Donate To The Nemaha Valley Healthcare Campaign
Fast Facts
What is the Nemaha Valley Healthcare Campaign?
The Campaign is a $1,500,000 fundraising effort to help build the new Outpatient Center, renovate and expand selected areas of the existing Hospital, plus create an endowment for Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (NVCH). The total project is expected to cost appropriately $6.1 million.
Why is the Campaign important to the future of the Hospital?
For the past ten to twelve years, the Hospital Board of Trustees, the Nemaha Valley Health Care Foundation Board and medical staff have been exploring how to address the lack to outpatient, surgical, treatment, storage and medical office space. After reviewing several alternatives, they voted to consolidate all healthcare services to a single campus, which will significantly improve patient care services.
Why does the Campaign need to be launched now?
The Hospital was informed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) that it needs to change how it handles outpatients in the Hospital. In order to comply with the new directives, the Hospital must begin building the new Outpatient Center and Provider Clinics as soon as possible.
Does the Hospital receive any local tax dollars?
No! Nemaha Valley Community Hospital does not receive or use any local TAX DOLLARS. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation and your contributions are tax deductible.
Who are the Co-chairs of the Campaign?
Ron Johnson, Chairman of the Hospital Board, President of the Community National Bank of Seneca
Joyce Schmitz, Hospital Board Member, Medical Arts Pharmacy
Larry Kuckleman, Immediate Past President of the Hospital, Community Bank President of United Bank and Trust
Don Altenhofen, Hospital Board Member, Altenhofen Farms in Kelly
Who are the other members of the Steering Committee?
Tony Bartkoski, D.O., Seneca Family Practice
Dan Broxterman, Chairman of NVHCF, Farmer/Stockman, Centralia
Jay Fankhauser, Bern
Douglas A. Heiman, Shelter Insurance Company
Mark Heiniger, Vice Chairman of the Hospital Board, Card Express, Bern
Jim and Myra Runnebaum, SBS Insurance Agency
Raymond J. Schmitz, Seneca
How can I support the Campaign?
Contributions may be made in cash, stock, securities, real estate, life insurance, retirement accounts, bequest, annuity or other planned gift options. Donations and pledges may be made over a one, two or three year period and may be paid annually, semi-annually, or quarterly.
You may also make a donation by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover) at the Hospital. Automatic withdrawals from your checking account may also be arranged.
A specially designed donation and pledge form was created to enable the greatest possible flexibility in supporting this vitally important fundraising drive. Your multi-year pledge may be modified with a written statement if you experience an unexpected financial reversal.
Perpetual Naming Opportunity
We are pleased to offer the opportunity to permanently dedicate an area or room in the new Outpatient Center, Specialty Provider Clinics or Hospital. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual, family, business, or other group to create as a special recognition for their support of the vitally important expansion and renovation effort. This may be accomplished through a single gift or the pooling of many gifts over a one, two or three year period. The Campaign Office at the Hospital has a list of dedication areas and naming opportunities for your review and consideration.
What more do I need to know?
Campaign information, donation and pledge forms are available at the Hospital or on the Hospital’s website. If you have any questions, please contact Stan Regehr, CEO
of NVCH at 785-336-6181 ext. 126. You can also find additional information about the Campaign on the Hospital’s website.
Case Statement
Throughout its history, Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (NVCH) has continued to meet the expanding health care needs of its service area by upgrading its facilities and equipment to provide high quality, personalized patient care. The Hospital is part of Seneca’s heritage, a place where local residents go for their health care needs along with something extra, a special warmth and compassion that tells each patient they are now part of the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital family.
“We treat patients as if they were members of our family.” Tony Bartkoski, D.O. |
It is that dedication and sense of compassionate care that makes the Hospital stand out. As one patient stated, “This is the only hospital I fully trust to take care of my family. They treat you like you are their family. Always wanting to give you 110%.” It is an incredibly vibrant place where people are devoted to improving and saving lives.
Serving those who are in need; providing a full range of critical care services; staying at the forefront of medical services and technology; pursuing innovation and improvement – these are ways Nemaha Valley Community Hospital has earned a proud reputation for providing high quality patient care in an environment of friendliness and personal concern.
