, general manager of Emporia Country Club; Nick Laurent, retired pharmacist from NRH and Jim Wayman, president of ESB Financial. Remaining members are Ken Calhoun, president of Newman’s, Inc.; Dr. Gould Garcia, retired physician; Bill Barnes of ESU and Dr. Ken Wright, physician. We also extend our appreciation to Merle Bolz, Kenneth Buchele and Jeffrey Larson who completed their service on the board in March after serving for many years.
Many donations, both large and small, have been made to the foundation through the years. Some of these donations purchased needed medical equipment such as cardiac monitors, infant isolettes, oxygen hoods and hospital beds. A recent purchase was for a $50,000, infant security system to prevent infant abduction. Health care is constantly changing with new diagnostic tools, equipment and techniques for treatment. There is a high cost associated with this rapidly changing technology. The foundation has and will continue to help the hospital keep abreast of these changes and help bring the latest in technology to our community.
A large number of donations have been made to establish educational funds and endowments for students entering the health care field. As a result, thousands of dollars in nursing and health-care scholarships are awarded each year. Not only do the students benefit tremendously, but the individuals whose names accompany these scholarships will be honored and remembered for years to come. In the near future, the foundation will begin fundraising efforts to continue and expand its good work. One of the things I really like about the foundation is its slogan, “It all comes back to you.”
While there are many worthwhile organizations available to choose from, it’s nice to know your donation to Newman Regional Health Foundation will stay local and will come back to you in the form of better health care for you and your loved ones. And, in my opinion, good health is one of the most precious gifts anyone can give or receive.