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week of 2/18/04 | |
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| Businesses
asked to support ER expansion SMN Haywood Regional Medical Center officials told county business leaders last week that more than $2 million has been pledged toward construction of the new emergency department. The HRMC Foundation has set a goal of raising $2.5 million through private and charitable donations toward the project’s $5 million price tag. The Foundation’s “Saving Lives” Capital Campaign began last summer. HRMC employees were encouraged to participate in the fund drive, and more than half of the medical center’s 900-plus work force responded with more than $130,000 in donations. To date, approximately $2 million has been pledged toward the $2.5 million benchmark. Last week’s meeting was an opportunity for the business community to learn about the progress of the project, as well as a chance to lend their support. “We really appreciate all of you who are just joining the project,” said David Rice, president and CEO of HRMC. “The Found-ation has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort on this, and they are making it possible for us to have one of the best health care facilities in the Southeast.” Lead businesses contributing to the “Saving Lives” Capital Campaign include the BB&T Foundation, Blue Ridge Paper Products Inc., Carolina Community Bank, Carolina First Bank, Clyde’s Restaurant, Voni D’Angio of Beverly-Hanks, Diversified Supplies Inc., The Enterprise Mountaineer, First Citizens Bank, Home Trust Bank, Mountain Federal Credit Union and the Wachovia Foundation. Jeff Schumacher, general manager of The Mountaineer, stressed that is was important for the business community to support the medical center. “The hospital is a key ingredient to our success. It’s exciting to see a hospital being ahead of the trend. This is a part of our future as well. When people are choosing where to live, the quality of life is very important, and the hospital helps to provide that,” Schumacher said. The Haywood County business community has been challenged to raise $125,000, or about 5 percent of the $5 million ER project. “We encourage you to step forth and contribute as much as you can. This is one of those things that you cannot ignore. Knowing that the hospital is there for the people who need it is what it’s all about,” Schumacher added. The first phase of the project should be finished by January 2005. The first phase involves construction of a new facility, which will improve accessibility, efficiency and security; provide a decontamination space; increase privacy; and provide state-of-the-art technology. Once the new facility is completed, the existing emergency room space will be renovated. Phase two should be finished by June 2005. The current emergency room area, built in 1979, handles about 24,000 visits per year. In five years, it is projected that the volume will increase to 30,000 annually. This is one reason that the need for an expanded facility is vital. Foundation Director Robin Tindall said an anonymous donor got the fund-raising ball rolling with a pledge of $250,000, contingent on a matching $250,000 gift. Another philanthropist has indeed stepped up. The campaign also received a $200,000 grant from the Duke Endowment and a $350,000 grant from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust. “All of these generous gifts make a big difference to the medical center and to the community,” Tindall said, adding that the campaign has raised about 80 percent of its goal. “But I know from experience that the last 20 percent is the most challenging.” For more information on contributing to the “Saving Lives” Capital Campaign for the Emergency Department at Haywood Regional Medical Center contact Foundation Director Robin Tindall at 828.454.9339. |
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