National Nonprofit Day is an opportunity to recognize the people whose generosity makes the work of nonprofit organizations possible. The Clara Barton Foundation is grateful for the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, golfers, auction bidders, dinner attendees, and community members whose support helped this year's benefit generate $107,800 in net proceeds to advance patient care at Clara Barton Medical Center.
These funds supported the purchase of a BioFire rapid infectious-disease diagnostic system, along with the electronic medical record interfaces needed to integrate the technology into the hospital's laboratory. Together, these investments will expand the laboratory's in-house testing capabilities and provide physicians with faster, more comprehensive diagnostic information to guide patient care.
The new technology will also allow the laboratory to test for a broader range of infectious diseases in-house. The BioFire system will increase the number of targets that can be identified through respiratory, gastrointestinal and blood culture testing, giving providers more information to help diagnose patients and determine appropriate treatment.
“This new system is going to make a big difference in how quickly we can get answers for our patients,” said Tyler Schremmer, Laboratory Director. “A respiratory panel that currently takes about an hour and 45 minutes could be reported in less than 20 minutes, and blood cultures that help detect sepsis will take about half the time. Faster results allow our providers to make treatment decisions sooner, which is especially important when caring for patients in the ER and hospital.”
For a rural healthcare organization, investing in advanced diagnostic technology means patients can receive more timely care close to home. Community support allows Clara Barton Medical Center to provide services often found in larger healthcare systems, helping patients stay near their families while receiving the care they need.
One of the highlights of this year's annual benefit event was the Foundation's Gift from the Heart campaign. A generous $10,000 lead gift from the family of Jeanie Donovan, given in her memory, inspired additional giving and helped the campaign raise $27,626, including $17,626 in additional community contributions. Their generosity exemplifies how one act of giving can inspire many others to invest in the future of local healthcare.
The live auction also featured the Longhorn Honor, which was secured by Dr. Mark Fesen from Central Care Cancer Center, as he begins his 34th year of serving patients in Barton County. As this year's Longhorn Honor holder, Dr. Fesen's name will be added to the commemorative plaque recognizing past supporters, which, along with the Longhorns, will remain on display at Clara Barton Medical Center.
"National Nonprofit Day reminds us that the Foundation's success isn't measured only by dollars raised, but by the lives impacted through the generosity of our volunteers, donors, sponsors, and community supporters," said Michelle Moshier, Clara Barton Foundation Director. "Each year, your support allows us to invest in equipment and technology that strengthens healthcare close to home. Together, we're building an even brighter future for our patients and the communities we proudly serve."
That impact extends well beyond a single event. Funds raised during last year's event purchased the hospital's new sterile instrument washer-disinfector, which became operational this past May. The new equipment has enhanced efficiency, strengthened infection prevention practices, and improved surgical services, demonstrating how each year's generosity continues to benefit patients long after the event has ended.
The Clara Barton Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped make this year's benefit event a success. Because of your generosity, Clara Barton Medical Center can continue investing in innovative technology, modern equipment, and exceptional care that keeps advanced healthcare close to home for the families of central Kansas.