HILO — Members of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation are asking Big Island philanthropists to “Adopt-a-Room” as part of their new fundraising campaign to renovate patient rooms at the hospital. HILO — Members of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation are
HILO — Members of the Hilo Medical Center Foundation are asking Big Island philanthropists to “Adopt-a-Room” as part of their new fundraising campaign to renovate patient rooms at the hospital.
Donors may have their own names or business names placed on a plaque above the door of the hospital room they have adopted, or the name of a loved one as a memorial. Donors may adopt one of the third-floor Medical Unit’s 18 private rooms for $6,500 or one of the 14 double rooms, known as “semi-private,” for $12,000, said Executive Director Lori Rogers. She added that smaller individual
All told, the Foundation is looking to raise $285,000 over the next year, she said. Previous projects funded through a combination of Foundation and community efforts include a renovation of the hospital’s emergency department, which totaled $1.2 million.
“I feel that if the community supported us when we renovated the whole emergeny room, then their hearts will be with us for this project,” Rogers said. “I know the kindness will come out again.”
Rogers said that the hospital handles approximately 9,000 patients every year, and it’s about time for the rooms where they must stay to enter the 21st century.
“When you walk into one of the (current) rooms, it’s like you’re stepping back into the ’80s,” she said. “They look tired and worn. We want patients to have a fresh, clean experience, waking up to a fresh place. The rooms are well past the date of needing a facelift.”
Rogers added that such renovations not only improve a patient’s experience at the hospital, but also serve to improve the public’s general perception of the hospital, which will hopefully drive more traffic to the hospital, allowing it to further fund future improvements.
“Any improvement to the hospital ultimately brings added value to the patients,” she said.
Foundation President Juliette M. Tulang agrees.
“Rarely does your generosity have so much potential to impact the lives of others,” she writes in a letter to be sent to potential donors. “We, the trustees of Hilo Medical Center Foundation, are dedicated to transforming the Hilo Medical Center experience by creating more inviting, family functional, livable, modern rooms for patients. …
“Most of the rooms were constructed about 27 years ago and are overdue for physical and technological renovations. We feel that a beautiful, peaceful, and technologically advanced environment encourages patients’ healing and that begins in the room.”
The Foundation will kick off its fundraiser at a special “High Tea Party” at the hospital on Sept. 12.
For more information, visit www.hilomedicalcenterfoundation.org or call 935-2957.
Semi-private room adoption costs
Overbed Table – $850
Bedside Cabinet – $1,625
Wardrobe – $2,100
Light – $1,350
Television – $2,000
Speakers – $250
Window Drapes – $1,150
Cubicle Curtain – $2,000
Sink Light – $625
Laminate – $50
TOTAL: $12,000
Private room
adoption costs
Overbed Table – $420
Bedside Cabinet – $810
Wardrobe – $1,050
Light – $700
Television – $1,000
Speakers – $150
Window Drapes – $1,200
Cubicle Curtain – $500
Sink Light – $620
Laminate – $50
TOTAL: $6,500
