The 2008 Case Statement for the Bell Foundation

ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATION The Bell Foundation is dedicated to raising funds to enhance the ability of the Superior Healthcare System to deliver health and wellness plans to the community.  The organization was originally created in the early 1990’s, but was not activated until the need for a capital campaign to build the replacement facility in 2005.  The Bell Foundation is needed beyond the capital campaign to help fund programs and future capital needs of the healthcare system.  The financial ability of healthcare institutions to replace or add capital, along with providing programs that are not billable to insurance has become severely limited.  The Bell Foundation will help alleviate the pressure caused by balancing financial constraints with delivery of quality patient care and community health needs. 

MAJOR PROGRAMS AND INITIATIVES OCCURRING IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM 

• Completing the construction of the replacement facility
• Moving from the present facilities to the replacement facility
• Completing the re-designed information technology program
• Initiating an electronic medical records program
• Designing and constructing a fitness trail around the replacement facility
• Disposition of the present facilities
• Attainment of a certificate of need and construction of a fixed MRI unit
• Attainment of a 2nd replacement ambulance
• Experimenting with the development of a “Medical Home Model” for primary care delivery
• Development of a corporate wellness program
• Development and implementation of exceptional customer service programs
• Increased staff educational and certification pursuits

RECENT SUPERIOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

• Funding attained to construct the replacement facility
• Customer service numbers increasing to the 90% percentile
• First aortic aneurism bypass performed in the U.P.
• New technology for small artery clearing being utilized
• Addition of new physicians in several specialties
• Initiative to regain Joint Commission accreditation
• System-wide program in place for increasing employee satisfaction

FUNDING NEEDS 2008-2009 There are several areas that are in immediate need of funding, including the Fitness Trail, Main Street, and replacement ambulance.  Additionally, the information technology and electronic medical records program are very costly and will be a drain on the system’s financial resources.  Finally, an endowment fund is needed to provide ongoing gifts for under-funded hospital programs.  The following lists opportunities for giving: 

• Fitness Trail, to be completed by Summer 2009 – Cost:  $120,000.00
• 2nd Ambulance to be purchased as soon as possible – Cost: $80,000.00
• Main Street theme in the clinic building - $225,000.00
• Information Technology by September 2008 – Cost:  $2,000,000.00
• Electronic Medical Records program by April 2009 – Cost:  $3,000,000.00
• Endowment fund for programming, minimum level for grants - $1,000,000.00
• Bell Baby Endowment for pediatric / O.B. needs, minimum level:  $500,000.00
• Employee Assistance Fund (restricted to employee giving)

GOALS FOR 2008-2009 It is the goal of the Bell Foundation to raise a minimum of $500,000 additional dollars between August of 2008 and June 30 of 2009 to support the above endeavors.  This amount would be in addition to any planned giving, which is not able to be budgeted. 

FUNDRAISING AND RECOGNITION It is the plan of the Bell Foundation to meet this goal by generating donations from individual donors, businesses and their employees.  The Annual Campaign to the public and businesses will occur from August 15th to September 15th.  The employee campaign will occur between October 15th and November 15th.  The Bell Foundation is planning several recognition events throughout the year.  The first of which will occur during the Open House week of the new facility in the form of a donor recognition event.  There will also be a spring event planned, and there will be several special events throughout the year that the donors will be invited to.  Additionally, a Wall of Giving is being constructed in the new facility which will honor donors meeting certain giving levels.  There are naming opportunities for all donors who have made major gifts or completed pledges of $10,000.   The Bell Foundation has a definitive purpose for continued fund raising in support of Superior Healthcare System.  This Case Statement will be evaluated and updated annually as the needs change.

Bell History Book

The Bell Foundation needs your help!  We are developing a book that will highlight Bell’s history.  The book will have several chapters, such as:  staff, patients, facilities, renovations, departments, etc.  To help compile what we hope to be a 200 page book, we are looking for stories and pictures from you — the people who were there, the people who know the ‘unknown facts’.  We want funny stories, heartwarming stories, unbelievable stories.  We want it all!  Were you here when the triplets were born?  Did you help the first patient at Teal Lake?  What about the lady who didn’t speak any English?  Please send any stories or pictures to Amy Poirier for consideration in the history book.  You can contact Amy 485-2119 or email apoirier@bellmi.org. 

Last Updated:  October 6, 2008