Our Impact

2025: Where Your Money Went

Bernie Krystyniak — Thu, 14 May 2026 23:29:03 GMT

We hope you and your family are well. Following is our annual update to you on healthcare matters in Lake City. It includes how we spent your money this year and some of the challenges we face.

I have also included a “heads up” on tax law changes that might limit your charitable contribution deduction in 2026. There may be advantage to shift giving to this year. See more below.

Putting Your Money to Work – As of this mailing, we have granted $54,155 of your dollars in 2025, about even with our giving last year. Also, in December we expect to support the Medical Center Christmas Bonus program for the 4th consecutive year with matching funds around $5,000.

Senior Connections – $12,000 was again granted to Public Health for the wildly successful Senior Connections 2026 program. The program provides the Senior Center, socialization opportunities, semi-monthly lunches, guest speakers, and educational events for seniors.
New Ambulance Project – We granted $24,500 to EMS for pre-purchase of the power load system part of the new ambulance project. This saves the Project money through direct purchase discount and sales tax exemption.
Loan Assistance – $12,500 was granted to Dr. Treisman for educational loan assistance. This is part of her pay and benefits package.
Digital Paging Project – EMS was granted $3,572 for part of their conversion to digital paging communications equipment.
Handtevy System Subscription – We granted $1,583 to EMS as part of a joint subscription with the clinic to the Handtevy pediatric dosing system.

We appreciate your generosity that made this possible, and encourage your continued support to insure the future of our grant program.

2026 Tax Law Changes – You should consult your tax advisor on impacts to your situation. Changes in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” may limit your charitable deduction in 2026. You may want to consider “bunching” your 2026 deductions forward to this year, based on your circumstances. Read on…

Starting in 2026, donors who itemize will only be able to deduct charitable contributions that exceed 0.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). Example – if your AGI is $200,000, only gifts above $1,000 will be deductible. Also, for taxpayers in the top 37% bracket, a contribution cap is in place.

RMDs for Contributions - Also consider that senior donors, can use required minimum distributions (RMDs) from retirement accounts for giving resulting in a 100% deduction. A Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of RMD money directly to the charity reduces your taxable income. You get the tax reduction benefit and lower AGI without having to itemize deductions. Consult your tax advisor.

Good News - In 2026, non-itemizers can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 married filing joint) for donations.

Endowment Board Changes – Since our last newsletter, we have two new Board members – Sarah Moody and Greg Olson. Sarah brings a lifetime of nursing and medical experience to the Board. She is a registered nurse (RN), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), is Nurse Executive Advanced certified by the American Nursing Association, and an EMS volunteer. Greg is the owner of a marketing solutions business (GROWL Agency) and the Board representative of the Health Service District.

How You Can Help - Our direct giving program relies almost entirely on your donations and legacy commitments. We have an all-volunteer board that allows us to keep expenses low so 98% of your donations go to our grant program to help now and investment portfolio for future needs.

To make it easier for you to help, we have online donation capability on our website.

You can also still send your checks to our postal address – PO Box 822, Lake City, CO 81235. We accept donations of all kinds including stocks, property, and other forms. Please consider us in your estate planning for legacy donations.

Kindest regards and best wishes for the holiday season,

Bernie Krystyniak - President

Board of Directors

Bernie Krystyniak – Pres, Treas
Cindy Rae – Vice-President
Linda Downs – Secretary
Sarah Moody
Marcia Carl
Greg Olson
Jerry Gray
Malinda McDonald
Katherine Heidt

Director Emerita – Nancy Zeller

LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) that supports quality health care delivery in our community by the Lake Fork Health Service District, Silver Thread Public Health District, and Hinsdale County EMS.

2024: Where Your Money Went

Bernie Krystyniak — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 07:00:00 GMT

November 30, 2024

We hope you and your family are well. Following is our annual update to you on healthcare matters in Lake City. It includes how we spent your money this year and some of the challenges we face.

Putting Your Money to Work – We granted $52,680 of your dollars in 2024, up from $41,694 in 2023.

