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Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association Donate Time and Money to Patient Care

                 Every day the volunteers of the Sault Area Hospital (SAH) put in countless hours to ensure all patients, families and visitors have a comfortable visit at our community hospital. These tremendous individuals donate their time to help the people of our community when they need it most. With the patients and their families in mind, they provide support that improves care at SAH. One of the ways that they accomplish this is through fundraising. Every spring, the Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association makes a donation to help purchase medical equipment for patient care. Throughout this past year the Volunteer Association presented the Sault Area Hospital Foundation with contributions totaling $112,440.00 to help meet these equipment needs.

“Our mission is simple, to assist the SAH in providing volunteer services that enhance patient care. Our Association has a long history in fundraising, from our days at the Plummer and General Hospitals. I am proud to be associated with exceptional, dedicated and hardworking volunteers who make a difference in the lives of each person who passes through our hospital doors.” Rick Wark, Chair of the Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association.

The contributions from the Volunteer Association have been allocated to purchase several pieces of equipment, some that are currently in use at Sault Area Hospital. These pieces include:

  • Two Nitrous Oxide Blenders for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
  • Wanderguard Unit for the Medical Unit on 3B
  • Cortrak Enteral System and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps for Intensive Care Unit
  • Telestroke Tandberg Unit for Emergency Department
  • Therapeutic Air Beds for use in the Medical Units
  • Millenium HX Water Filtration System for the Renal Department

“Over 65,000 hours are given by the volunteers each year to SAH. On top of that, to raise this much money and assist in the purchase of medical equipment that will benefit patient care in our community, that’s truly outstanding.” Gabe Stefanizzi, President, Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “We can’t thank the volunteers enough for their commitment to excellence in healthcare for our community.”

                The Sault Area Hospital Foundation began a new fiscal year this month with a new list of equipment required to replace obsolete and outdated equipment. Although the capital equipment list has not been approved, it’s been projected that in order to stay current, equipment needs at SAH will increase. The SAH Foundation is the primary source of funding for capital medical equipment at our community hospital. “Every person of this community wants excellent healthcare for their family and friends. The equipment purchased with funds raised by the Foundation makes this possible. We are asking our community to consider the impact their donations have on our local healthcare. Please make the Foundation one of your top three charities so our hospital will always have the equipment needed to take care of our loved ones, here close to home.” Cheryl Pavoni, Executive Director, Sault Area Hospital Foundation.

Since 1997, The Sault Area Hospital Volunteer Association’s contributions total over $1 million. The Sault Area Hospital Foundation Board of Directors and staff would like to thank each and every volunteer for the good they have done. Thank you!

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