Grande Ronde Hospital | Life & Health | Spring 2018

The Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation used St. Patrick’s Day as an opportunity to bring a slice of Ireland to Eastern Oregon for its annual gala. In its second year, the gala has quickly become a major part of the Foundation’s fund- raising efforts. “The public response has been amazing,” says Foundation Manager Patrick Flynn. “When we started this event last year, we wanted it to be a seminal event for our area, and it appears we are well on our way to that goal.” Flynn adds, “All of this is to help benefit our patients. The Foundation uses the proceeds to purchase patient care equipment, training for our care professionals and other needs that arise.” The evening was held at the Gilbert Event Center at Eastern Oregon University and started with traditional Irish music performed by Blue Plate Special, a La Grande band that special- izes in traditional acoustic music of many nationalities. The feature performer, Hart Keene, performed up-close magic for attendees while they enjoyed social time and hors d’oeuvres. A plated Irish dinner was created and served by Merlyn’s Catering. The Foundation is already planning next year’s gala. To stay up-to-date on Foundation events and news, contact the Foundation office at 541-963-1431 or by email at foundation@grh.org and join the newsletter list. Patients benefit from Foundation efforts The Grande Ronde Hospital Foundation has wrapped its fundraising efforts for fiscal year 2018 and is excited to share the fruits of its donors’ generosity. The Foundation’s patient care projects have had an impact all over the Hospital and the various clinics. “Having different types of equipment go to different departments is really great—we learn a lot about what these departments do and about the patients we and our donors can help,” says Lacey Wisdom, Foundation Department secretary. The largest of the equipment projects was replacing aged IV therapy patient chairs in the Hematology/Oncology Clinic. These chairs are very specialized because patients spend long stretches of time in them while IVs deliver lifesaving medicines. The Foundation purchased 16 of the new, luxurious chairs, so all of the Infusion Clinic patients can enjoy them. Another purchase added more wireless fetal monitoring belts that are heavily used in the Family Birthing Center. Other purchases included a new exam chair for the Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic; two new convection ovens for the Dietary Department; and a ureteroscope for the operating room. These patient care projects are made possible by donations during the year and from Foundation fundraising events. If you would like to learn more or make a contri- bution, go to grh.org/foundation . Foundation gala drives fundraising efforts with Irish twist Contact the Foundation 900 Sunset Drive La Grande, OR 97850 Phone: 541-963-1431 Email: foundation@grh.org Donate to the GRH Foundation at grh.org/foundation . 3