The Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation awards $293,109 in healthcare grants
The Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation this year is awarding $293,109 in grants for both hospital and community projects.
Healthcare grants provided by the BCH Foundation began with the intent of enhancing the medical and healthcare services in the region. Each of the grants awarded addresses issues of medical care, accessibility, social determinants of health, and the patient experience.
Fifteen grants were awarded to BCH departments to upgrade equipment and provide new services. An additional eleven grants were awarded to community nonprofits to help improve the health and wellness challenges facing area residents, and to enhance the community experience.
“It is a real honor to provide funding in support of the diverse health and wellness needs of our community.” Dale Kruse, president of the Foundation’s volunteer Board of Directors, said. “Every year, the BCH Foundation Board of Directors looks forward to supporting the work of both the hospital and the community in such an important way.”
An endowment fund was created when the BCH Foundation was first established. This fund helps address the ever-changing needs of healthcare in the area and each year, a portion of the earnings from the endowment fund are distributed to fill local healthcare gaps.
$219,449 in grant awards to Beatrice Community Hospital Departments & Clinics:
$24,295.00 – awarded to Labor & Delivery for an infant warmer
$5,700.00 – awarded to Labor & Delivery for an exam light
$5,000.00 – awarded to Beatrice Family & Internal Medicine clinic for a new hearing screener
$30,000.00 – awarded to Cardiopulmonary for telemetry recording units to be used by patients at home
$15,000.00 – awarded to Diagnostic Imaging for a vascular ultrasound bed
$7,500.00 – awarded to the Emergency Department to replace an exam bed
$8,000.00 – awarded to the Emergency Department for a vein finder device
$12,000.00 – awarded to Facilities for a new toolbox organizer and worktable
$13,500.00 – awarded to the Infusion Clinic for a new treatment recliner
$35,204.00 – awarded to Lab for a new incubator
$14,000.00 – awarded to the Specialty Clinic for a new procedure chair
$14,000.00 – awarded to Surgical Services for two new eye surgery stretchers
$15,000.00 – awarded to Surgical Services for a Xomed shaver used during sinus endoscopy procedures
$7,800.00 – awarded to Same Day Surgery for privacy window decals
$12,450.00 – awarded to Wymore Medical Clinic for a bladder scanner
$73,660 in grant awards to Gage County Community Nonprofits:
$2,000.00 – awarded to Beatrice Community Preschool for dental screenings
$22,250.00 – awarded to Blue Rivers Area Agency on Aging for a non-emergency medical transport van
$1,250.00 – awarded to CASA of Gage County to fund renovations for a visitation center
$18,500.00 – awarded to Cottonwood Hospice for portable oxygen concentrators, a bladder scanner, and digital stethoscopes
$6,400.00 – awarded to Good Samaritan Society for an in-floor wheelchair scale
$7,500.00 – awarded to the Heartland Cancer Foundation to support Gage County cancer patients in their healing.
$2,000.00 – awarded to Make-A-Wish to support the wish of a Gage County child
$5,000.00 – awarded to the Nebraska Red Cross to support one local blood drive.
$1,000.00 – awarded to St. John Lutheran Church to support Spanish and English-speaking classes.
$4,800.00 - awarded to Whispering Acres Tails & Treasures for increased handicap accessibility
$2,960.00 – awarded to the YMCA for car seats and a blood pressure kiosk.
The BCH Foundation accepts healthcare grant applications from hospital departments and the community on an annual basis, with grants announced each October. Grant applications are available online at www.thebchfoundation.org or by contacting the BCH Foundation Office.
“The intent of the BCH Foundation endowment fund is to see continual growth so that the amount given back to the hospital and the community increases year after year,” Shelby Watson, BCH Foundation Senior Executive, said. “The BCH Foundation is proud to be able to support both the primary care and preventative health needs of our community. We acknowledge the importance of investing in high-quality care close to home and want to address the diverse needs of Gage County.”
To make a tax-deductible donation to the Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation’s Endowment Fund, call 402-223-3068, or send your contribution to PO Box 641, Beatrice, NE 68310. To donate online, see www.thebchfoundation.org.
Congratulations to the 2023-2024 Healthcare Grant Award Winners!
