Since Blue Hill Memorial Hospital was founded in the early 1920s, it has been sustained by the generosity of the community. It is no exaggeration to say that BHMH would not be here without such help. Friends and neighbors have supported building projects, the development of new programs and services, scholarships for nurses, as well as providing general operating support. This assistance has come in the way of donations to the annual appeal, gifts of real estate – indeed the original hospital building itself was a donation – and planned gifts and bequests.
People who make planned gifts join Blue Hill Memorial Hospital Foundation's Heritage Society. The Heritage Society was developed to recognize those who ensure the future of BHMH through a provision in their wills or other planned gift. Like all community support, planned gifts have helped secure the future of the hospital as well as the primary care physician practices in Stonington, Bucksport, Castine and Blue Hill.
Judy Thomas is one such Heritage Society member. Ms. Thomas has been involved with BHMH and the BHMH Foundation for many years in many capacities. She began her involvement in 1999 when former CEO Bruce Cummings asked her to join the Strategic Planning Committee. Since then, she has served as a member of the Governance Committee, BHMH Foundation Vice Chair, and now is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation.
"I made the decision to become a Heritage Society member just before I joined the board. We had given over the years to BHMH as summer residents. It was a natural progression that as our involvement grew, so would our commitment of support."
Mrs. Thomas, a longtime resident of Philadelphia, and her husband Lowell Thomas, became year-round residents in the fall of 2000. She says that the hospital is one of the reasons they decided to settle here. Of the places they considered for retirement, the excellent health care offered to the residents of the Blue Hill Peninsula was an important factor in their choice. Mrs. Thomas says traveling fifty miles for a doctor's appointment was not an option.
"A viable community needs to have viable healthcare. If you're going to give your time and financial support, give it something you feel strongly about. I belong to the Heritage Society because I want to make sure the continuity of healthcare services are secure long after I am not. It's for my children's children and the good of the community." |
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