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.