Community Challenged to Fund Anesthesia Machines

Three organizations have collaborated to offer Grinnell Regional Medical Center a $35,000 challenge to the community to fund the need for upgraded anesthesia machines in the surgery department.

Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will together match all donations to GRMC’s annual fund drive designated for the new anesthesia machines dollar for dollar up to $35,000.

“This effort is about so much more than medical equipment,” says Denise Lamphier, GRMC director of communications and development. “Last year, GRMC performed 2,800 surgeries. So far this year, GRMC has performed more than 2,560 surgeries. Included in this year’s patients were my sister and my best friend. For me, this effort is about providing the best medical care close to home for our friends, neighbors, and family members. An upgrade to our anesthesia machines will help ensure quality care for years to come.  Because of that, I am both professionally and personally grateful to Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources for offering this matching challenge.”

The medical center has already raised almost $70,000 toward the $140,000 project to purchase updated and uniform anesthesia machines for the four surgery suites. Each anesthesia machine costs $35,000. Completion of the challenge from Grinnell College, Grinnell State Bank, and Laser Resources will close the funding gap needed to purchase all four machines

“Grinnell is fortunate to have a facility like GRMC right here in town. We recognize that the medical center continually strives for improved quality of care and patient safety, and that this equipment is a step toward that goal,” says Raynard Kington, president of Grinnell College.

The anesthesia equipment upgrade will allow the GRMC surgery staff to deliver anesthetics with much more sophisticated ventilator capabilities in a safe and effective manner. Benefits for the patient include hands-free ventilation so the anesthesia provider can focus even more closely on the patient. In addition, improved technology advancements reduce the potential for errors.

“I imagine many of my family members, as well as myself, have been helped many times over by these machines. So, I imagine these new machines will be there for us many times into the future. Please join us in making such an important contribution to our own well-being,” says David Jones, president and CEO of Grinnell State Bank.

 “As a locally owned and operated company, Laser Resources believes strongly in partnering with our Central Iowa customers. We hope our support of the anesthesia machine effort will help further the good work being done at GRMC,” says Bob Lashier, president of Laser Resources, a supplier of printing and copying technology to GRMC.

Donations to the anesthesia effort—online, by phone, or by mail—will be matched dollar for dollar. For more information, call Lamphier in the GRMC Office of Communications and Development at 641-236-2589. Gifts may be made online by visiting www.grmc.us and clicking on “Make a Gift Online” under Quick Links.

GRMC Volunteer Recognized as a Shining Star with IHA

Grinnell Regional Medical Center volunteer Shirley Broders was recognized by the Iowa Hospital Association as a Shining Star at their annual meeting on Oct. 6 in Des Moines.

Broders was nominated by GRMC Auxiliary for her length of volunteer service and her dedication. She began her involvement with the auxiliary more than 20 years ago through her employment with GRMC. She would work during the day and volunteered in the gift shop in the evenings.

“Shirley served as a dedicated employee of GRMC and has continued that commitment to the health in retirement as a volunteer. We are truly blessed to have such excellent volunteers at GRMC,” says Todd C. Linden, CEO and president of GRMC. “Shirley is a shining star for GRMC and the auxiliary. We want to thank her for her service for so many years.”

In 1990, Broders began maintaining the GRMC Auxiliary archives to preserve the rich history of the Auxiliary. In 2000, she started volunteering as a breakfast cashier. This is a valued service to our guests and employees and a fundraiser for the auxiliary. Broders also participates in the annual Iowa Hospital Association Legislative Day. Over the years, she has accumulated more than 2,000 hours volunteering for the Auxiliary and Grinnell Regional Medical Center.

Grinnell Regional Medical Center Receives $5,000 Grant

Grinnell, Iowa Monsanto Site Helps Local Organization Purchase Anesthesia Equipment

GRINNELL, Iowa –The Grinnell Regional Medical Center, dedicated to the care of nearly 40,000 residents in greater Poweshiek County, received a $5,000 grant with the help of the Grinnell Monsanto Site.

            The Grinnell Regional Medical Center (GRMC), a top rural medical center in Poweshiek County, was presented a $5,000 check from the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company. The presentation took place at the GRMC’s Blue Jean Ball, on Saturday, Sept. 24.

            The GRMC will utilize the grant to help fund the purchase of new anesthesia equipment. “This equipment is extremely expensive, and particular during tough economic times, we count ourselves blessed to have received this generous donation,” said Denise Lamphier, director of communications and development at GRMC. "On behalf of the Medical Center and the community, we are sincerely appreciative for the Monsanto Fund and this donation.”

             Al Henderson, Monsanto Site lead, was also excited to play a part in the donation.  "The support of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center is important to the local community, as it helps the hospital to maintain and provide a high level of service to local residents,” he said. “It is continually striving to improve equipment and facilities so that it can attract new physicians and staff along with providing Grinnell area residents with the latest advancements in medical care."

            This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund, which is focused on strengthening farming communities, as well as the communities where Monsanto’s employees live and work.

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About the Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Monsanto and Vine Design® is a registered trademark of Monsanto Technology LLC. ©2011 Monsanto Company

GRMC Auxiliary Member Meeting

The Grinnell Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites everyone to the annual fall luncheon scheduled for noon on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The regular gathering will again be held in the dining center at Buckley Hall on Park Street in the Mayflower Community, Grinnell.

“Our mission of the GRMC Auxiliary is to support the medical center through financial as well as volunteer services. We invite all members and the public to our luncheons where we share our successes and goals for the new year,” says Sheila Latcham, GRMC Auxiliary president. “For example, we are collecting items for the Stork’s Nest at this year’s fall luncheon to support a program for young mothers.”

The Stork’s Nest is launching a project for mothers in the program. They need plain colored T-shirts sized 0-3 months through 2T. In addition, the Stork’s Nest always needs items like diapers, bottles, pacifiers, wipes, and baby items. GRMC Auxiliary luncheon attendees are invited to bring an item for the Stork’s Nest.

The agenda for the meeting includes: the election of 2012 officers and board members, updates on projects at the hospital and auxiliary, and door prizes. Entertainment will be provided by the Four Tones.

Tickets are $8 and available in The Glass Gift Box – the GRMC gift shop, from any GRMC Auxiliary Board member, or call the GRMC volunteer office at 641-236-2588.