Without the hard work, perseverance and old-fashioned community spirit of the residents of Seneca, the Hospital would not have been able to fulfill its mission of “providing quality health care and other related services in a compassionate manner sufficient to meet the primary health needs of its patrons within the scope of its resources and staff.”
A History of Community Involvement
In 1940, a group of woman met to fulfill a daring vision. Through their courage and foresight, they began a petition drive to build a new hospital. Members of the community overcame several obstacles, including a state law that prohibited securing a bond to build a hospital and the allocation of scarce resources during the beginning of World War II.
The Seneca Hospital opened its doors in September 1943. The total cost of the facility would have been much higher if the community had not contributed thousands of dollars in donations for furnishing and equipment. The Sisters of St. Joseph at Concordia contributed a total of $25,000 and signed an agreement to manage the non-profit hospital, which lasted over the next 25 years.
During the first six years of operation, Seneca Hospital had 5,287 inpatients, 821 births and 3,697 outpatient visits. An article in the September 14th, 1946 edition of The Saturday Evening Post described the professional, friendly care at the hospital as “the therapy of neighborliness.”
In no time, the hospital was busting at the seams. Beds had to be put in the hallways and many patients were referred to other hospitals because the hospital was full. The hospital’s Guild coordinated another fund and petition drive to complete a $90,000 addition to the Hospital.
By the mid-1950s, more than 1,800 deliveries and 1,209 major operations had taken place at the Hospital. A Ford Foundation grant of $11,900 enabled the Hospital to upgrade its X-ray equipment and install air conditioners in patient rooms. Over the years, the Hospital continued to upgrade its facilities and equipment to maintain its status as an accredited Hospital.
As patient care became more sophisticated, patients began to spend less time in the hospital and were being transferred to urban hospitals for specialized care. As a result, the Hospital began to experience a decline in occupancy and income; there- fore, the Sisters of St. Joseph stated they did not have an interest to continue to operate the Hospital.
Reorganization
After extensive study, the Hospital decided to form a separate, non-profit, tax-exempt hospital under the control of a 14 member Board of Trustees. The new Board immediately began to “provide hospital services at the lowest cost consistent with sound economy and good management.” The name of the Hospital was also changed to Nemaha Valley Community Hospital (NVCH) to better reflect its service area and its status as a private, not-for-profit hospital.
During the 1970’s physician recruitment became a major concern due to retirement of one physician and death of another. In 1973, the Board signed an agreement with Great Plains Lutheran Hospitals, Inc. to manage the Hospital on a set fee basis. One of the hospital’s registered nurses, Helen McGinty, was promoted to supervise the day-to-day operations and eventually became the Hospital’s administrator.
Building a New Community Hospital
In the 1980’s, the Hospital needed extensive renovation and upgrading of many of its services. The estimated cost of this major remodeling effort was projected to cost over $2 million. After extensive analysis, the Board scrapped the remodeling plans and began planning the construction of a new $2.5 million hospital to be located on Community Drive. The financing of the construction of the new hospital relied on charitable donations, revenue bonds and an FHA loan. The community stepped forward once again and raised over $600,000 from grateful patients, businesses, volunteers, civic organizations, hospital and Medical Staff and others located throughout the Hospital’s service area.
While the fund drive was underway, the Hospital Board signed an agreement with St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center of Topeka to manage the Hospital. A strong link still exists between the two healthcare providers today.
Inside NVCH Today
“NVCH is an exceptional hospital. The staff is very attentive and makes everyone feel comfortable. The doctors and nurses actually listen to the patients. They will remain even after their shift is over to make sure you are well taken care of.” |
The new Hospital opened in 1989 and is a one story rectangular-shaped building with a pitched roof, an inner courtyard and a basement. The patient care areas are located at the rear of the building away from any traffic noise. The front entrance faces north, overlooking Community Drive. The covered emergency entrance faces southeast and adjacent to the heliport pad are the emergency rooms. radiology and surgical departments, the laboratory and the birthing room. All of the patient rooms were designed to create a comfortable and relaxed home-like atmosphere with the latest in medical technology.
Nemaha Valley Community Hospital’s philosophy of caring is well known and respected.
