Residents of Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding areas are fortunate to be able to rely on the outstanding health care provided at Sault Area Hospital (SAH).
But did you know that the tools caregivers at SAH rely on are funded by Sault Area Hospital Foundation? The Foundation’s new strategic plan lays the framework that will ensure learnings on one of the least talked about parts of healthcare funding.
“We know many people don’t realize why fundraising is vital: all of the equipment our hospital uses every day in providing care, from hospital beds all the way to our $3.2 million MRI, is funded through generous donations to SAH Foundation,” explains Teresa Martone, Executive Director of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
Healthcare is Not Fully Funded
The public healthcare funding model is quite complex. While the government provides significant operational funding to hospitals, the capital equipment used in the day-to-day delivery of care is not included in that funding. Charitable foundations like SAH Foundation raise funds to purchase the vital equipment that is essential for quality healthcare. Foundations across Ontario and Canada fundraise for equipment found in the hospitals they serve.
“Supporting your hospital ensures that your local healthcare providers have the tools and technology available to provide the best possible care for you, the people you love, and the entire Algoma District,” says Teresa. “This isn’t just new equipment: it can preserve and expand key services, innovate and help attract and retain health care professionals in our community, and provide faster, safer and more comfortable care experiences.”
Ensuring a Healthy Future for Area Residents
In order to meet the ever-increasing demands of rising equipment costs and a growing community, SAH Foundation has developed a new strategic plan. The plan focuses on three strategic directions: community education, growing their donor communities, and strengthening operations.
Teresa explains, “As we developed our strategic directions, we focused on our mission as a Foundation and the biggest barriers to it. We are focusing on increased communication and education throughout Algoma District, providing multiple ways to support, and exploring new and innovative ways to continue to generate funds. We can all support outstanding care at Sault Area Hospital through donations so critically needed to purchase equipment.”
Communication, Relationships, and Growing Strong
Currently, SAH Foundation aims to provide $5 million each year to SAH, and their strategic plan will help them to achieve that goal.
“Medical equipment continues to become more sophisticated and more expensive, and it is vital our hospital keeps up with this technology and supports innovation so we can continue to attract and retain healthcare professionals. New equipment enables us to not only maintain the services offered at SAH, but ideally offer improvements – like affecting wait times or offering new procedures locally,” says Teresa.
Teresa and her passionate team are committed to ensuring that SAH continues to offer the best possible care to the community. These new strategic directions will help them to do just that.
“Algoma District depends on our hospital – ours is the only large hospital in a 3 hour radius; and we’d love to see our whole community supporting it, in whatever way they can!” she says.
You can read the full strategic plan on the SAH Foundation website. For more information or to find out how you can support our local hospital, contact Teresa at (705) 759-3832.