Dental Scanner – The Dental Clinic was granted $18,000 for a Medit i700 dental scanner. These scanners are used in all modern dental offices to produce 3D mouth images. This image can be rotated and manipulated for work on crowns, bridges, retainers, mouth guards, and other dental devices. It replaces the need for those gooey impressions.
Senior Connections – $12,000 was granted to Public Health for the new Senior Connections 2025 program. The program provides the Senior Center, socialization opportunities, weekly lunches, guest speakers, and other educational events for Lake City seniors.
Vital Signs Monitors – We provided a 50% match of $15,375 for purchase of five vital signs monitors for the clinic. They replace inaccurate, unsupported, and failing monitors that are critical tools for every patient examination.
Network Server – A 50% match of $3,315 was granted to the clinic for a new network server to host the dentistry x-ray program and other sensitive data residing on outdated servers.
Strategic Planning – The Health District completed development of a strategic plan in a professionally facilitated workshop hosted by the Endowment for $2,263.
Network Printer – We granted $1,096 for a 50% match to acquire a new Versalink C414 printer for the nurses’ station.
EMS Training Aids - $631 was granted to EMS for a vascular access trainer and videos to support an IV training class for EMS. The anatomically correct aid allows providers to practice intraosseous needle insertion in the proximal humerus. A request for matching funding of clinic employee year-end bonuses is expected in December.

A request for matching funding of clinic employee year-end bonuses is expected in December.

We appreciate your generosity that made this possible, and encourage your continued support to insure the future of our grant program.

Clinic Staffing – New clinic staff hired in 2024 are Medical Director Dr. Ann Treisman and RN Storm Gozzola. They are still trying to fill the vacancy created when PA Bob Downs retired last year. There is also an administrative position vacant. The District staffing includes 5 full-time medical, 5 part-time medical plus 4 contract advanced providers, and 2 part-time dental plus a contract hygienist for a total of 17. We have come a long way since Nancy Zeller provided care in the two-room office in town.

In Case You Didn’t Know – Dr. John Quigley is in our dental clinic typically 5 days per month. Our hygienists serve dental patients 9 days per month. Call for an appointment.

Endowment Board Change – During 2024, the Board welcomed new EMS Director, Katherine Heidt, replacing retired EMS Director Buffy Witt. Buffy was an outstanding Board member providing great ideas and perspective. Katherine is already proving to be a great Board addition not only representing EMS but providing valuable insight and perspective on healthcare and community matters.

How You Can Help - Our direct giving program relies almost entirely on your donations and legacy commitments. We have an all-volunteer board that allows us to keep expenses low so 98% of your donations go to our grant program to help now and investment portfolio for future needs.

To make it easier for you to help, we have online donation capability on our website at www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org. You can also still send your checks to our postal address – PO Box 822, Lake City, CO 81235. We accept donations of all kinds including stocks, property, and other forms. Please consider us in your estate planning for legacy donations.

Kindest regards and best wishes for the holiday season,

Bernie Krystyniak - President

Nancy Zeller – Director Emerita

New Medical Director Named

Bernie Krystyniak — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 07:00:00 GMT

December 30, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New Medical Director Hired for Lake City Area Medical Center

The Lake Fork Health Service District announced the hiring of Dr. Ann Treisman as the new Medical Director for the Lake City Area Medical Center effective January 1, 2024. Ann will be replacing Dr. Bill Gattis who is returning to practice in Gunnison.

Dr. Treisman is a practicing hospitalist in the Montrose Regional Health and Gunnison Valley Health systems. During 2024, she will continue work according to contractual obligations in those systems as she transitions to more time at the Lake City clinic.

Lynn McNitt, President of the Health District Board shared that “Dr. Treisman joining our clinic is a huge lift for us. We are looking at the long-term picture with her and are very excited about the future of the clinic. Staffing continues to be challenge for us as we continue to work through attracting and retaining medical and dental staff. Being able to offer competitive compensation packages and living within our budget limitations is one of our biggest issues. Our staff is extremely dedicated, well-trained, professional, and caring. We are doing everything we can to maintain our high standards of healthcare service and office hours availability.”

