Local Hospital Foundation Seeks Funds for New Medical Equipment

On December 6 the Southwest Memorial Hospital Foundation detailed its priorities for year end fundraising, setting a goal of 260,000 dollars to purchase capital equipment for Southwest Health System. The foundation has been supporting hospital equipment purchases for about 25 years, and board members Jeanne Becker and Austan Koller noted that it operates alongside the Montezuma County Hospital District and the Southwest Health System board as governing bodies for the hospital organization.

The foundation reported several purchases completed this year, including an Emergency Department ultrasound machine, a new pulmonary function testing unit that replaces a 30 year old model, a jaundice meter for newborn clinic visits, ambulance repairs and an additional operating room device. These investments aim to improve diagnostic speed, maintain emergency transport reliability and update long standing equipment that affects patient care across the region.

The foundation also manages a cancer assistance fund that joined the foundation in 2014. Since then the fund has distributed 137,000 dollars to residents of Montezuma and Dolores counties. Grants are available up to 1,000 dollars to help patients cover travel to treatment appointments, lodging, child care and other immediate needs when care requires travel outside the region. The fund is designed to provide rapid, practical support for patients facing the financial strain of cancer treatment.

For Dolores County residents the campaign matters because local donations directly affect services available close to home. New diagnostic equipment can reduce the need for out of area referrals, the jaundice meter supports newborn care at local clinics and reliable ambulance service affects timely transport in emergencies. The cancer assistance grants reduce financial barriers for patients who must seek treatment in larger centers.

The foundation will participate in Colorado Gives Day on Tuesday December 16 to help reach the 260,000 dollar equipment goal. More information about the foundation and its board is available on the hospital’s website.