Dr. Alan and Susan Binette commit $5 million estate gift to Asante
MEDFORD, Ore. (March 21, 2024) Asante Foundation announced the largest estate gift commitment in its history from Dr. Alan and Susan Binette, retired medical professionals and local philanthropists. In recognition of their ongoing generosity, their name is donned in the new Binette Family Birth Center in the Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center.
“The Binettes’ partnership with Asante spans nearly four decades, professionally and philanthropically, said Andrea Reeder, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer of Asante. “Through this remarkable gift, they once again have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to excellent health care, now and in the future.”
Dr. Alan Binette, a retired OBGYN physician, dedicated himself to women’s health and delivered nearly 10,000 babies during his career, with the majority at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center. Susan, a retired nurse, spent decades at the bedside and in leadership roles within the walls of the hospital, too.
“When I think of our journey with Asante, I am most proud of being there through the whole journey. My first gift was a $10 donation to the Smullin Education Center in 1986 and it has continued since then. I am so pleased to be part of this great community of people. This is our legacy and it’s heartfelt,” said Susan Binette.
Since 1986, the couple has designated their lifetime giving to a variety of areas, with key focuses around women’s and children’s services, behavioral health and the Sexual Assault Response Team program.
Estate giving, otherwise known as planned giving or legacy giving, allows individuals the flexibility to give through their estate plan, typically through a will or other vehicles. This type of donation allows individuals to support causes they care about and leave a lasting impact beyond their lifetimes.
“This community means so much to us and it is an honor to know that our legacy includes caring for the people of Southern Oregon. Having worked alongside the nurses, physicians and staff at Asante for many decades, this gift is a demonstration of our gratitude, immense trust and faith in the people who will continue the amazing legacy of care at Asante well into the future,” said Dr. Alan Binette.
The Binette Family Birth Center, located on the fifth floor of the Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center, comprises seven labor and delivery rooms, as well as two C-section operating rooms. Additionally, it’s home to the state’s first OB Emergency Department for patients who experience pregnancy complications to receive specialized, focused care, 24/7. The first baby born in the new facility made his entrance on Tuesday, February 6. The family received a special note from the Binettes signifying the historical moment, for them and for the community.
Learn more about estate giving or get involved today: www.asantefoundation.org.
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About Asante Foundation
For more than 60 years, philanthropy has helped Asante provide and enhance health care for communities throughout Southern Oregon and Northern California. Asante Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Asante, a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit health system, is an integral partner in Asante’s vision to be your trusted health partner for life – every person, every time. Asante Foundation launched AsanteForward, the most significant campaign effort in our history, to transform the quality and scope of health care available in Asante’s nine-county region. This campaign is the largest philanthropic endeavor ever attempted in this area. At the core of AsanteForward are six specific initiatives including behavioral health, cancer care, expanded emergency services and a new patient pavilion to house several areas of care including the new Olsrud Family Women’s and Children’s Hospital, cardiac care, critical care and advanced surgical services, and Age-Friendly care at Asante Ashland Community Hospital. To learn more, please visit asantefoundation.org.
Asante is a local, community-owned and governed not-for-profit organization with nearly 6,000 employees who provide medical care to nearly 600,000 people in a nine-county area of Southern Oregon and Northern California. It includes Asante Ashland Community Hospital, Asante Physician Partners, Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass, and additional health care partnerships throughout the region.
Contacts:
Desirae MacGillivray Myers
Communications and Marketing Manager, Asante Foundation
(541) 789-2843
Desirae.macgillivraymyers@asante.org