Dr. Treisman replaces Dr. Bill Gattis who joined the Lake City clinic in 2020 as Medical Director and primary physician. Bill also provided services from time to time on a temporary basis since 2017 as an interim Director and physician. Dr. Gattis is leaving on good terms to return to practice in Gunnison. He has been a stabilizing force during a period of significant change to the staff and District Board of Directors.

Dr. Treisman earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in 2017. During medical school, she was a rural track graduate, earned Honors in all preclinical courses, earned Honors or High Pass in five out of seven clinical courses, and received the Firminger Award for outstanding performance in pathology and laboratory medicine.

She comes to Lake City already familiar with the clinic and area having worked at the Lake City Area Medical Center during the summer of 2014 as a medical student. She also filled in part-time at the clinic during 2022. Ann and her husband Zack already own property in Lake City.

Dr. Treisman did her internship at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver in 2017 - 2018. Her residency was at Peak Vista Family Medicine center in Colorado Springs in 2019 – 2022. She joined Gunnison Valley Health in June of 2022 and was hired by Montrose Regional Health in October of the same year.

Dr. Treisman said that “I have been hoping to work at the Lake City Area Medical Center ever since 2014 when I was here during my medical school rural track summer rotation. I feel the Lake City medical center embodies the true spirit of providing access to care in a rural setting. The town of Lake City is dear to my heart as I have been coming here to hike and explore for decades! My husband Zack and our two children Stanley, four, and Toby, two, are excited for our upcoming adventures in the town of Lake City and surrounding areas.”

In addition to her medical degree, Dr. Treisman holds a PhD in mathematics from the University of Chicago in 2007. She worked as a mathematics teacher at various universities including the University of Chicago, the University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and Western Colorado University in Gunnison.

The Health District Board and Lake City clinic continue to work through staffing challenges at the clinic. Physician Assistant Bob Downs has previously announced his intention to retire in February of 2024 leaving a significant gap in advanced practice provider staff.

McNitt added that the Board is “still working on a replacement for Bob’s position, although we have a couple people interested in filling in part-time. Bob has said he would help us too, so I feel we are in a decent spot as far as our overall staff.”

Nurse Practitioner Sherry Huisman rejoined the clinic staff in 2022 having originally come to the clinic in 2015. Sherry and Bob fill the two positions on staff for advanced practice providers. Rounding out the medical provider staff is Dr. Treisman as Medical Director. Ann is expected to also provide physician services in the future as she transitions to more time in Lake City from her current obligations in Gunnison and Montrose.

Dr. John Quigley is Dental Director since 2020 and provides dental services. Appointments are available for a full range of dental services including hygiene and cleaning in the fully-equipped Healthcare Complex dental office. John has continued to work with the Health District Board in upgrading equipment and services.

The Health District operates with revenue sources that include property tax levy at a level approved in 2014, sales tax that was approved when the District was formed in 2003, patient revenue, grants, and donations. Patient revenue is complicated by limitations for reimbursement of services by Medicare and insurance companies.

The Lake Fork Health Service District is a special tax district in the State of Colorado. The District owns and operates the Moseley Healthcare Complex providing a wide range of urgent care, family practice medical and dental services, and community services. The Complex is home to the Hinsdale County EMS office, ambulance garages, and training facility. The Complex also has the Zeller Wellness and Education Center for conferences, meetings, wellness group activities, and emergency operations support.

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2023: Where Your Money Went

Bernie Krystyniak — Sun, 26 Nov 2023 07:00:00 GMT

November 2023

We hope you and your family are well. Following is our annual update to you on healthcare matters in Lake City. It includes how we spent your money this year and some of the challenges we face in staffing the clinic. Please read on.

Putting Your Money to Work – Following is where $36,694 of your dollars went so far in 2023:

Pediatric Care Support – The clinic acquired a new Handtevy pediatric kit and EMS rounded out pediatric and advanced life support equipment for ambulances. The Handtevy system provides pre-calculated medication information that enables fast and accurate dosing support in emergencies. The clinic and EMS use the same system. These grants totaled $5,942.
Otoscopes – A 50% matching grant of $2,943 was awarded to the clinic for new ophthalmoscope/otoscope replacements. This replaced old equipment that was not holding charge or had reduced function.
Apartment Refresh – The clinic has two apartments in the complex for commuting and temporary staff, visiting professionals and medical educators, medical students, and other healthcare support people. Heater, mattresses, refrigerator, dining furniture, and various towels, bedding, utensils, and other small items were included in an update for $14,190.
Site Security – The clinic installed security cameras and associated monitoring, recording, and storage equipment under a project grant for $8,672.
Strategic Planning – The Health District Strategic Plan was updated at a professionally-facilitated strategic planning workshop in February. Ongoing leadership development and plan review continues during the year. A grant was made for $4,947.

