The following are several examples of how the generosity of our donors is being put to good use. We are all in this together, and together we are truly making a difference in the lives of our families, friends and neighbors:
Emergency Department Expansion Completed
In early 2016, fundraising for the Emergency Department expansion project began and that project was completed in late 2017. The Capital Campaign raised over $1.5 millon towards the $4.6 million project. This expansion tripled the old space to 7,350 square feet and offered improved access to emergency services with a newly designed entrance. The six bed semi-private room facility was expanded to nine private rooms including triage, trauma, and psychiatric rooms.
Palliative Care Comfort Suite Completed
Fundraising for a Palliative Care Comfort Suite began in 2011. At the end of 2012, the suite was completed. Two existing hospital rooms were combined and renovated to make a comfortable, homelike suite; one room for the patient and one for their family members. A comfortable pull-out counch, recliner, kitchen, eating nook, and flat screen TV are some of the amenities that are provided for the family. The patient room was remodeled, and new furniture and a flat screen TV was purchased for that room. The Palliative Care Comfort Suite is dedicated to the comfort and caring of these patients and their families. This project was fully funded through the generosity of our community, staff, and physicians. Over $25,000 was raised for the project.
Chapel completed
In early 2007, the fundraising for the long-anticipated Chapel was completed and construction began during the summer. The dedication took place on December 13 during the annual Light A Life Celebration. Overall, the community contributed a total of $89,032 to support this beautiful and sacred space.
Healthy Smiles for Children
The International Food Festival and Auction, sponsored by Machias Savings Bank and Hannaford, was a tremendous success in raising $23,000 for a new Hospital Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Program. This program, set to launch in 2008, will provide children in Washington County with needed dental care for their health, growth and development.
Ventilator
The Down East Community Hospital Auxiliary contributed $9,600 to the Health Trust to support the purchase of a cardiac ventilator for the Cardio Pulmonary Department. These funds were raised through their Pot of Gold Raffle which was their largest fundraiser on record. The balance of the funds for the ventilator were contributed by Bangor Savings Bank and raised through the DEHT Blueberry Festival Kayak Raffle (sponsored by Whitney’s Tool Shed).
New Beds for Sunrise Care Facility
$8,930 was donated by the community to help buy new beds for the residents at Sunrise Care Facility in Jonesport, prompting one resident to exclaim, ““I haven’t slept this good in years.”
Kid’s care
Pediatric stethoscopes, temperol thermometers, blanket warmers and more were also purchased through generous and thoughtful charitable gifts.