Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 05:00 AM

Why do hospitals have foundations?

Many people don’t know that Marshall Medical Centers is a community-owned, not-for-profit hospital system.

 Dollars raised by a foundation can make a big difference in the quality of healthcare rural medical centers are able to offer.

“The Foundation and fund raising are major parts of our hospitals,” Andrea Oliver, director of The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers, told a group of seniors at a GoldCare55+ lunch n’ learn.

Medical providers everywhere are struggling financially. With healthcare costs rising and reimbursements declining, hospitals must go after every dollar they can get to continue operating.

In Marshall County, 27% of residents are uninsured. They still require medical care whether they can pay for it or not. Marshall Medical is committed to caring for all people, regardless of their ability to pay. That translates to 11% of hospital patients being treated for free.

One third of hospitals lose money every year and slowly are being forced to close their doors. Fortunately, that is not true for Marshall Medical, which contributes an economic impact of $277 million every year to the county, including the employment of more than 1,300 people.  

It is a tremendous resource for a community of 80,000 people to have two hospitals, a cancer center, and a professional center with wound, sleep and rheumatology clinics.

“We are really well served here,” Oliver said. “We are very proud of that at Marshall Medical Centers. We like to say we can compete with any hospital in the world.”

The Foundation serves as a bridge between the hospital system and the community. Its mission is to bring the resources necessary for MMC to take care of its patients and their families. To do that, it hosts four annual events:

·      Pink Pumpkin Run

·      Fishing tournament

·      Winter Ball

·      Women’s Guild Health Luncheon

Oliver encouraged the group to attend the upcoming Pink Pumpkin Run at Civitan Park on Oct. 29. It’s not just for runners, she said.

“You can just show up and eat pancakes.”

The Foundation also is known for its extensive community outreach efforts, including:

·      Scholarships for high school seniors planning a career in healthcare

·      Co-hosting an annual dinner for cancer survivors

·      MAP – free mammograms for women who cannot afford one

·      Quality of Life Program – paying for necessities like food or crutches for needy people leaving the hospital

·      Facility enhancements – purchasing equipment for hospitals

Oliver said reports show that last year Americans gave more money to charity than ever before. Of the more than $373 billion in donations in 2015, 71% was given by individuals.

“People are as generous as ever, especially in our community,” she said.

For more information on The Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers visit the website http://www.foundationformmc.org/ or contact Andrea Oliver at (256)571-8026 or email andrea.oliver@mmcenters.com.