A request for matching funding of clinic employee year-end bonuses is expected in December.

We appreciate your generosity that made this possible, and encourage your continued support to insure the future of our grant program.

Clinic Staffing – The Health District has a challenging road ahead for filling vacant positions. In September, Dr. Bill Gattis resigned to move to a more attractive position in his hometown of Gunnison. Physician Assistant Bob Downs announced earlier this year he is retiring in early 2024. Important nursing and other positions are vacant. Searches are underway for filling these.

The competitive compensation landscape has to be understood to assure we attract and retain people for critical positions. If we are to sustain operation, compensation packages have to increase to attract and retain quality staff. This puts pressure in all areas of the budget.

Endowment Board Change – During 2023, Jerry Johnson retired from the Health District Board after many years of great service. Jerry was also the district representative on the Endowment Board since 2019, leaving a vacancy for us. We appreciate very much Jerry’s service and he will be missed on both boards. Health District Board member Jordan Kaminski joins the Endowment Board as their representative to replace Jerry.

To make it easier for you to help, we have online donation capability on our website at www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org. You can also still send your checks to our postal address – PO Box 822, Lake City, CO 81235. We accept donations of all kinds including stocks, property, and other forms. Please consider us in your estate planning for legacy donations.

Kindest regards and best wishes for the holiday season,

Bernie Krystyniak
President

Nancy Zeller
Director Emerita

LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. LCMCEndowment@gmail.com

Board of Directors

Bernie Krystyniak – Pres, Treas
Cindy Rae – Vice-President
Linda Downs – Secretary
Dr. Howard Berg
Marcia Connell
Jordan Kaminski
Jerry Gray
Malinda McDonald
Buffy Witt

2022: Where Your Money Went

Bernie Krystyniak — Mon, 28 Nov 2022 07:00:00 GMT

November 28, 2022

We hope you and your family are well. As we slide out from under the grip of the pandemic, it has never been more apparent the importance of having first-class healthcare services locally.

Putting Your Money to Work – Following is where $14,501 of your dollars went so far in 2022:

Public Access AED Project – EMS has a project underway to provide automated external defibrillator (AED) devices in public areas for immediate life-saving access. Your dollars funded one of these, a storage cabinet, and new batteries for two existing units for $2,846.
Dental Equipment Upgrade – The Dental Clinic upgraded the drill system from an outdated airdriven unit to an electric system which is the new standard in dental offices. The new system is quieter, more efficient in providing torque, and has built-in lighting. A grant from your donations was made for $2,104 to fund the new system.
Employees of the Quarter – This summer the clinic staff maintained their high standard of service at normal patient levels even while being short staff by a provider and a nurse. Nominations for their Employee of the Quarter program revealed that all the employees were being nominated by their peers for exceptional performance. The clinic rewarded the team effort with recognition of all nine of the staff and one volunteer as Employees of the Quarter. Your donations funded the awards with a $2,000 grant.
Training and Development –
- Jennifer Brent – Travel expenses for nursing degree clinicals - $500.
- Dan Humphreys and Amanda Hartman – Travel expenses for Advanced EMT clinicals - $500 each.
- Melody Crump – X-ray technician certification - $500.
Patio Project – In last year’s letter, we reported on a project to provide patio furniture for the clinic to improve the area staff and volunteers use to relax and decompress during the busy and sometimes stressful days. We completed the project earlier this year with earmarked funding from one of our great regular donors for $5,551

Already in the works for this winter is an opportunity to sponsor a facilitated one-day strategic planning workshop with the Health District Board and clinic leadership.

We appreciate your generosity that made this possible, and encourage your continued support to insure the future of our grant program.

