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NUMC Foundation works to support health programsIt is a well-known local story – the first hospital built in New Ulm in 1883 came from the need to treat people following a devastating tornado in the area which killed a dozen people and wounded hundreds. What may not be as well known is that the first hospital was built with money raised through donations. That spirit of generosity among today’s donors is what continues to build the New Ulm Medical Center and contributes to making sure the non-profit organization is able to provide exceptional care to its patients, says NUMC Foundation Director Carisa Buegler. “The mission of the NUMC Foundation is to enhance the health of our patients and the wellness of the communities we serve,” Buegler said. In reviewing the accomplishments of the Foundation in 2006, Buegler pointed to some very specific projects supporting that mission. The Quiet Harbor room has been a major focus for the Foundation this year, Buegler said. The room, which is in the design stage with local designer Lynn Huechert donating her time and expertise to the project, will primarily be used for hospice and comfort care patients. Since the inception of the project a family lounge has also surfaced as a need and has been added to the plans. “The family lounge will be a smaller, private family area where the family can talk with each other and with the provider in a more confidential setting,” Buegler said. The majority of the financial resources needed to complete this project have already been raised, Buegler said, although donations are still being accepted. Other projects aimed at enhancing the health of patients is the campus beautification project, which consists of landscaping projects such as planting trees and bushes. Also in 2006, the Foundation provided chairs for inpatient rooms such as sleeper chairs for family members staying the night with loved ones and glider/rockers for patients. The Foundation also purchased some equipment for the Substance Abuse program. The Foundation is wrapping up collection of pledge payments from the 2001 capital campaign for the building expansion and renovation project. “The results of the building expansion project can be seen in almost every corner of the medical center and has had a great impact on patient care,” said Buegler. “It makes us proud when we hear from our patients how delighted they are with the improvements.” Two major initiatives of the NUMC Foundation have been the participation in the Heart Safe Communities and the Childhood Obesity project. Thanks to the Heart Safe Communities program a total of 61 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been placed in area schools, businesses and public buildings. The Foundation’s support of the Heart Safe Program also helped sponsor several mass CPR training sessions that were free to any community member who wanted to learn CPR. More of these sessions are being scheduled in the coming year. Along with a grant from Kraft, the NUMC Foundation has also been funding free family fitness nights and recently helped start a new family-based weight-loss program for kids called Shapedown. The program includes classes which focus not only on improving nutrition but also on developing stronger self-esteem in the participants. Looking ahead to 2007, Buegler said the Foundation Advisory Board, which is made up of 12 community members and physicians, will continue to focus on other activities aimed at improving the health of medical center patients and the wellness of the community.  Back to Health Edition |
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New Ulm Medical Center
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