Collins Foundation awards a grant

October 23, 2006

written/submitted: September 29, 2006

Merle West Medical Center President and CEO Paul Stewart today added $225,000 to the medical center's capital campaign total. 

The three-year grant from The Collins Foundation, Portland, is the latest grant received in the current $10 million campaign for the new building, which will open next spring. The campaign's total is currently at about 60 percent of its goal.  

The grant also is acknowledgement of the community support for the medical center and its new building, Stewart said. 

"As part of our application process, officials at The Collins Foundation looked at, among other things, the significant level of backing our medical center and our building project has from physicians, our employees and our community", he explained. "The Collins Foundation grant represents a huge investment in our project and our community." 

"This should encourage others to also make similar investments."

Created in 1947 by Truman W. Collins, The Collins Foundation works to "improve and enrich" civic, cultural and healthcare organizations in Oregon. It is separate from the Collins Products company. In 2005, the foundation made grants amounting to more than $8.2 million. 

When it opens, the new 100,000-square-foot, $40 million medical center will have 50 private and 17 semi-private rooms, a 35-bed short-stay area, and special areas for families. The new facility will enhance the community-benefit hospital's ability to provide high-quality health care. 

"Further, the innovative design helps us better address the spiritual and emotional needs of the patients and families", Stewart said. "We're here whenever people need us, with knowledge and compassion."

To learn more about the Merle West Medical Center capital campaign, or to schedule a "hard-hat" tour of the construction site, call 885-4768.