Aberdeen Health Foundation invested $1.5 million in 2016
In 2016, its 30th anniversary year, the Aberdeen Health Foundation invested over $1.5 million in new equipment and programs for health care in Pictou County.
This brings the Foundation’s total contributions to more than $23 million, according to a release from the organization.
Executive director Susan Malcolm said she is proud of the ways the Foundation has fulfilled the promise of its founders, to fund equipment at the hospital without having to ask for support from the community for each new item required.
“The continued generosity of the people of Pictou County has helped our foundation to grow significantly in the years since it was established. Because of this support, we are in the position to provide funding of this magnitude every year. It’s quite remarkable and a wonderful support for our health care staff.”
Of the funding, almost $1.2 million will be directed to new equipment and technology for virtually every area of the hospital, including the ER, operating room, ophthalmology, maternal health, intensive care, lab, palliative care, cardio-respiratory and GI departments.
Health Foundation chair Hilary Amit draws a link between the Foundation’s funding and the economy.
“A well-equipped, well-staffed hospital is good for citizens and local employers alike. It makes it easier to attract people and makes our community a good place to invest. We’re pleased that our Health Foundation is contributing so robustly on both fronts.”
A further $389,000 is funding continuing education, mental health, and community programs.
Included is an investment for a Palliative Care Fellowship. With the retirement of Dr. Gerry Farrell, the foundation provided funding for Dr. Anne KwasnikKrawczyk to complete a specialized program for palliative care physicians. This allowed for continuity of care in the hospital’s palliative care unit.
“The board and acquisitions committee of the Health Foundation work hard to ensure we’re making the right choices and being good stewards,” Malcolm said. “The priority is to secure equipment and programs that will provide the greatest impact in our community.”
For a full list of the equipment funded, visit aberdeenhealthfoundation.com/2016funding. The Aberdeen Health Foundation will hold its annual general meeting Feb. 23.