MEEKER | Pioneers Healthcare Foundation (PHF) would like to thank the Meeker community for their generous support, sponsorships and donations. PHF was formed in 2010 with a clear mission to support Pioneer Medical Center by raising money to enhance rural healthcare. This community’s steadfast support had made a direct impact on expanding and enhancing local healthcare services. PHF maximizes local dollars raised through donations and fundraising events by using them as matching or base funds for larger grant applications. In 2018, PHF raised over $160,000 through sponsorships, donations and grants. These dollars were put to work through the following programs and purchases:
Your dollars have been put to work in several areas:
Meals On Wheels–On average Meals on Wheels serves 10 meals a day, Monday thru Friday to area residents. With the help of volunteers, our aging, ill or disabled receive a nutritious meal at home. The service is free but many of our recipients make weekly donations to cover help defer costs. Meals on Wheels (MOW) costs approximately $20,000 to operate every year. In 2018 almost 3,000 Meals were delivered to community members.
Chest Compression Machine—A Chest Compression Machine is an important piece of equipment for use in the emergency department. It offers a rhythmic chest pump. For a person to offer manual chest compression is a very physical task and often you have to switch people. A Chest Compression Machine is much more consistent.
EKG Machine and Ventilator Machine—Pioneers Medical Center uses both pieces of equipment in the emergency department and hospital rooms. The EKG machine helps diagnose cardiac ailments. And the Ventilator treats a variety of respiratory issues.
Infusion Program–In 2018 PMC finished the installation of the chronic disease infusion care equipment and staff training. This helps PMC to give I/V treatments for patients suffering for low iron, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and more.
Chemical Analyzer which has allow Pioneers to expand its on-site lab capacity.
Meeker Streaker Transportation offers free rides for medical appointments and local errands for residents who are unable to drive.
“We are proud to be able to support PMC, its providers and its patients” says Trina Zagar-Brown, Chairwoman for Pioneers Healthcare Foundation. “Our mission is to enhance and strengthen our local healthcare system. Pioneers does a great job identifying and meeting the needs of our community and our job is to raise money to to support PMC’s mission. Every dollar raised by PHF helps save Pioneers Hospital money, maintain costs, expand and enhace services.”
“The landscape of rural healthcare is changing daily, and often it is challenging to keep up with new technology to better serve our patients,” says Pioneers Medical Center Chief Nursing Officer, Karen Iacuone. “The support from Pioneers Healthcare Foundation helps us to better invest in the patient care needs specific to our community.”
Additionally, PHF continues to offer scholarships for students studying healthcare related careers, and mammography cancer screenings to low income and uninsured residents.
Pioneers Healthcare Foundation would like to thank our many generous sponsors in 2018.
INNOVATOR LEVEL
Bank of the San Juans
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
Mountain Valley Bank
Rio Blanco Ranch
White River Electric Association
WALBRIDGE LEVEL
Enterprise Gas Processing, LLC
Mike & Patti Hoke
Moody Construction
Walbridge WingNutz
Westlands
Williams Production
Yampa Valley Bank
PIONEER LEVEL
Chippers
Kim Brown
Rio Blanco Herald Times
SGM
PHF has three to four fundraising events a year capped off with the annual Tree Lighting, Parade of Lights and Jingle Mingle in December. “These events are a great opportunity for PHF to share its message, engage with our community and focus on specific fundraising goals”, said Zagar-Brown. Zagar-Brown went on to say that “every ticket purchased, every donation; small or large makes a positive impact and is appreciated”. PHF also works closely throughout the year with other area organizations to promote overall wellness including the Meeker Rec District, the Meeker School District and Meeker’s Hope West.
PHF appreciates all of its supporters, donors and those that work to make PMC a great rural healthcare facility. In addition, PHF wants to thank the generosity of the granting organizations that have supported our efforts, Caring for Colorado, Colorado Grand, Department of Local Affairs, Freeman Fairfield Trust, and Rio Blanco County. Please call PMC or PHF with questions regarding the Pioneer’s Healthcare Foundation at 970-878-9317.
Special to the Herald Times
