SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash., – Medical care can be costly, especially in a hospital setting. Providing care might can cost more than the hospital charges, but still more than some patients can afford. At PeaceHealth United General Medical Center, the United General Auxiliary helps bridge that gap.
A relatively small group – just 39 members and four honorary members – plan and provide fundraisers year-round to help raise funds for patients in need. Each year, the Auxiliary hosts many annual events, including a craft bazaar, bake sale, its “Pearls for My Girls” auction, an Easter basket sale, an art sale and a plant sale. The Auxiliary also runs the Gift Nook at United General.
As a result of their fundraising, in 2017 the Auxiliary contributed to two funds that benefit the PeaceHealth United General North Puget Cancer Center (NPCC) and its patients:
- $9,150.00 was donated to the Patient Care Fund, which helps patients pay for costs caused by medical treatment: transportation costs to get to and from treatment, prescriptions, dental procedures (if a patient doesn’t have dental insurance, but needs dental work done to be able to begin treatment) and utility bills.
- Another $22,871 was donated to the NPCC General Fund. This fund will help purchase equipment and other needs for the clinic. Pending Auxiliary-funded purchases include a patient lift (to assist those who have difficulty getting on and off the treatment beds), a new treatment room refrigerator and an ice-maker for the treatment room.
In addition, the Auxiliary contributed more than $11,000 for patient services, including:
- Art and a tablet for use by children in the Emergency Department (ED)
- The Safe Firearm Storage event
- Hospital Week support
- Surgery pillow supplies
- Food prescription program (partnered with Hospital District 304)
- Holiday treats for patients and caregivers
- Carbon monoxide monitors
- Mammogram Month support
- “Sunshine Cart” (hygiene and other essential supplies for terminally ill patients’ family members so they needn’t leave the hospital during their loved one’s final hours)
- Sweatshirts and sweatpants for ED patients
- Acute Care Unit’s Compassionate Fund (similar service as the NPCC patient support fund)
- Christmas baskets for local families in need, including Cancer Center patients.
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About PeaceHealth: Based in Vancouver, Wash., PeaceHealth is a not-for-profit Catholic health system offering care to communities in Washington, Oregon and Alaska. In 1890, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace founded what has become PeaceHealth. PeaceHealth United General Medical Center, a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, serves communities in a 2,000-square mile area in Skagit and Whatcom Counties. As well as operating a Level IV Emergency Department, key services include general and orthopedic surgery, oncology, pulmonary, and primary care.
