21 May Men’s Guild 100 Tops $10,000
The third annual meeting of the Men’s Guild 100 of Wallowa County was held May 1 at Wallowa Memorial Hospital, where over 40 men gathered to raise money for local health care. The men heard a State of the Hospital address from CEO Larry Davy, learned about the project request from EMS Director Tim Peck and Emergency Room Medical Director Dr. Gary Zeigler, and heard a moving personal story about a life changing medical crisis from Don Swart, Jr. The event featured a buffet of meatball sandwiches and sides, and was sponsored by the Wallowa Valley Health Care Foundation.
“It was a great turn out, and many men who couldn’t attend are sending in their checks for $100 to join,” said Foundation board member John Hillock, who spearheaded the effort. So far, fundraising has reached $10,200, a record for the three year old group.
CEO Larry Davy shared the news that Wallowa Memorial was named a Top 20 Critical Access Hospital by the National Rural Health Association for the second year in a row. “This shows our commitment to excellence, and we’re proud of our physicians, nursing staff, and others who consistently carry out our mission, to provide premier care,” said Davy.
Peck and Dr. Zeigler presented the project request, for new equipment to enhance the level of care that can be started in the ambulance. Total cost is approximately $10,000, so it looks like the Men’s Guild will be able to cover 100%.
The meeting ended with a short presentation by Don Swart, Jr., who shared the harrowing story of being diagnosed with septic shock last December, and being life-flighted to a Boise hospital, in a near-fatal condition. “The Boise doctors said Dr. (Elizabeth) Powers and the treatment I received here before being transferred saved my life,” said Swart, who is still recovering. “If this hospital and the quality of care we receive wasn’t available, I wouldn’t be here.”
The Men’s Guild meets annually in the spring. For anyone who missed the meeting, but would like to join, contact the Foundation at 541.426.1913.
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