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Although the project is being funded by a $10.5 million revenue bond issue, the hospital is still incurring debt and interest. As a rural facility, funding reserves are limited. When monies are available they are reinvested into the facility for operations and patient care needs. Although the long-term financial picture of the hospital is bright, MCH has marginal reserves, which need to be increased over time to provide stability and to cope with unforeseen financial challenges that could endanger the hospital. A capital campaign for this project shows the community's investment for the future of healthcare in Mercer County.
Mercer Foundation for Health has accepted the challenge to raise $1 million toward the cost of the project plans to assist MCH to offset this significant financial obligation. In addition, this campaign will help increase awareness about the foundation's endowment program. Past support for MCH is one of the primary reasons that this campaign is being conducted, and continued community support into the future will enable our hospital to remain independent, viable, and to provide quality care.
Giving your gift or pledge to Mercer Foundation for Health, an IRS-designated 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, enables your contribution to be tax-deductible. Mercer Foundation for Health was organized in 1990 to advocate for the Hospital and to financially support its services. The Foundation helps the community to become knowledgeable and supportive of its ongoing challenges to keep pace with advancing standards of healthcare and in the acquisition of associated equipment and facilities. It also provides educational opportunities and builds partnerships with the people it serves. Since 1993, Mercer Foundation for Health has provided $1,317,000 in funds to the hospital for remodeling, equipment, and decorating of some rooms/areas within the hospital. The citizens of Mercer County generated these funds, through supporting the Foundation. It is hoped that this tradition of giving continues with this campaign.
By its very nature, the campaign to enhance and expand Mercer County Hospital's quality healthcare services is a community effort. MCH needs the continuing support and participation of the community it serves - the community that has demonstrated repeatedly that it believes in the importance of quality healthcare close to home. “Providing quality healthcare and promoting wellness” is not simply a concept. In Mercer County, it is a reality that has existed for more than fifty years.
The campaign to upgrade and enhance Mercer County Hospital is led by Mercer Foundation for Health. It involves members of the Hospital Family, including board(s), medical staff, employees, and Auxiliary, plus many members of the community: individual donors, business, manufacturing, finance, retail, agri-business and many others. It also offers a broad-base appeal that extends the opportunity to give throughout the hospital's geographic service area. This campaign signifies yet another milestone in the enduring partnership between MCH and the community it serves. Mercer Foundation for Health is proud to serve as a partner with MCH in this important effort.
Creating the Governing Board in 2001 has changed the future of MCH and has resulted in a vision that is now supported and realized by many citizens every day. Supporting this vision is a purpose that calls for MCH to provide quality healthcare to all the people of our community. Upgrading and enhancing existing services, along with new services, encourages people to seek Mercer County Hospital for wellness, emergency situations, and preparation as we enter into our next stage of life. When these services are offered close to home they become invaluable as a first source of care.
The “Enhancing Our Traditions of Compassionate Care” Campaign needs your support and financial consideration to help us serve you better: when you need help and when you want help close-by, you look to Mercer County Hospital. Your participation and support will help us secure the future of MCH and improve the lives of people who live within our geographic service area. Neighbors helping neighbors to provide quality healthcare close to home for the benefit of all will always be our ultimate goal. |
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“Access to quality healthcare is just as important for the people in rural communities as for those in large cities. My late husband, Wayne, believed strongly in this philosophy and I continue to share in this belief.”
Virginia Hickok, Community Member
“An investment in the hospital's building project is a comfortable one because of the hospital's present financial stability. We know we're supporting a facility that will be around for a long time.”
Ila Bertrand
"I've found that during my many visits to the Mercer County Hospital everyone acts with professionalism and with compassion."
Linda Eldridge |
