Our mission: Inspiring charitable support to enhance health care for the people of Northern Michigan
Follow the links below to read more about some
current giving opportunities.
Cancer Vision
New technology is needed to provide the latest techniques in cancer treatment and surgery. Stereotactic Radiosurgery is an investment that gives patients the ability to obtain quality, state-of-the-art health care right here at home in northern Michigan, rather than traveling to the lower part of the State (Midland, Grand Rapids). Munson Medical Center also needs to upgrade its CT Simulator to perform new procedures.
The Infusion Clinic Expansion: To respond to the growing need of the region to provide chemotherapy treatment, the Infusion Clinic has recently completed an expansion project. The renovation has allowed the clinic to increase capacity by 72 percent.
These initiatives are the first steps towards realizing an overall vision of creating a comprehensive, coordinated care for patients dealing with cancer. The vision will be completely realized when a new cancer center is completed within the next five years.
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Healthy Futures
Provides free community-based support and education to all pregnant women delivering babies at Munson Medical Center – an average of 2,000 births per year. Families of children born at Mercy Hospital Cadillac and West Shore Medical Center in Manistee are offered the services as well.
All families are sent a series of 16 education newsletters timed to provide information about important developmental milestones, health tips, and reminders about immunizations (birth – age 5 years). In addition, families can sign up for Registered Nurse services that include home visits and phone calls. More than 11,000 children have benefited from this service over the years.
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Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Dialysis
Short term plans are to convert the former cardiac care area located on the second floor of the hospital into a temporary dialysis unit. Plans include accommodations for six patient treatment chairs, a new nurse’s station and small waiting area. Plumbing, electrical and mechanical upgrades are necessary to implement the dialysis machines and technology.
Long term plans call to expand the east wall of the hospital to provide space for dialysis on the first floor. A first floor access with visibility for arrivals and departures help staff observe for episodes of bleeding or dizziness, and patients or caregivers will be able to access assistance readily in the event of some compromising post treatment symptoms.
Contributions to support the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Technology Projects are being accepted by the Paul Oliver Foundation. Please contact Des Worthington toll free at (866) 927-6482 or email dworthington2@mhc.net for more information.
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Mammography Assistance Fund
One in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. When breast cancer is found early the 5-year survival rate is 98%, but when it is found in more advanced state, 5-year survival drops to 23%. The Mammography Assistance Fund helps to pay for mammograms for patients who do not have insurance or the ability to pay for these important screenings. During the first 6 months of 2011, we have already assisted 205 women – we expect the need to continue to grow, so your support is very helpful.
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Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Last year, Munson cared for 312 neonates with an additional 41 transported by air to DeVos Children’s Hospital or University of Michigan. Munson is expecting an upward trend toward an average of 350 admissions annually. Close to 60 percent of babies served in the NICU have Medicaid. Each year, the NICU loses approximately $370,000 – it is expected that as demand increases and more families go without health insurance, the NICU will need to serve more families with fewer resources.
At least $50,000 of small equipment needs are identified annually. Some items include new glider rockers, bedside milk warmers, scales, and monitoring equipment. Charitable gifts help meet the equipment needs for the program, and positively impact the experience of families utilizing services.
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Nursing Education
The provision of quality nursing care to hospitalized patients is critical to achieving positive patient outcomes and high levels of patient satisfaction. Evolving technologies, growing health care research, and other best practices requires additional education of nurses to assure that safe, competent, high quality, and the most up-to-date care is provided. It is becoming more difficult to meet this growing need for nursing support due to the tighter economic realities in health care. Creating a fund to support ongoing nursing training and education would ensure that the professional development needs of nurses are met in the future.
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Patient Needs Fund
Munson’s Patient Needs Fund provides assistance to patients and families who need help with transportation costs, utility bills, day care costs, etc. while seeking treatment for their health care. Many of these families are in crisis, and support from the Patient Needs Fund allows them to continue their medical care.
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Pediatric Specialty Clinics
Expanded pediatric specialty services in northern Michigan are desired for local diagnosis, management, and treatment of more complex or chronic pediatric medical needs. Some pediatric specialty services are available, but many pediatric patients, who are in need of specialty care, travel with their families to other communities. The additional time, effort, and travel expense adds significantly to the family’s burden.
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Pediatric Therapy Services and Programs
There is a growing demand for pediatric therapy services while reimbursement from the State of Michigan continues to be cut. Services provided include: feeding programs, therapeutic listening programs, cognitive development programming, ENT-evaluation for hearing aides, sensory motor therapy, special equipment and home assessments, as well as our bereavement program for children who have lost a loved one. Approximately 225 children are served annually.
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Women’s Cancer Fund
The Women’s Cancer Fund is dedicated to helping women diagnosed with cancer who are members of the communities served by Munson Medical Center. The fund is used to provide financial assistance for supportive care when other means have been exhausted. Care includes, but is not limited to, such things as prosthetics, transportation during treatment, childcare during treatment, utilities during treatment, etc. The Women’s Cancer Fund is not intended to provide funding for specific treatments.
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Munson Manor
As a regional referral center, Munson Medical Center serves patients who travel a great distance for quality health care. The Munson Manor Hospitality House is a "home away from home" for family members of out-of-town patients who face the added stress of traveling during a loved one's hospitalization. The facility is also is available for patients and their caregivers who must provide their own lodging during outpatient treatments and procedures.
Munson Manor offers 30 rooms that can accommodate up to 54 people, including two RV pads with connections. It is located behind Munson Medical Center at 1220 Medical Campus Drive (corner of Brook Street).
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Physician Education
Munson Medical Center provides continuing medical education opportunities to physicians in the region. Educational presentations bring cutting edge techniques to the service providers. Dollars given to this fund are used to pay honorariums and travel expenses to outside speakers for conferences and workshops located in northern Michigan.
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Event Sponsorships
Sponsorships for events are available. For more information, contact the Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation at (231) 935-6482 or toll-free 1-866-927-6482, or Paul Oliver Foundation at (231) 352-2266.
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