Dear Friends,
It's September and time for the fall edition of our electronic newsletter. Sharing positive stories about the work of the BCH Foundation is always a pleasant task and I hope you enjoy learning more about what's been happening the last few months.
Driving down Highway 77, it is hard not to notice all the building activity on the north side of the hospital. Yes, after only three years in the new facility, BCHHC is currently expanding the hospital footprint in order to serve a growing number of patients and families who are choosing to have their healthcare needs addressed locally. Similarly, the BCH Foundation seeks to "build" an organization capable of intensifying the impact the hospital has on improving the health of Southeast Nebraska.
The BCH Foundation embraces this opportunity to make a difference knowing full well what we do happens only because of the generous support we annually receive from people like you. Your continuing partnership is very important to our future success.
Enjoy reading this issue of "The Contributor." It's because of help from people like you the BCH Foundation continues to thrive.
With gratitude,
Sam Rennick
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New CPR equipment improves training
Thanks to the generous support of Koch Fertilizer, Inc., BCHHC employees are benefitting from having
new CPR mannequins in their training programs. Earlier this year, Koch donated $4,180 to the BCH Foundation to purchase the mannequins along with the latest American Heart Association training materials for the hospital.
"Being able to upgrade our equipment and educational curriculum is so important," states Carol Fielder. "We not only train our own staff but also provide CPR training for outside companies and organizations such as the local Police Explorer group."
Visit our webpage.
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Employee giving to improve patient experience
This summer, the BCH Foundation held its second annual "GIVE From The HEART" employee giving campaign. The campaign kicked off during National Hospital week, May 10-16, and concluded on June 19. Campaign co-chairs for 2015 were Dr. Derek Weichel, Connie Arens and Carol Fielder.
The "GIVE From The HEART" campaign gives every member of the BCHHC family - over 500 employees - an opportunity to support the hospital's mission through regular personal financial contributions. Donations can be directed to Employee Scholarships, to the Employee Crisis Fund, or to help fund Areas of Greatest Need that benefit patients and families.
During the campaign, it was announced that last year's Areas of Greatest Need funds will be used to purchase one of several new Accuvein Vein Finder units for the hospital. Accuvein makes it easier for medical personnel to find a patient's veins and avoid multiple "sticks" when drawing blood or inserting IVs. It improves patient outcomes, reduces the risk of infection, and provides cost savings.
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AIM program supported by Centurian Golf Tournament
When the BCH Foundation was searching for a deserving recipient for funds raised at the 2015 golf tournament, it didn't take long to find the right direction to "aim." The Advanced Illness Management program, also known as AIM, was created in late 2014 to address the needs of local patients who are experiencing serious life-limiting illness. "We attempt to create a special circle of care around these individuals and provide them with the support and services that will improve their lives," explained Dr. Mike Havekost, program director.
The AIM program staff works with patients and families to boost the quality of living experience and provide relief from chronic symptoms, pain and stress. In addition to Dr. Havekost, other members of the AIM team are Lisa Miller, nurse case manager; Tracy Broussard, social worker; Dawn Lang, nurse; and Lufei Young, nurse practitioner.
The Centurian Cup Golf tournament held on June 12 at the Beatrice Country Club, raised over $16,000 that will be used to support the AIM program. "Many of the services we provide to patients are not reimbursable from insurance or Medicare. Having these extra funds helps insure the program moves forward and continues to help patients feel better and do the things they enjoy," noted Havekost.
Visit our webpage to see our sponsors..
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Ken Zimmerman Scholarship awarded to local student
Rachel Bishop, pictured with Dorothy Zimmerman and Sam Rennick, is this year's recipient of the Ken Zimmerman Health Professional Scholarship. The scholarship was established at the BCH Foundation to recognize Ken's long service to the hospital and community.
Ken was born and raised on a farm right outside of Beatrice. He was a 1951 graduate of Beatrice High School and then attended Bethel College in Newton, Kan., graduating with a Degree in Business in 1955.
He returned home to help farm due to his father's failing health. In 1956, Henry Reimer, Administrator, asked Ken to come to work at the hospital (then named Mennonite Deaconess Home & Hospital) to "help collect and pay the bills." So he accepted the invitation and remained an employee of the hospital until his death in February 2000. Ken was named the Administrator in 1976 following Henry Reimer's retirement and continued to lead the hospital in providing health programs that were needed to serve the community during that time.
One of Ken's passions was to invite people and especially young adults to become a health professional. "Whether we were having a meal at a restaurant, at a ball game, or at some public function he was always 'recruiting' young people to consider a health career," said Dorothy Zimmerman, Ken's wife. "As a result, it was easy to establish a scholarship in his name to a Beatrice High School graduate who was considering a health career."
Rachel is a 2015 graduate of Beatrice High School and will attend Southeast Community College-Lincoln Campus this fall majoring in pre-health studies.
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The BCH Foundation is exceedingly grateful for financial gifts received this past summer in loving memory of the following individuals:
Lloyd Pretzer - Hospice
William Saathoff - Hospice and Advanced Illness
Management
Velma Crawford - Hospice
Gloria Graham - Hospice
Don Fitzwater - Hospice
Donald Hovendick - Hospice
Elinor Petersen - Hospice
Dorothy Jurgens - Hospice
Donald A. Epp - Hospice
Dave Wade - Hospice
Families interested in making memorials gifts in support of healthcare may contact Sam Rennick, Executive Director of the BCH Foundation, for more information. |
MEDICARE PART D UPDATE SEPT. 17
The Villa at Flowing Springs - 2:00-3:00 PM - RESERVATIONS ENCOURAGED (402-223-3078)
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Beatrice Community Hospital and Health Center is now on Facebook! We encourage you to like the hospital Facebook page, and help us to SHARE the news about our patient services, BCH Foundation news and upcoming events, as well as the great employees who work at the hospital.
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