For 47 years, a dedicated group of volunteers have provided Ministry Good Samaritan Health Center in Merrill with countless hours of service that support the facility in many different ways.
They operate the gift shop, help with the weekly blood drives, assist with preparation of medical records and provide other levels of assistance, all for the benefit of patients and staff in the Merrill community.
They also hold many different fundraising events to support operations and help meet needs of the facility that might not otherwise be available. Over the years, these fundraising events have provided over $200,000 for equipment, programs and educational opportunities for staff.
On Sunday, Sept. 29, Volunteer leaders announced their largest single donation to date to the facility, $30,000 to support the purchase of Capnography Monitoring Equipment.
The announcement was made as part of the Ministry Good Samaritan Foundation’s 17th Annual DeAngelis Giving Society Wine and Cheese Social. The Foundation used the Wine and Cheese event to inform Society Members of a change in strategic direction of the Foundation as it looks to increase support for hospital programs.
The Foundation began a fundraising campaign earlier this year to support the purchase of the Capnography Monitors with a goal of raising enough funds for the purchase of two additional monitors for use in the Emergency Department and Inpatient Unit.
“We are proud to support the new strategic direction of the Foundation with this donation to provide one of the two Capnography Monitors that will improve patient care and safety for those who depend on our community hospital,” volunteer co-Presidents Ramona Hornischer and Kathy Steckel told a capacity group of supporters.
With the Volunteer donation and funds raised at the annual Foundation Golf Outing, the Capnography Campaign has reached 65% of its goal of $60,000.
“Capnography monitors have long been used in surgical and post-operative settings, but in recent years, health care facilities have expanded their use to provide increased safety for patients,” said Ministry Good Samaritan Cardiopulmonary Manager Robert Asinas. “Use of this technology can help in the early detection of adverse respiratory events that can be associated with anesthesia, respiratory conditions or even medication use.”
“We appreciate our volunteers every day and they continue to go above and beyond to help us meet the needs of our community,” said Ministry Good Samaritan President Mary Krueger. “The combined efforts of our Volunteers and Foundation provide a vital support system that allows us to bring the latest technology and resources often not found in other hospitals of similar size throughout the country.”
Anyone interested in supporting the Capnography Monitor campaign should contact Jane Bentz, Foundation and Community Outreach Director at Ministry Good Samaritan at 715-539-5042.