Endowment Board Changes – During 2022, we have some Board changes to report. Lyn Lampert retired from the Board after years of great service and counsel. Lyn was also a board member for Public Health and provided connection with that organization.

Jerry Gray is returning to the Endowment Board replacing Lyn as the Public Health representative. Jerry is a past member of our Board and we are fortunate to have him back. Marcia Connell is taking a leave of absence from the Board to spend the next year in Peru in a medical assistance program providing care for the underserved in remote, mountainous regions.

Kindest regards and best wishes for the holiday season,

Bernie Krystyniak - President

Nancy Zeller – Director Emerita

Board of Directors

Bernie Krystyniak – Pres, Treas
Cindy Rae – Vice-President
Linda Downs – Secretary
Dr. Howard Berg
Marcia Connell
Jerry Johnson
Jerry Gray
Malinda McDonald
Buffy Witt

2021: Where Your Money Went

Bernie Krystyniak — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 07:00:00 GMT

November 2021

We hope you and your family are well.

Tenth Anniversary – Time flies. This year we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the new building housing the Moseley Health Care Complex. The medical center moved into the new building in January 2011.

This modern building and the new equipment and furnishings were made possible entirely from your donations and grants. Not a single tax dollar or any financing was used for the project. It is truly a testament to the generosity of our great supporters and community. It continues today to provide splendid accommodations for the medical and dental clinics, conference and meeting spaces, physical therapy, mental health, EMS, and incident management spaces.

Health District – The Health District (aka Lake City Area Medical Center) reports progress in two important areas – behavioral health services and x-ray equipment. They are working with a Montrose clinic for more timely access to behavioral health services. Services are also now offered in shared community spaces by Richard Moore for the Center for Mental Health. The med center is also continuing to work toward having a therapist onsite. The x-ray was upgraded to the latest digital technology through a generous private donation and a grant from the Next50 Initiative.

EMS – EMS Director Buffy Witt reports having their busiest summer on record. We supported EMS by funding the training of an additional paramedic for response and five CPR instructors for community outreach. They are adding four new certified EMTs. For the future, EMS plans to continue capability increase by providing the opportunity for three current EMTs to take Advanced EMT training. Also, the addition of public access defibrillators is planned for community outreach.

Endowment Board Changes – During 2021, we have two new directors with the addition of well-known local nurse and former business owner, Marcia Connell, and highly-respected energetic community supporter, Dr. Howard Berg. Retiring board member, Fred Stapleton, served on our board since 2016 and on the Health District board for many years prior to that. We are grateful for the tireless hard work, steady counsel, and great support by Fred.

Putting Your Money to Work - During 2021 so far, the Endowment has paid out $32,514 to supported organizations, plus another $4,000 is expected to be requested for a trauma room stretcher with lift.

Health District $16,000 – A donation from a great serial donor was earmarked for the medical center to create an improved area for staff to decompress. It can also be used with patients, families, and friends dealing with traumatic circumstances during treatment at the clinic.
Health District $10,000 – The Endowment partnered with the clinic on a successful grant application to the Next50 Initiative to upgrade our x-ray to digital technology. A generous private donation directly to the clinic completed the financing for the project.
Health District $2,478 – Grant to implement a dictation system to improve provider productivity.
Hinsdale County EMS $3,431 – CPR instructor training for five dedicated EMS volunteers.
Health District $880 – Addiction counseling training for Richard Moore.

We appreciate your generosity that made this possible, and encourage your continued support to insure the future of our grant program.

Our direct giving program relies almost entirely on your donations and legacy commitments. We have an all-volunteer board that allows us to keep expenses low so 98% of your donations go to our grant program and investment portfolio for future needs.

To make it easier for you to help, we have online donation capability on our website. You can also still send your checks to our postal address – PO Box 822, Lake City, CO 81235. We accept donations of all kinds including stocks, property, and other forms. Please consider us in your estate planning for legacy donations.

