HMH Foundation Raises over $1 Million in its second year
Leaders call the success just the beginning of critical work
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – At today’s Hardin Memorial Health (HMH) Board of Trustees meeting, Hardin Memorial Health Foundation (HMHF) leaders reported on the organization’s 2016 success generating more than $1 million in investments for HMH.
“While the Foundation Board is pleased with this tremendous success, we have so much more to do,” said Joe Prather, HMHF Board chairman. “We want to ensure that HMH has the very best equipment and the very best facilities so it is positioned to attract and keep high quality physicians and continues to provide advanced healthcare close to home.”
Prather said that 100 percent of the funds HMHF receives go directly to HMH for breakthrough initiatives like the Foundation’s first project, HMH’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The NICU is the only one of its kind in the 10-county region that HMH serves.
“In our first two years, we have invested more than $700,000 for equipment and renovations to the NICU,” said Prather. “That means our region’s most fragile newborns can receive the care they need when minutes matter most.”
In 2016, the Foundation received a $50,000 gift for the NICU from Brave Beginnings, a program of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. It was the Foundation’s first national grant and the first Brave Beginnings grant ever awarded in Kentucky.
Prather said the Board was also thrilled to receive over $200,000 from Kosair Charities, the first award of its kind specifically for HMH. The gift was originally $160,000 but Kosair Charities CEO Randy Coe increased the amount at the announcement at HMH last fall. At a reception just before Christmas, Kosair Charities gave the Foundation an additional $25,000, bringing the total investment to $225,000.
Prather credited two local civic organizations, the Knights of Columbus 1455 and the Riasok Shrine Club, for their long-standing support to Kosair Charities and their willingness to shine a spotlight on the needs of the HMH NICU, including at their annual Brotherhood Banquet.
“For years, the Brotherhood Banquet leaders raised money for Kosair Charities. We are so glad so much money just returned to this area for HMH,” said Prather.
Tracee Troutt, HMH Chief Marketing and Development Officer, reported the Foundation’s 2016 work extended beyond support for the HMH NICU and included a $110,000 Victims of Crime Act grant benefitting HMH’s Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. HMH offers victims one of the state’s four SANE programs, in which trained nurses perform specialized forensic exams.
“We are honored we could provide funds for SANE equipment and training,” said Troutt. “The Foundation is all about providing the extras HMH needs.”
Troutt also highlighted the Foundation’s first corporate donation from WesBanco. Their donation, along with gifts from the WHAS Crusade for Children and the Honorable Order of the Kentucky Colonels, allowed HMHF to invest more than $100,000 for pediatric therapy services, including a one-of-a-kind therapeutic playground at HMH’s Ring Road location in Elizabethtown.
Troutt said that the Foundation’s success would not be possible without the Board’s passion for HMH.
“Twenty-four exceptional community leaders lead our two-year-old philanthropic Foundation,” said Troutt. “Each of them understands how strong HMH is today, but more importantly, how much investment and support HMH must have for the future.”
Harry Berry, Chairman of the HMH Board of Trustees, thanked the Foundation for its support.
“HMH’s financial and capital needs are enormous,” said Berry. “People often forget that while county-owned, HMH receives no tax dollars, so philanthropy will become even more critical.”
In other board news:
Radiology Services.
HMH Vice President of Operations Tom Carrico reported on the growth of the HMH diagnostic imaging team, who provided more than 174,000 exams in 2016, up from 124,000 in 2011. Carrico said even with the increased volumes, the team is more efficient than ever.
“On average, traditional diagnostic imaging at a hospital emergency department takes two to four hours, but HMH averages just 15 minutes,” said Carrico.
Similarly, average inpatient readings take four to eight hours, but the HMH diagnostic imaging team averages 40 minutes, Carrico said. He attributes the accuracy and speed of diagnostic imaging to improved technology and the high competency of the radiologists and staff.
Board of Trustees member Lisa Boone praised the team, noting her positive experience as a diagnostic imaging patient.
“Why would anyone want to go anywhere else? We have the best care possible right here at HMH,” she said.
Financials.
HMH Chief Financial Officer Lennis Thompson reported an operating income of $2.2 million for the month of March due primarily to higher inpatient and outpatient volumes.
“As we expand access to care with more services, locations and physicians, people can stay in their local community for care,” said Thompson.
Year to date, HMH remains $438,000 ahead of budget with an operating income of $7.3 million versus a budgeted $6.8 million.
Staff Recognitions.
Nominated by co-workers, Certified Hand Specialist Ariela Flory, ICU Monitor Tech and Unit Secretary Jamie Johnson, Medical Lab Tech Linda Fogle, Food and Nutrition Services Team Leader Tamie Pellman and Patient Care Assistant Angela Elliott were recognized as ambassadors of the month for February, March and April.
Two Registered Nurses, Nicole Edwards and Annprin Kwon received Daisy awards for the exceptional compassion and expert care they provide patients.