The Challenges Facing NVCH
Considerable changes in the healthcare delivery system have intensified the need for the Hospital to develop new approaches to providing healthcare services. The current facility was designed primarily as an inpatient hospital. However, over the past decade, demand for outpatient services has increased dramatically.
The Hospital to provide additional space for these outpatient services and specialty clinics converted several inpatient and trauma rooms. The Hospital is also experiencing a shortage of space to store new medical and diagnostic equipment used in surgery, the lab and other treatment areas in the Hospital.
Outpatient specialty clinics are another major concern that needs to be addressed by the Hospital. These clinics include such specialties as audiology, asthma and allergy, cardiology, dermatology, dietician, ears, nose and throat, gastroenterology, MRI, neurology, nuclear medicine, OB/GYN, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedics, osteoporosis, podiatry, outpatient surgery, urology, VA clinic, wound/pain clinic and vascular services.
“I’ve first hand knowledge of what it’s like being in a medical emergency and traveling between the clinic and the hospital. That’s why I strongly endorse this Campaign. We need the new Outpatient Center!” Dan Broxterman |
Another major concern is the fact that the Seneca Family Practice Clinic is located several blocks from the Hospital. This requires patients to check in at the clinic, drive to the Hospital for lab work and other tests, and then drive back to meet with the doctor again. If additional tests are needed, then this time consuming process must be repeated again. This causes substantial delays and prolongs how long it takes for a patient to be seen and treated by their doctor.
These same issues also impact the physicians, since they must drive from the clinic to the Hospital to handle emergencies.
Plans For The Future
Several years ago, the Hospital’s Board of Trustees launched a comprehensive analysis of its facilities and services. The greatest challenge was how best to bring the provider practices to the Hospital and at the same time, provide access to outpatient ancillary services at a reasonable cost. The entire process was designed to identify the changing demographic, medical, technological, regulatory and economic forces shaping the Hospital, and to propose facility and programmatic responses that would help ensure Nemaha Valley Community Hospital’s future success in fulfilling its mission to the community.
The analysis concluded that the Hospital has serious shortcomings because it lacked efficiently organized outpatient, treatment, storage and medical office space. These shortcomings are caused by changing demographics, the impact of technology, physician and patient expectations, growth in outpatient services, competition from other healthcare providers and government regulations.
New Outpatient Center
After extensive analysis of the various recommendations and floor plans, the Hospital’s Board of Trustees and the Hospital Foundation Board of Directors recommended launching a major fundraising drive that would consolidate all the healthcare service to a single campus by relocating and expanding the Seneca Family Practice in a new Outpatient Center with enough offices, examination and treatment rooms to accommodate up to six physicians (gold highlighted area in the attached color rendering). The new Outpatient Center will include a separate waiting room, examination and treatment rooms for the Specialty Physician Clinics, which will provide greater privacy and treatment facilities for outpatients (purple area). The new Outpatient Center will be linked to the Hospital through a new corridor for use by Medical Staff and patients (blue area).
Relocating the Seneca Family Practice to the main Hospital campus will provide easier access to the lab, radiology, physical and occupational therapy and other outpatient services, thereby increasing accessibility and convenience for all patients and medical personnel. The new Outpatient Center will be built just west of the existing Hospital as illustrated in the artist rendering.
New Outpatient Center
The new Outpatient Center will also include space for the Physical and Occupational Therapy Department (pink area), which will free up four patient rooms that are currently being used to treat patients.
Other areas of the Hospital that will be expanded or remodeled include the business office to provide greater privacy and to comply with ADA and HIPAA regulations (orange area). The main entrance to the Hospital will be relocated and will include a covered canopy drop off area (tan area) as shown on the attached color rendering.
Other changes include the relocation and expansion of the Laboratory (yellow area) to provide greater access by patients and room for its equipment. The Radiology Department will also be enlarged in order to provide adequate space for its equipment. Additional storage space will be built next to the operating rooms (dark blue area in the inner courtyard) to house the operating room equipment that is currently being stored in the hallways across from the operating rooms as shown in the photograph below.
Other improvements include the building of additional educational and meeting room space (green area). The entire project will include approximately 24,000 square feet of new or remodeled space in the Hospital.
