In this season of gratitude, this community is on my mind. We live in a time of continuous change, but one thing has remained constant, this community cares. The fortitude this community has shown over the past year is a testament to its strength and compassion. Five years ago, we set out on a path to push our health care system forward through the AsanteForward campaign, and with the support of this community and visionary philanthropy, we have made great strides. For this, I am extremely grateful.
Because I know this community cares about medical excellence, I thought I’d share some of the recent accolades, as well as activities made possible by philanthropy:
- For the 10th year in a row, Asante has been named a 15 Top Health System in the nation – the only health system in the U.S. to consistently earn this honor, year after year, for a decade.
- For the eighth time overall, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center has been ranked one of the 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in the nation.
- Construction continues on the new Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional. Philanthropy is vital to this effort to provide the highest level of care for infants, children and families in Southern Oregon and Northern California.
- The new Mary and Dick Heimann Cancer Center in Medford and the expanded Helen K. Spears Cancer Center in Grants Pass opened in January 2022. Since then, more than 100,000 patient visits – which previously would have occurred in dozens of locations around the valley – have now taken place in these beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities.
- A critical step to advancing mental health care for our region is the recruitment of a Medical Chair. Philanthropy has been directed to attract and retain a clinical psychiatrist and medical leader who will grow Asante’s behavioral health program to sustainably serve our region.
- After months of planning and training, a multi-disciplinary team conducted Age-Friendly Care patient simulations at Asante Ashland Community Hospital, a key step in implementing this impactful new care model that prioritizes what matters most to each individual patient and improves medical outcomes for older adults.
- Guests spent a total of 4,344 nights at The Family House in Grants Pass and Francis Cheney Family Place in Medford this year.
- 24 new Cardiac ICU beds are under construction in the new pavilion at Asante Rogue Regional to provide life-saving care for those who have gone through the toughest medical procedures.
- Donations provided in-home respite care for the families of hospice patients. It’s a profound gift to be assured your loved one is in good hands, while you run errands, attend to other family needs or simply – and importantly – rest and care for yourself.
This, and so much more is possible, thanks to your support and partnership. To learn more about what’s taking place with the AsanteForward campaign, please visit asantefoundation.org. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday season!
Sincerely,
Andrea Reeder, Vice President and Executive Director