BLUE HILL An unexpected $25,000 grant arrived at Blue Hill Memorial Hospital, Friday, October 22. The gift was given anonymously from a donor fund of the the Maine Community Foundation, for general operating support.
The Ellsworth-based Maine Community Foundation is a public charity incorporated in Maine and governed by a statewide volunteer Board of Directors. Advised grants from MCF are made from funds established by individuals who make recommendations as to how the income and/or principal is spent.
"The only problem with anonymous donations is that you can't thank someone personally and effusively for such a marvelous gift. We want the donor to know that this will be put right to work!" said Lynn Boulger, Director, Development and Community Relations at BHMH. "We have many equipment purchases we hope to make this fiscal year, including Stryker beds for the ER and operating equipment for the surgery unit. We are thrilled – and very grateful."
BHMH invests all donations to its annual fund into medical equipment and technology for the hospital and physician offices in Bucksport, Castine, Stonington, and Blue Hill. "Because of this," says Boulger, "we consider every gift an investment in the health of our communities. When someone gives to BHMH, they are purchasing equipment that will last for years and help us serve our patients better."
According to CEO Tim Garrity, "A grant like this has a huge impact. This serves everyone with a single, high standard of care – regardless of ability to pay. Because so many local residents do not have health insurance – or have limited coverage – we face special challenges in fulfilling this commitment. Capital needs are especially difficult to fund, with so many of our resources being diverted to cover direct care for the uninsured or underinsured."
The goal for the hospital's annual fund is $300,000 this fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2005. This grant brings the total to $215,000. The hospital is also raising money for a new $500,000 CT Scanner that was installed this summer and has raised $392,000 to date for that project.
For more information about Blue Hill Memorial Hospital's giving program, call 374-2836 ext. 1003.
|
|