The need for Nemaha Valley Community Hospital to grow is not a new phenomenon. Over the past 63 years, the Hospital has grown into a modern community hospital. That growth was necessary to meet the health care needs of the community and ensure the Hospital’s continued strength and the fulfillment of its mission. The same is true today.
The Cost of Progress
While vital for growth and better patient care, expansion is expensive. Nemaha Valley Community Hospital is a private, non-profit Critical Access Hospital that receives no public financing or taxpayer support, the Hospital instead must rely on its own operating capital and the generous donations from the community to maintain its services, upgrade its equipment, and finance capital projects.
It is estimated that the total cost of this expansion and renovation project will be approximately $6.1 million. The Hospital is financially strong and is in the process of applying for tax-exempt revenue bonds (at no cost to taxpayers) that will enable the Hospital to begin construction of the new Outpatient Center as soon as possible. By securing revenue bonds now, the Hospital will be able to consolidate its other debt and projected construction costs in a low interest loan package. However, it will be necessary to also conduct a major capital campaign to make sure the Hospital remains at the forefront of providing high quality medical services and technology.
A Living Legacy
The Boards of Nemaha Valley Health Care Foundation and Nemaha Valley Community Hospital believe it is vitally important to move forward now before the projected construction costs increase. They are also committed to building an endowment to fulfill the Hospital’s mission of providing “hospital services at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound economy and good management.” The endowment will provide a stable source of income, year after year, generation after generation. That is why both Boards have voted to launch the Nemaha Valley Healthcare Campaign.
The goal of the Nemaha Valley Health Care Campaign is to raise $1,500,000 or more to help cover the construction costs of building the new Outpatient Center and other expansion and remodeling areas in the Hospital, plus produce a perpetual source of income to provide a full range of critical care services. This Campaign will establish a legacy to ensure that you and your loved ones receive high quality care in an environment of friendliness and personal concern.
Both Boards know this is an ambitious goal and believe this is an historic opportunity to shape the future. That is why they are offering an exciting array of naming opportunities to acknowledge or permanently honor individuals, families or businesses for their support of this Campaign. These naming opportunities (see attached copy) will provide you and others the satisfaction of knowing you have made a vital and lasting impact on the future of the healthcare for generations to come.
Investing In The Future
For many, this Campaign will be a positive way to give back to the community. For others, their support would re-affirm the pride that they have a quality Critical Access hospital in their area. Either way, knowing you and your loved ones can receive the highest quality health care services when you need them makes all the difference in the world. Truly, supporting this vitally important Campaign will be an investment in the future…our collective future.
The Board of Trustees of the Hospital and Nemaha Valley Health Care Foundation Board are united in their belief that the proposed construction, remodel and expansion plans do not include any frills. The plans only include what really needs to be done.
That is why Ron Johnson, Don Altenhofen, Joyce Schmitz and Larry Kuckleman have agreed to become Co-Chairs of the Nemaha Valley Healthcare Campaign. They believe the Hospital must move forward. They are joined by other community leaders that have stepped forward to become directly involved in this vitally important fundraising effort.
We hope you will join us by making your own personal pledge of support or donation. We have attached a Contribution and Pledge Form and a list of potential or dedication areas for your review and use. If you have any questions about the Campaign or how to make a planned gift, please feel free to contact one of the Co-Chairs, Stan Regehr, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital (785) 336-2189 ext. 126.
Thank you in advance for your generous support.
“We have been discussing centralizing all the healthcare services to one campus for the past 10 to 12 years. The new Outpatient Center will provide faster and better care, plus make physicians, outpatient and specialized services more accessible and convenient to our patients.”
James J. Lueger, D.O.
Pledge Form
Download the Pledge Form Here.
Download the Planned Giving brochure here.
Paying by Cash, Check, Credit or Debit Card
Gifts of cash may be made in a single payment or as a multi-year pledge (up to three years).
Tax Advantages*
- You may claim a federal income tax charitable deduction if you itemize your return.
- You can deduct the total amount of your gift, up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income based on your particular tax situation.
- Unused deductions may be carried over for up to five additional years.
