The Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation awards $306,124 in healthcare grants
The Beatrice Community Hospital Foundation this year is awarding $306,124 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 sevventeen grants were awarded to community nonprofits to help improve the health and wellness challenges facing area residents, and to enhance the community experience.
"The BCH Foundation is a tireless supporter of healthcare throughout Gage County and southeast Nebraska," Dale Kruse, president of the Foundation's volunteer Board of Directors, said. "The grant process provides the BCH Foundation's volunteer Board the opportunity to have a direct impact not only on hospital needs but many community projects that support healthcare during the year."
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.
$247,642 in grant awards to Beatrice Community Hospital Departments & Clinics:
$22,712.00 – awarded to Acute Care for a Zoll Defibrillator
$4,000.00 – awarded to BCH Athletic Training Program for two external AEDs and pediatric pads
$10,000.00 – awarded to Cardiopulmonary for an infant CPAP device
$2,200.00 – awarded to Case Management for two sunscreen dispensers and outdoor stand
$14,000.00 – awarded to Emergency for a bladder scanner
$40,000.00 – awarded to the Facilities for a humidifier in the Women's & Children's Clinic
$22,712.00 – awarded to Infusion for a Zoll Defibrillator
$8,500.00 – awarded to Orthopedic Clinic for a new cast cutter
$9,000.00 – awarded to Pain Clinic for a new stretcher chair
$20,000.00 – awarded to Pharmacy for a new shelving system
$13,000.00 – awarded to Specialty Clinic for a new procedure chair
$70,000.00 – awarded to Surgery for a Fluent ProSystem and a zero degree DaVinci camera and lens
$11,500.00 – awarded to Women's & Children's Clinic for Clinitek Advantus and nebulizers
$58,500 in grant awards to Gage County Community Nonprofits:
$8,823.00 – awarded to Adams Rescue for new radios to aid in communication and paging
$5,000.00 – awarded to American Red Cross to support a local blood drive
$2,492.00 – awarded to Barneston Community Center Foundation for an Automated External Defibrillator
$2,752.00 – awarded to Beatrice Bullets for an outdoor Automated External Defibrillator at West Scott field
$5,000.00 – awarded to Beatrice Educational Foundation to support the BLAST program for kids in K-5th
$4,500.00 – awarded to Beatrice Police Department to support the launch of Project Lifesaver
$1,500.00 – awarded to CASA to aid in transportation and mileage for children and families
$1,100.00 – awarded to Gage County Foundation to support PLANT Alliance
$5,000.00 – awarded to Home Crisis Center to support at least five families in getting safe housing
$1,000.00 - awarded to Make-A-Wish to help grant the wish of a Gage County child
$1,800.00 – awarded to See the Light to help support families affected by mental health or suicide loss
$1,000.00 - awarded to Sewing for Babies to purchase three new sewing machines
$3,866.78 - awarded to St. John Lutheran to support Spanish/English speaking classes
$1,000.00 - awarded to Willow Center to support ultrasound and pregnancy testing program
$2,666.44 - awarded to Wymore Country Club for an Automated External Defibrillator
$10,000.00 - awarded to Beatrice Mary Family YMCA to help fund a 15 passenger van for child care program
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 2024-2025 Healthcare Grant Award Winners!