Kindest regards and best wishes for the holiday season,

Bernie Krystyniak - President

Nancy Zeller, Director Emerita

Board of Directors

Bernie Krystyniak – Pres, Treas
Lyn Lampert – Vice-President
Linda Downs – Secretary
Dr. Howard Berg
Marcia Connell
Jerry Johnson
Cindy Rae
Malinda McDonald
Buffy Witt

McKinneys Recognized for Exceptional Service and Support

Bernie Krystyniak — Mon, 03 May 2021 06:00:00 GMT

May 30, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McKinneys Recognized for Exceptional Service and Support

The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. presented Jim McKinney a plaque recognizing him and his late wife Fran on May 15 for their exceptional and continued support of healthcare organizations in Lake City.

Jim and Fran made their home in Lake City for many years and Jim now resides in Conroe, Texas. Jim served on Endowment Fund and Health District boards from 2012 to 2017. Fran and Jim were heavily engaged on several committees supporting these organizations during that period. Jim continues to make a substantial impact supporting healthcare delivery in Lake City through financial contributions to the Endowment Fund.

A plaque recognizing the McKinneys will hang in the entry of the Moseley Health Care Complex in Lake City. A smaller identical version was presented to Jim to which he responded – “I am overwhelmed. So many people have given so much of their time and effort for the Endowment. I humbly accept this honor with them in mind. They are the reason I am pleased to support the LCMC Endowment.”

The plaque reads “Jim and Fran McKinney gave their leadership and time, and continue to give financial support to the Lake City healthcare organizations that have provided comfort, a path to wellness, and life-saving healthcare to so many.

Their service on the boards and committees of the Lake Fork Health Service District and the LCMC Endowment Fund made those teams stronger and smarter, and facilitated the accomplishment of their respective Missions. Their leading financial support continues today to provide grant funding for the organizations supported by the Endowment.

Their support and effort help assure our Vision of “Lake City full of healthy people”.”

The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) established in 1996 with the Mission of supporting quality health care delivery in Lake City through supported organizations Lake Fork Health Service District, Silver Thread Public Health District, and Hinsdale County EMS.

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New Medical and Dental Directors Join Health District Staff

Bernie Krystyniak — Sun, 20 Sep 2020 06:00:00 GMT

September 2020

New Medical Director – In September, Dr. William Gattis joined the Health District as our new Medical Director. Dr. Gattis is experienced in family medicine having owned a practice for five years. Most recently he has served as emergency room physician at Gunnison Valley Hospital for eight years. Gattis replaces Dr. Gina Carr, who moved to Grand Junction due to family matters.

New Dental Director – Dr. Brett Bergseid of Denver has joined the Health District as our new Dental Director. Dr. Bergseid plans to be onsite five days per month providing dental care to the community. Bergseid replaces highly-regarded Dr. Bruce Uchida, who elected to retire (again).

El Pomar and NextFifty Initiative Award COVID-19 Grants

Bernie Krystyniak — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 06:00:00 GMT

April 17, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

El Pomar and NextFifty Initiative Award COVID-19 Assistance Grants

Two Colorado foundations are providing much needed financial assistance through grants totaling $14,500 to Lake City healthcare organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The NextFifty Initiative approved a $12,000 grant April 15 to the LCMC Endowment Fund. The Endowment applied on behalf of the Lake Fork Health Service District, the Silver Thread Public Health District, and the Hinsdale EMS. The funds are being shared immediately and equally with these healthcare service providers.

The grant is general operating fund support for organizations impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Service District Executive Director Jessica Whiddon and Physician Assistant Ashley Mines enlisted the Endowment to spearhead the grant application in its role as a supporting 501(c)(3) organization.

The NextFifty Initiative created the $2.5M COVID-19 Response Fund to support Colorado nonprofits during the current emergency. The NextFifty Initiative is a Colorado-based private foundation dedicated to funding mission-driven initiatives that improve the lives of the older adult population and their caregivers. They seek to fund game-changing efforts to improve and sustain quality of life for people in their second 50 years. In 2019, 62% of Health District and 70% of EMS patients were aged 50 plus.

“When Ashley and Jessica shared the information with me about the NextFifty Initiative, I had not heard of them. As I learned more, I realized their purpose to ‘fund solutions that promote healthier, happier lives for generations to come’ was aligned perfectly with our mission” said Bernie Krystyniak, Board President for the Endowment.

