Foundation wrapping up giving program

December brings with it the Chase County Community Hospital Foundation’s “End of the Year Giving Program” for 2021.
Mailings have gone out containing donor information sheets requesting financial support for the professional healthcare system in this area.
Foundation and Marketing Coordinator for CCCH is Shawn Jaeger, who joined the staff in November 2020.
Jaeger noted how the past year has been not only successful for the medical facility, but educational, as well.
“I have experienced quite a learning curve since starting last November,” he said.
Besides the abundance of medical services and quality care that is provided at CCCH, the services impact the local economy, said Jaeger.
Financial support from the community and surrounding area helps build toward a shared future, he added.
“By making a tax-deductible donation of cash, agricultural commodities, stock, qualified charitable distribution from an IRA, life insurance or gift by will/trust, you can be part of this effort in working toward a better future for the hospital and our community,” he said.
The largest impact at CCCH this year was the utilization of $3.7 million from the CARES Act.
This COVID-related grant from the federal government was intended to replace lost revenue and provide a means to acquire new equipment—improving the facility to properly accommodate and care for COVID patients.
Even more so, CCCH was able to recruit medical providers. Final negotiations are in process for two new doctors to join the hospital team in the coming months, Jaeger said.
“We were able to upgrade equipment in all of the hospital’s departments along with our clinics and specialty clinic. We also made updates to existing rooms to provide better patient care, safety and comfort,” he said.
Some of the new updates in the hospital that will be the most impactful for patients, Jaeger said, include a negative pressure isolation hall with vitals and cardiac monitoring and telehealth  boards for physicians and family to remotely visit.
There is a new call light system, new telemetry (cardiac patient monitoring), new flooring and lights, updated equipment in the operating room which will improve patient experiences, new lab equipment, digital X-ray machines, new CT machine and a complete array of other equipment.
 “These updates bring our ability to provide the best in class technological offerings to our medical providers and patients,” he continued.
“The changes to our financial position allowed the foundation board to recognize and reevaluate how to best support the hospital going forward,” Jaeger said.
The board members put a plan together for the long-term by establishing and focusing on a goal to grow the endowment to $1 million by 2030.
“Thanks to many generous donors, we have already reached $250,000 in cash and pledges,” he added.
The unrestricted endowment fund is a “forever savings account” built with donations that will create a legacy serving the hospital and its patients for generations to come.
“Each year, the investment return earned on this endowment is available to help support our commitment to becoming your trusted healthcare home,” he continued.
Donor levels for Foundation
The CCCH Foundation has established donor levels for annual gifts and/or pledges along with a program to recognize donors.
Acknowledgement of donations may include placement of the donor’s name on the CCCH donor wall and in various publications.
Levels of donor-wall recognition are:
Legacy Circle - $20,000 plus
Gold Donor - $5,000-$19,999
Silver Donor - $1,000-$4,999
Bronze Donor - $500-$999
Friends Donor - one-time donation under $500
Donation amounts are cumulative, and donations or gifts of $50,000 and above would receive additional recognition.
Those who would like information mailed to them can contact Jaeger at 308-882-7290 or sjaeger@chasecountyhos pital.com or Abby Cyboron, CEO, at 308-882-7231 or acybo  ron@chasecountyhospital.com.
Those preferring to donate online can visit the website at www.chasecountyhospital.com/foundation/donate.
When writing a check, make it payable to: Chase County Hospital Foundation and mail to P.O. Box 819, Imperial, NE  69033.
“We’re seeing high energy and a lot of momentum for not only our fundraising efforts and positive outcomes, but momentum that will carry over into 2022,” Jaeger said.
“It’s apparent things are going in the right direction,” he added.