Rural hospitals across the state and country are facing serious financial difficulties and many facilities have closed or cut back on services due to inadequate funding. Inadequate funding from Medicare and Medicaid along with thousands of dollars of uncompensated and charity care make the survival of rural healthcare difficult. In order for hospitals to continue to provide rural communities with adequate healthcare services, other funding sources are necessary. This is where financial support from the community becomes a necessity. A rural hospital is only as successful as the support it receives from the community. Hamilton Memorial Hospital District Foundation serves as the link between the community and the Hospital District to ensure its continued success.

To become a foundation member contact Deborah Mckinney Huff at 618-643-2361 ext. 213 or email dmckinney@hmhospital.org.

Scholarship Committee
Raises community awareness of the importance of and opportunities in healthcare careers and the need to raise funds to support the Hospital’s efforts to aid local high school students, employees and other interested parties with scholarships in various healthcare careers.

Agri Business Committee
Works closely with area businesses and the farming community to develop an understanding of the need for a rural hospital and how both groups can work together to create a healthier and safer community. This committee sponsors the “Harvest for Health” program.

Community Relations Committee
Strengthens the relationship between the Hospital District and the community. This committee sponsors many community health awareness programs, and the Annual Foundation Dinner.

Annual Support Committee
Oversees the Honor Society and Gift of Love Programs,and is responsible for the organization of the annual auction and year-end appeal letters.

Estate Planning Committee
Raises awareness of the need for “Financial Estate Planning”. This committee strives to show the benefits of planned giving and how such giving can actually benefit the donor as well as the Hospital Foundation. An example is a “Charitable Gift Annuity” which provides the giver source of income until death.

Special Prospects Committee
This group seeks to find donors of large gifts, either from Corporations or from benevolent donors who wish to convey assets of stocks and bonds or real property.