The Hilo Medical Center Foundation wrapped up 2012 with a long list of accomplishments that embraced its mission to support the Hilo Medical Center (HMC) with projects that benefit the greater community.
“We select our projects by asking the question ‘Will this benefit the hospital and the people in our community?’” said foundation Executive Director Lori Rogers. “If the answer is ‘yes,’ our board of trustees and I dedicate our time and energy to making those projects happen.”
“As this year comes to a close, the foundation thanks the greater Hilo community, local businesses, individuals and hospital employees for their help in accomplishing the following projects that improved the quality of care, customer service and both patient and employee satisfaction,” said Rogers. “(These include) renovation of the River Cottage for medical students and resident doctors at HMC to stay at while continuing their education; continue to manage restricted accounts for the residency program, which is now known as the ‘HHSC Primary Care Physician Training Program,’ and to continue to help support the Legislative Committee to secure funding for the program in 2013 and going forward.”
Three executive board members and staff traveled to Oahu in 2012 to meet and educate the Legislature regarding the Residency Program in hopes to help secure more funding.
Another highlight was launching of the two-year “Adopt-A-Room” fundraising campaign to renovate 32 patient-care rooms on the third-floor Medical Unit.
“Our goal is to raise the funds to renovate 14 semi private rooms that can accommodate two patients, which can be adopted for $12,000, and 18 private rooms accommodating one patient, which donors can adopt for $6,500 per room,” said Rogers. “To date, the foundation has raised $119,600 through 14 rooms being adopted by generous donors.”
Other accomplishments during 2012 included: securing two grants to fund the Diabetes in Control classes at HMC and managing those grants; starting renovations of the Long-Term Extended Care facility’s shower through foundation funds and donor funds; furnishing the Lactation Room for HMC employees and hospital visitors; managing restricted account for residents of the Yukio Okutsu Veterans Home; supplying $3,000 for HMC to purchase patient satisfaction carts, and supplying $2,000 for the HMC employee recognition program.
The foundation also provided funds to decorate the Long Term Care van for the Hilo Christmas Parade so residents could participate with over 150 employees and their families; secured a second van for the Long Term Care Facility and hospital; held the foundation’s signature event, the 10th anniversary of the Wine, Cheese, Chocolate, and MORE, raising approximately $50,000 that will help fund future projects.
The foundation serves as a conduit for people to donate money or items to the hospital’s various departments.
“Ways you can help your hospital and community in 2013 include sharing information about the foundation,” said Rogers. “We’ve grown to the point where we accept stocks as donations; we manage endowments.”
The Hilo Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1995. The foundation provides an avenue for people to donate money, stocks, equipment, personal property, time, services, and other assets for the support of the Hilo Medical Center and projects that benefit the greater community.
Its office is at 1190 Waianuenue Ave., on the second floor. Call 935-2957 for more information.
