NORWICH – The Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced that Rachel L. Flanagan will chair the Foundation’s 2014-2015 annual campaign. “The hospital plays a vital role in this community,” Flanagan commented. “I’m looking forward to helping with its success.”

Most recently, the Chenango Memorial Foundation gave the hospital $80,000 toward the creation of a gastrointestinal (GI) suite within the Ambulatory Surgery unit on the fourth floor. The new GI suite will enable the hospital to see more patients needing endoscopies and colonoscopies.

In total, the Foundation raised $177,000 for the year including the annual campaign, which raised over $115,000. The highlight of the year was the growing success of the Foundation’s annual golf tournament at the Canasawacta Country Club, which raised $36,608 in 2013. “We are now drawing golfers from all over New York State and have sold out the tournament at 36 teams for the last few years,” reported Debbie Cassavaugh, Executive Director of the foundation.

In other business, the hospital foundation has elected Michael Migliore as chairman and Brian Voss, secretary/treasurer. New trustees elected to the foundation board are Todd Anderson, Dr. John R. Brereton, and Garry D. Root. Garry Root and Ron Martin were elected co-chairs of the golf tournament. Leaving the board due to term expirations are Neil Bartle and Tom Sutton, who each served multiple terms. Bartle also served several terms as a director on the hospital board. “We appreciate their dedicated support of the foundation, UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital, and ultimately the healthcare in our community,” commented Cassavaugh.

Over the years, the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation has provided $775,000 in gifts for equipment in several patient care areas, renovations throughout the hospital and the Newton Avenue site, and a handicap-accessible vehicle to transport long-term residents to community activities. Last year, the first gift of $80,000 went toward the purchase of ultrasound equipment in the Heart Care Center. The equipment was installed at the beginning of this year and is used daily. “The hospital has made great strides improving services despite shrinking reimbursements,” said Cassavaugh. “We’re so thankful that people recognize the value of contributing to the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation and the work we’re doing to support the hospital.”

The Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation’s sole purpose is to generate funds for the hospital to use in providing health care in the greater Chenango County area. Gifts are invested and only the income is donated to UHS Chenango Memorial to make facility improvements, purchase new equipment or enhance programs. For more information, contact the foundation at 337-4510, on the web at uhs.net/donate, or visit the Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation Facebook page.