Question 1 - Why doesn’t the hospital just borrow the money or use other avenues to raise funds?

Homer Memorial Hospital has a bond debt of $1.85 million that will be paid off in 9 years. This is debt from a 1988 renovation that was financed over 20 years ago. Borrowing additional money while this debt is still owed would not be fiscally sound.

 

The feasibility study by Pride Philanthropy shows that Claiborne residents greatly prefer supporting Homer Memorial Hospital through a Foundation instead of passing any sort of tax. A parish tax was considered but, while the hospital is owned by the Town of Homer, it is difficult to justify and has no community support.

 

 

Billed charges cover operating expenses but are not adequate to provide the dollars needed to renovate the hospital, purchase new equipment or expand new services. It would take the hospital more than 10 years to save enough money to pay for the Intensive Care Unit project. Every dollar that is donated through Claiborne Healthcare Foundation will go directly to the ICU renovation project so it can be completed within 2 to 3 years.

 

 

The current ICU space is too small and does not provide restroom facilities for each patient. Of all the projects submitted, the Foundation Board believes this project will have the greatest impact on our community by completing the renovation of patient rooms and enhancing the privacy of our patients.

 

 

Because Homer Memorial Hospital is the only acute care hospital in the parish, chances are, at some point in our lives, we will all need the services of the hospital. We are inviting the community to show its support for a very important resource. With generous charitable support, we can all enjoy a higher level of healthcare services . . . now and in the future.

 

 

The new ICU will be located in the same area, but will incorporate some of the existing courtyard, cafeteria and Med Surg nurse station areas to increase the overall square footage of the ICU space. The ICU staff, physicians and administration have worked with the current healthcare architects to design a state-of-the-art Intensive Care Unit. The new floor plan is available for review at the Foundation office upon request.

 

 

Question 6 – Why should a business invest in this project?

What will it do for a company and its employees? Improving Homer Memorial Hospital benefits the business community in four ways:

1.  A strong local hospital helps existing businesses and industries attract and retain qualified employees, whose quality of life includes access to excellent health services.

2.  Hospital improvements assure that quality healthcare services are available locally for business owners and employees for work-related injuries and personal needs.

3.  The hospital’s $6.9 million annual payroll represents many of the dollars spent directly or indirectly at local businesses, so hospital growth helps business growth.

4.  The hospital is a focal point for local economic development officials as they work to attract new businesses and industries to our community and our region.

 

 

Homer Memorial Hospital employees, through the Employee Giving Club, are volunteering their time to manage an employee giving campaign for redesigning the cafeteria, which must be renovated as part of the ICU project. To demonstrate their commitment to this project, the club members are conducting a series of employee meetings in June encouraging employee support through payroll deductions.

 

 

100% of your donation goes directly to the chosen project, the total renovation of the Intensive Care Unit. The Homer Memorial Hospital Board of Directors has committed to pay all foundation expenses through the hospital’s marketing/advertising budget. Yes, Claiborne Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

 

 

Donations to Claiborne Healthcare Foundation during this campaign are restricted by the IRS to be spent on hospital capital projects, such as the ICU renovation. If goals are not met, the Claiborne Healthcare Foundation Board has the option to amend the ICU project or extend the time frame goal. You can be assured that your donation will be used to renovate the current Intensive Care Unit.

 

 

Question 10 - Where can I call for more information?

Claiborne Healthcare Foundation has an office in the hospital lobby, located directly behind the switchboard/receptionist. Office hours are 8:30A to 5P Monday through Friday. You may contact Alice Gandy, Foundation Coordinator, at 927-1400, P.O. Box 578, Homer, LA 71040 or click here to send her an e-mail.