Stocks and Bonds
Gift of appreciated security often provide donors with attractive income tax benefits. Donors can either sign over stock papers or arrange for an electronic stock transfer. Stock transfer procedures and transfer form will be sent to you for your use.
Tax Advantages*
- No capital gains if transferred to a 501 (c)(3) organization.
- You may claim a federal income tax charitable deduction if you itemize your return based on your particular tax situation.
- For appreciated securities held longer than one year, you may deduct the full fair market value.
- You can deduct the total amount of your gift, up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income.
- Unused deductions may be carried over for up to five additional years.
- Your gift will be valued on the day it is received.
Planned Gifts
Donors who wish to leave a lasting legacy can make a significant gift or pledge to the Campaign.
- The Hospital can assist with making a donation through a bequest, trust, life insurance policy, retirement account and charitable annuity.
- Gifts of real estate may be made in various ways: outright, bequest, charitable gift annuity, and charitable remainder trust.
- Donors shall secure a qualified appraisal of the property in order to comply with the policies and guidelines of the Hospital.
- The Hospital prefers not to manage real estate and prefers that the property be readily marketable.
If it is not your intention to make an unrestricted gift please let us know.
All contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Effective January 1, 1994, IRS Code Section 170(f)(8) requires that donors obtain a written acknowledgment of single contributions of $250.00 or more.
*You should always contact your tax advisor.Dedication Areas & Donor Recognition
UPDATED NAMING AND DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES
The Hospital welcomes the opportunity to perpetuate the name of individuals, families, businesses or organizations. Donors have the option of making a gift in their own name, a family, company or in honor or memory of a loved one or friend. This may be accomplished through a single gift, multi-year pledge, and planned gift or through the pooling of many gifts. Donors also have the opportunity to dedicate an area or room anonymously.
| New Hospital Entrance | |
| Entrance Vestibule | $75,000 |
| Lobby and Waiting Room | $100,000 (committed) |
| Coffee Station/drinking fountain | $2,500 (committed) |
| New Reception Desk | $50,000 |
| New Admissions Rooms (3) | $15,000 |
| New Practice Manager Office | $10,000 |
| Medical Records | $15,000 |
| Business Managers Office | $10,000 |
| Finance (Business) Office | $15,000 (committed) |
| New Elevator | $15,000 |
| Connecting Corridors to Hospital (2) | $50,000 (1 committed) |
| New Outpatient Clinic | $1,000,000 |
| Clinic Waiting Area | $50,000 |
| New Reception Check-In | $30,000 (committed) |
| Doctor Offices (6) | $25,000 (1 committed) |
| Exam Rooms (18) | $15,000 |
| New Special Procedures Room | $10,000 |
| New Check-Out Area | $5,000 |
| New Weigh-In Room | $5,000 |
| Nurses Stations (6) | $5,000 (1 committed) |
| New Lab | $5,000 |
| New Doctors Lounge | $25,000 |
| New Sleep Room | $15,000 |
| New Employee Break Room | $40,000 |
| Business Office | $15,000 (committed) |
| New Janitor Room | $2,500 |
| New Storage | $2,500 |
| Specialty Clinic Area | $250,000 |
| New Specialty Clinic Waiting Area | $50,000 |
| New Reception Area | $20,000 |
| New Doctors Office | $25,000 (1 committed) |
| Exam Rooms (8) | $15,000 (1 committed) |
| New Audio Exam Room | $10,000 |
| New Nurses Station | $10,000 (committed) |
| New Special Procedures Room | $10,000 |
| New Soiled Room | $5,000 |
| New Laboratory | $25,000 (committed) |
| New Reception Area | $5,000 |
| New Lab Area | $5,000 |
| New Draw Area | $10,000 |
| New Treatment Room | $10,000 |
| Office | $10,000 |
| New Directors Office | $10,000 |
| New Tech Area | $2,500 |
| New Storage Rooms (2) | $1,000 |
| New Physical and Occupational Therapy (Lower Level) | $75,000 |
| New Entry | $30,000 |
