November 26, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LCMC Endowment Announces Grant Program Expansion
The LCMC Endowment Fund announces the expansion of their grant program benefitting healthcare delivery in Lake City. The new policy was approved by the Endowment Board at their regular quarterly meeting November 16, 2017. It expands eligibility to all tax-exempt Lake City healthcare service organizations and to employees of the Lake Fork Health Service District.
“In the past, only the Health District received grant funding from the Endowment. This expanded policy is recognition that there are other health service providers in Lake City that may need financial assistance from time to time. It also makes available assistance opportunities to District employees for professional development” explains Endowment Board President Bernie Krystyniak.
The Endowment was formed in 1996 by local supporters who recognized that healthcare financial needs would always be greater than a small community base would be able to support with patient revenue alone. Since then, the foundation and partners have raised millions of dollars in funds in support of the clinic and the Health District, which was formed in 2004. The District has enjoyed great success and growth with expanded operations in the Moseley Health Care Complex which now include medical, dental, mental health, physical therapy, conference and meeting center, and other services.
Scott Beedy, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Hansford County Hospital in Spearman, TX, and new Treasurer for the Endowment, says “as CFO of a hospital, rural health clinic, and nursing home in Spearman, I am well aware of the financial challenges facing our medical center in Lake City. Since clinic services are limited, the patient revenue base tends to reach its limit but expenses continue to increase. Unless other revenue options are increased, the main alternative is donations.”
Granting levels will be managed each year at the discretion of the Endowment Board with the intent to achieve a balance of ongoing grant awards and long-term growth of foundation assets. The expansion of eligibility is not intended to reduce or dilute the support of the Health District, but is to recognize the other organizations that provide service, and to encourage District employees to undertake professional development opportunities that might otherwise be lost.
An example of the development opportunities for Health District employees which benefit Lake City healthcare service is the August 2017 award to Marcia Connell. Connell has been studying for over two years toward her registered nurse (RN) certification and is now poised to accomplish her goal. The final step is passing a 3-day comprehensive exam (CPNE) to receive the RN certification. I
n her remarks to the Endowment, Connell said she was truly grateful “not only for financial support, but I feel personally supported and encouraged.
Another example is the recent sponsorship of District staff member Malinda McDonald to a grant writing class. Grant writing is an important aspect of funding critical activities and developing those skills in-house is considered important capability building.
Also, in November the Endowment approved a grant request from the Health District for purchase of a new baby scale to replace a worn-out model.
Along with the expansion comes the challenge of funding the program. The Endowment is reaching out to donors and supporters to step up to support the need to supplement the operational challenges our healthcare providers face. The Endowment provides an efficient conduit for funding local tax-exempt programs and capital needs with 97.7% of all donations going to grants or investment for the future.
Nancy Zeller, Board Vice-President shared that the foundation “is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide more help, but we can only do it if the donors continue their loyal support. In addition to regular cash and property donations, we encourage our supporters to consider including us in their wills or other legacy donation programs.”
The Endowment has made it easier to donate with the addition of an online credit card and Paypal option on their new website at www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org. Checks can still be mailed to the Endowment at PO Box 822, Lake City or by checking the Endowment option on the Lake Fork Community Foundation donation form.
Zeller reminds donors that the Endowment’s new book, “Medicine in the Mountains”, is available on the website and will be provided as a gift to supporters donating $200 or more. The book chronicles the history of healthcare in Lake City and is packed with photos and stories of that interesting journey.
The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)3 foundation. The Board of Directors includes Scott Beedy, Linda Downs, Bernie Krystyniak, Cindy Lycholat, Malinda McDonald, Fred Stapleton, and Nancy Zeller.
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