Hilo Medical Center Foundation (HMCF) Board Trustee Marie Ruhland put it all in perspective, as she outlined the successes of the nonprofit foundation during the last calendar year. ADVERTISING Hilo Medical Center Foundation (HMCF) Board Trustee Marie Ruhland put it
Hilo Medical Center Foundation (HMCF) Board Trustee Marie Ruhland put it all in perspective, as she outlined the successes of the nonprofit foundation during the last calendar year.
Hilo Medical Center Foundation (HMCF) Board Trustee Marie Ruhland put it all in perspective, as she outlined the successes of the nonprofit foundation during the last calendar year.
“The mission of HMCF is to support Hilo Medical Center with projects that benefit the greater community,” she said.
And in 2013, the foundation exceeded this mission goal by completing several projects and receiving the “fruit of the board’s mission.”
One project was the completion of the “Adopt-A-Room” campaign in which 32 patient care rooms on the Medical Unit of HMC were renovated at a total cost of $285,000.
Patients are currently experiencing a totally renovated venue with increased comfort and patient satisfaction.
This project was successful because of the generosity of the Hilo community — businesses, individuals and hospital employees.
Another highlight of the year was the generous $25,000 donation by Dr. Richard Robbins, an honorary member of the HMCF board, which was matched with $29,000 from the foundation for the renovation of the HMC Extended Care Facility resident shower.
This renovation directly benefited the employees of the long-term care facility, as well as the residents.
Receipt of a $250,000 grant from UnitedHealthcare to support the Hawaii Island Family Medicine Residency Program was made possible by the work of the board.
The HMCF board and members were also actively involved in an educational campaign to the community and the Hawaii state Legislature of the critical need for support and funds for the residency program.
The residency program received accreditation in October 2013. The State released $1.8 million in appropriations for the program in 2013. Currently, $2.8 million in funding for the residency program is under consideration by the Legislature in House Bill 1700.
“2013 was a great year,” said HMCF executive director Lori Rogers. “We saw dreams come true and exceed our expectations in many fund-raising events.
“A special thanks to the residents of the community and local businesses who generously contributed financially and donated their hard work and time to complete many of these projects.
“We look forward to 2014 with enthusiasm and a renewed spirit to continue the mission of the board which is to benefit Hilo Medical Center patients and employees and our community. Mahalo.”
