RENOVO - On Jan. 19, the Bucktail Medical Center kicked off a capital campaign to raise $85,000 by June 30. With the campaign still a couple of weeks away from its final month, the BMC is just a few dollars short of reaching the half way point, having raised $42,275 as of last Friday.
Although the goal seems a long way off, the center has managed to already show the fruits of it labor throughout the building.
Administrator Orpha King was called out of retirement for the second time to come and serve at the medical center just weeks into the campaign following former administrator Michelle Brague's resignation. King was not around for the beginning but is quite pleased with the fund drive nearing the halfway mark.
"During this economy and Renovo's current financial situation, I think that it's excellent to sit here having raised over $42,000" said King. "The people of this community have responded tremendously."
The center has not waited until the end of the campaign to begin upgrading the facility. A new x-ray table was a major upgrade, replacing a decade's old piece of equipment.
The old table had a 350-pound weight limit. During the open house for the kick-off of the campaign back in January, visitors were shown the old table and could hear first hand the loud sounds coming from a wearing engine.
The new table boasts a 650-pound weight capacity, moves much easier and if it would require a new part, the availability would be quite accessible. Anytime parts for the old table were needed the center often found itself looking for custom made creations at a high cost due to the age of the table.
The center also installed a new 60-inch television in the activity room for its nursing home residents. "They are very, very happy with the new television" said King. Additionally, the availability of the funds collected have created a peace of mind as the administration knows that if a capital item would break, it could be re-placed.
During the open house, the public was able to come in and see exactly what the funds will be used for. BMC employees were at each of the departments, offering the public a look at what needs replaced and explanations on how newer apparatus can benefit the facility.
Also on exhibit were areas that have already been improved. The BMC Auxiliary was responsible for recently renovating the cafe,which is always open to the public. As visitors toured BMC that day, many offered pledges. Although any amount is appreciated, there are levels of donations. Donors can choose to put their name, a memorial, or an anonymous contribution. A $100 contribution will earn the donor a plaque, $250 a memorial brick paver and a $500 donation will get a name on the tree of life.
The funds will be utilized to upgrade equipment in the emergency room, laboratory, radiology department and community clinic.
Upgrade is a key word. The equipment that needs replaced has not been miss-used, it is just typically out-dated.
The center still uses eight crank beds that arrived in 1979. The lab uses two old, house-hold refrigerators.
In fact the vast majority of what the center hopes to replace are items that are in working condition, but accountability is a constant concern.
The BMC is hoping that the final weeks of the campaign will be as successful as the first few, and upgrades will continue.
