Greensburg — The Hospital Foundation of Decatur County gave thanks Friday to the myriad Tree County residents who’ve opened up their checkbooks for the betterment of the hospital throughout the last year.

The Foundation’s annual Donor Appreciation Luncheon celebrated the many who have made Decatur County Memorial Hospital’s (DCMH) previous 365 days “a very exciting time,” in the words of Foundation Director David Fry.

Fry, who served as Master of Ceremonies of the yearly program, offered his appreciation to the donors on behalf of the Foundation, and he showed exactly how those funds have been put to good use in recent months.

Fry mentioned that last year’s hospital gala, which drew more than 300 guests, brought in almost $52,000. An additional $18,500 came from DCMH’s annual Event “Fore” Caring, a golf outing that brought out more than 33 groups of four for a fund-raiser at North Branch Golf Course. Fry also mentioned the Foundation’s Daffodil Project, which has allowed the acronym DCMH to stand for something else entirely: Daffodils Create Memories and Hope. The yearly daffodil planting is accomplished by members of the Decatur County Extension Homemakers to whom Fry also offered his gratitude at Friday’s meeting.

Grants received went to programs such as free community flu vaccines, blood testing at the annual Healthy Fair, improvements in mammography and a focus on the ReCharge program, which is intended to combat childhood obesity.

Commenting on the flu vaccine initiative, Infection Control Nurse Rosie Stier said the program “helped reduce illnesses, hospitalization and loss of time at work or school.” The flu vaccine program was funded through $10,000 worth of monetary gifts. The program would have cost DCMH more than three times that amount without the grant, according to the Hospital Foundation’s 2012 Annual Report.

Decatur County EMS Director Doug Banks exhibited a mobile cardiac monitor capable of enhancing communication between on-the-scene emergency responders and doctors back at the hospital. These monitors were purchased with grant money, and they’ve aided responders and cardiac specialists considerably in emergency patient care. Banks also mentioned medical vaults used to secure certain medications, and he noted the funds provided by donors will allow an ambulance to be stationed on-site at this year’s Decatur County 4-H Fair.

“We really appreciate everything you (the donors) do,” said the EMS director.

Fry revealed that the present Capital Campaign, “Reach,” chaired by Paul and RoJeanna Pank with the assistance of nine other volunteers, currently stands at $1,011,651 in contributions. The project’s goal is $1.25 million. In addition to the Panks, Cleo Duncan, Jeff Emsweller, Helen Gardner, Lora Williams, Jim Stewart, Sandy Nieman, Kay Nobbe, Jean Long and Mary Lou Davis serve as chairs for different types of gifts for the campaign. The present campaign wraps up May 3.

Said Fry of the “Reach” tally, “This is something the community can be very proud of.”

DCMH CEO Linda Simmons discussed possibilities for Phase II of the project, one of which may include changes in signage in and around the hospital. Phase II of the hospital’s construction project will include a medical building centered on cancer care as well as an improved rehab services area.

Hospital Foundation Board President Cleo Duncan thanked those in attendance for their support of the hospital and complimented David Fry as well as outgoing board member Jim Rosenberry on their efforts. Duncan described Fry’s work with the Foundation as more akin to “a calling” than simply a job.

Rosenberry thanked the board for allowing him to be a part of it, and spoke of the necessity and importance of the hospital in the Decatur County community.

The board later took time to vote in new members Luisa Gaudreau and George Reiger.

More information about the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County as well as a list of ways to give can be found at www.dcmh.net/foundation.



Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056