Questions and Answers

WHAT IS THE “RENEWING FOR HEALTH” CAMPAIGN?

It is a special fund raising effort to develop the Women’s Health Center & Front Entrance project at Richland Memorial Hospital.  The project includes new construction for obstetrics, gynecology and other women’s reproductive health issues and a separate women’s imaging services area.  A new covered entrance, gift shop, and a revised Admitting / Outpatient Registration area are also provided. 

WHY DOES THE COMMUNITY NEED A WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER & FRONT ENTRANCE?

Major remodeling has been accomplished throughout the years in all of the patient care areas with the exception of the obstetrical unit, which we call Family Maternity Services (FMS) because we care for obstetrical, newborn, and gynecological patients in this area.  The FMS unit remodeling activities have been largely cosmetic; it is now necessary to restructure the unit to meet the expectations of today’s young families.

New construction of a 16,400 sq.ft. area will include implementation of the LDRP (labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum) concept, allowing all birth-related activities to occur in the same room.  All patient rooms will have private bathrooms.  Gynecological patients and newborns will also be cared for in the Women’s Health Center.

The Board of Directors has also recognized the need to improve the ability of patients and visitors to have a clearly identified front entrance that provides protection from the weather.  In addition, the project addresses the need to have a more private admitting and outpatient registration service, benefits which could be realized from having a separate area for women’s imaging services, and the desire of the Auxiliary members to provide expanded gift shop services for patients, visitors and staff.

The construction also includes a new main entrance with covered walkway from a circle drive, information desk, Gift Shop and a donor recognition area.  Relocation of the outpatient registration functions, as well as the Admitting area, will address privacy and comfort concerns the community has identified in the past.

Remodeling of an additional 5,410 sq.ft. of existing space will allow for improved services to Short Stay Unit patients (including GI Lab and Same Day Surgery patients), their families, and surgical staff.

WHERE WILL IT BE LOCATED?

The addition will be located on the East Street side of the campus, allowing for direct access from a major thoroughfare.  Placement of the Family Maternity Services portion of the project has been designed to allow for direct access to the Operating Suites for women in need of procedures such as Cesarean sections, hysterectomies, etc.

WHAT IS THE CAMPAIGN GOAL?

The campaign has a base goal of $3.5 million and a challenge goal of $4.0 million toward the total estimated cost of $5.8 million.

IS THE CAMPAIGN ONLY FOR CASH GIFTS?

While cash gifts are gratefully received, other types of gifts, such as appreciated stocks and bonds, may be donated, and will subsequently be liquidated in order to meet the campaign objective.  In kind gifts of goods and services will also be accepted as appropriate.

WHAT IS THE SUGGESTED PLEDGE PERIOD?

One to three years.  However, anyone who would like to pledge $5,000 or more may do so over a five-year period.

ARE MY GIFTS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes.  Gifts may be made payable to the RMH Foundation, which is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3) organization.

DOES RMH RECEIVE TAX SUPPORT?

Yes, as approved by public referendum in 1987 for the Ambulance Service.  By contract with the Richland County Board, tax monies are used for capital and operating expenses of the Ambulance Service only.

HOW ARE DONOR FUNDS BEING USED?

The costs of developing print and video materials, volunteer training and fund drive supplies is being borne by Richland Memorial Hospital.  Donor funds will be applied to the building project in their entirety.