Also, the El Pomar Foundation advised the Endowment on March 31 of a grant award for the Lake City Area Medical Center of $2,500 in COVID-19 assistance funds.

The grant was facilitated by Lake City resident Cindy Dozier, El Pomar’s regional council representative for Hinsdale County. Medical Center Director Dr. Gina Carr and Executive Director Jessica Whiddon provided information to describe the virus impact to the Medical Center as justification for the grant.

“We are extremely thankful to El Pomar and all of the grant programs for supporting us in this time of need. We needed extra medical protection equipment and patient supplies and El Pomar generously covered those needs” said Whiddon.

The grant from El Pomar’s Colorado Assistance Fund is for medical services and supplies related to the COVID-19 response in Hinsdale County. In early March, El Pomar established a $1 million fund providing immediate aid for nonprofits and government entities in Colorado that are providing emergency services, meeting basic human needs and supporting access to appropriate healthcare in areas affected by the outbreak of COVID-19.

El Pomar is a private foundation established in 1937 “to enhance, encourage and promote the current and future well-being of the people of Colorado”. Since then, the Foundation has approved over 10,000 grants for over $509 million to non-profits and government organizations in Colorado. Lake City has been the beneficiary of several of these grants over the years for the medical center.

The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) with the Mission of supporting quality health care delivery in Lake City with supported organizations Lake Fork Health Service District, Silver Thread Public Health District, and Hinsdale County EMS. The Endowment was established in 1996 with 97.7% of donations going to Lake City grants or invested for future needs.

Learn more about the Endowment at www.LCMCEndowmentFund.org. An online donation function is available. Contacting a Board member to discuss estate planning, legacy donations, and property donations is also encouraged.

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Education Grants Awarded to Moore and Downs

Bernie Krystyniak — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 07:00:00 GMT

February 2, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Endowment Awards Grants, Adds Witt to Board

The LCMC Endowment Fund Board of Directors awarded education grants totaling $5,086 to Lake Fork Health District nurse Krista Moore and Physician Assistant Bob Downs at their regular quarterly meeting on January 31.

In other meeting business, returning Lake City native Buffy Witt was added to the Board representing Hinsdale County EMS. The Board also reports that plans are moving forward for the second Wild Wild West Dinner featuring prime rib by Jeff Heaton on June 25. The fundraiser seating is limited to 50 and advance reservations are required. Contact a Board member (listed later in this article) or email LCMCEndowment@gmail.com to reserve your tickets.

Lake Fork Health Care District Medical Director Dr. Gina Carr and Executive Director Jessica Whiddon joined in emphasizing the importance of the education grants in enhancing clinic and community services, and providing professional growth of staff through staff development plans and thoughtfully selected training and education.

The grant to nurse Moore provides funds for two courses toward certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and the Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum (TNCC). ACLS trained responders provide urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies. The TNCC certification is through the Emergency Nurses Association and is becoming a training standard for nurses involved in emergency and acute care.

Medical Center Physician Assistant Bob Downs was awarded grant funding for two 2020 conferences that meet requirements for maintaining national certification, state licensing requirements, and that have ultrasound training tracks. These lay the groundwork for a more extensive ultrasound class and hands on experience at other teaching facilities that will culminate in the addition of ultrasound capability at our clinic.

“These grants will result in increased capability for the medical center through developing new skills for the staff. This will enhance the service offering of our already great healthcare complex, and fits nicely with our focus on putting our donors’ money to work for the community and our visitors” explained Endowment President Bernie Krystyniak.

Buffy Witt, newly named Hinsdale County EMS Director, was added to the Endowment Board filling the position vacated by retired Jerry Gray. Witt joins current Board members Linda Downs, Jerry Johnson, Bernie Krystyniak, Lyn Lampert, Cindy Lycholat, Malinda McDonald, and Fred Stapleton.

The LCMC Endowment Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) with the Mission of supporting quality health care delivery in Lake City with supported organizations Lake Fork Health Service District, Silver Thread Public Health District, and Hinsdale County EMS. The Endowment was established in 1997 with 97.7% of donations going to Lake City grants or invested for future needs.

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