MEDICINE HAT HEALTH FOUNDATION
On Monday 26 May, we had the pleasure of an animated, engaging, well illustrated presentation on the Medicine Hat Health Foundation, by Operations and Stewardship Coordinator, Sue Edwards.
A bit of history:
Our hospital’s origin dates back to 1889, built by volunteers with donated materials. The Foundation was established 29 years ago, to raise funds to support and enhance healthcare available to residents of Medicine Hat and area.
We were reminded that the Foundation is not Alberta Health Services but that they work ‘in tandem’. Sue expressed appreciation for the quality of the relationship between the two at this time.
The mission of the Foundation captures its essence:
‘To advance the health of our community through innovation and enhancements to health and wellness services in Southern Alberta’.
Work towards the mission is guided by a Board of Trustees and the values of the Foundation: Community, Compassion and Well Being, Integrity, Philanthropy, Transparency. Heading up the staff team of six, is Executive Director, Heather Bach.
Sue expressed the gratitude of the Foundation for their many community partners and volunteers. Volunteers serve in the Gift Shop, participate in events, and assist with administration and executive-related work, the number of volunteer hours totalling over 3,000 this past year.
The Foundation raised an astonishing $1m in the 2024-2025 fiscal year, of which $15,546.90 was raised by the Gift Shop.
So how was this money spent? To achieve the Foundation's vision, vitally important equipment was purchased, including 11 cardiac monitors, a central monitoring system for ICU, an MRI-compatible ventilator for the ICU, a video glide scope for ICU, and new electric beds for 5 North, totalling $756,000.
Sue went on to outline what she referred to as the Foundation’s new programs:
Teddy Bear program, Personal Hygiene kits, Craft program, Snack program, Kid’s Treasure Chest, White Rose program.
Sue wrapped her presentation with a brief outline of changes being made by the Alberta Health Services, including four new pillars (Recovery Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Primary Care Alberta and Assisted Living Alberta). How these changes impact the Medicine Hat Health Foundation will become more evident in due course. Sue also mentioned that renovations are to be made to the pharmacy at the hospital and the Intensive Care Unit.
We, the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat, and indeed the whole wider community, are grateful for the invaluable services provided by the Medicine Hat Health Foundation. A big thank you from Rotary! We will continue to support your endeavours as needed and as we are able.