| New Waiting Room | $25,000 |
| New Receptionist Area | $10,000 |
| New Office | $5,000 |
| New Tech Support | $5,000 |
| New Gym | $50,000 |
| New Treatment Rooms | $15,000 |
| New Occupational Therapy Room | $15,000 (committed) |
| New Traction Room | $2,500 |
| New Work Room | $2,500 |
| New Exam Rooms (2) | $2,500 |
| New Kitchen | $10,000 |
| New Janitor Room | $1,000 |
| New Corridor | $5,000 |
| New Main Hospital | |
| New Conference Room | $50,000 |
| Outside of Hospital | |
| New Drive thru and Vestibule Canopy | $125,000 |
| New Front Entrance Handicap Ramp | $75,000 |
| New Flag Pole | $2,500 (committed) |
| New Parking | |
| New PT/OT (15 spaces) | $10,000 |
| New Outpatient (40 spaces) | $10,000 (committed) |
| New Main Hospital (23 spaces) | $10,000 |
| Trees | $1,000 (5 committed) |
| Helipad | $5,000 (committed) |
| Employee Entrance | $5,000 (committed) |
| Existing Hospital Naming Opportunities | |
| Radiology Expansion | $25,000 (committed) |
| Operating Room #1 | $50,000 |
| Operating Room #2 | $50,000 |
| OR Sterilization Storage Room | $25,000 |
| OR Dirty Utility Room | $25,000 |
| OR Recovery Room | $25,000 |
| OR Men’s Changing Room | $10,000 (committed) |
| OR Women’s Changing Room | $10,000 |
| OR Storage Room | $10,000 |
| Chief Financial Officer Office | $15,000 |
| Office Manager Office | $10,000 |
| Administrative Assistant Office | $10,000 (committed) |
| In-Patient Room #103 | $15,000 |
| In-Patient Room #104 | $15,000 |
| In-Patient Room #110 | $15,000 |
| In-Patient Room #119 | $15,000 |
| In-Patient Room #122 | $15,000 |
| In-Patient Room #123 | $15,000 |
| Human Resources Office | $15,000 |
| Tub Room | $5,000 |
| Soiled Utility Room | $5,000 |
| Nurses Kitchen Room | $5,000 |
| Nursery Office | $10,000 |
| Clean Utility Room | $10,000 |
| Soiled Linen Room | $10,000 |
| Emergency Department Examination Room #1 | $25,000 |
| ER Trauma Room | $25,000 |
| ER Special Procedures Room | $25,000 |
| Emergency Department Office | $10,000 (committed) |
| Director of Nursing Office | $15,000 |
| Imaging Services Department | $35,000 |
| CT Scanner | $25,000 |
| X-ray Room | $25,000 |
| Imaging Services Changing Room | $5,000 |
| NVCH Information Center Bulletin Board | $5,000 (committed) |
| Central Supply | $5,000 |
| Dining Room | $50,000 |
| Dietary Storage | $5,000 |
| Dietary Room | $5,000 |
| Elevator | $5,000 (committed) |
| Phlebotomy Room | $10,000 (committed) |
| Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Directors Office | $15,000 |
| Medical Records Department | $15,000 |
| Copy Room | $10,000 |
Named Endowment Fund
You can consider making a donation of at least $10,000 to establish a Named Fund within the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital’s Board Designated Endowment Fund. You can determine how the permanent fund should be used by the Hospital.
The Endowment Fund is a pool of funds set aside for the long-term support of the Hospital in perpetuity. Only a portion of the income is expended each year to help cover operational expenses of the Hospital. The principal remains intact to provide a stable source of funding to meet future financial challenges and ongoing health care needs of the community.
We would be honored to discuss any of these naming or dedication opportunities with you. Please feel free to contact Stan Regehr, CEO of Nemaha Valley Community Hospital at (785) 336-2189 ext. 126.
9/30/08
Request Additional Information
If you have any questions or would like additional information about how you can support the Hospital through a pledge or contribution of cash, stocks, bonds, bequest, life insurance, retirement account, donation of farm equipment, real estate, charitable annuity or other types of trusts, please contact Stan Regehr, 785-336-6181, ext. 126 or 137.
All contributions to the Hospital are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Contact Information
If you have any questions about making a contribution or pledge to the Campaign or the Nemaha Valley Health Care Foundation, please contact Stan Regehr, (785) 336-6181 ext. 126 or 137.
