A Word From Teton Valley Health Care Foundation Board Member, John Unland
Dear Valued Donor,
I am a member of the Teton Valley Health Care Foundation, Board of Directors. The Tin Cup Challenge is coming to an end. Have you participated in giving this year? If not, would you consider a gift to the Teton Valley Health Care Foundation to support critically needed medical care in our community? Just click the link below and do so before the Tin Cup end-giving date of July 26. If you have donated, I thank you so much for doing so and please know that your contribution is very much needed and appreciated.
The demand for healthcare services in our valley is high and no amount of money you donate is too low. A recent study from the University of North Carolina shows that 195 have closed since 2005, 35 since 2020, and 11 of them in 2023—rural hospitals in towns like ours. Hospital closings in rural towns like ours have a devastating impact on their communities. Now, this isn’t to say that ours is in that category at all, but this study also mentions that about 50% of rural hospitals are at risk of closing due to economic stress. This means that Teton Valley Health Care must rely on the generosity of donors like you to purchase necessary equipment and technology.
Teton Valley Health Care (TVHC is not just any rural hospital, it is an exceptional one. Did you know that TVHC holds some multiple certifications that many/most rural hospitals don’t:
1. We are a level IV Trauma Center with a demonstrated ability to provide Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) to injured patients prior to the transfer (if needed) to a higher-level trauma center. Additionally, there are trauma nurses and physicians available upon a patient’s arrival,
2. A STEMI II CENTER for cardiac care. This designation includes:
- Rapid response and cardiac care teams available within the facility and Emergency Department (ED)
- Board-certified ER physicians and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)-certified physicians.
3. LEVEL III STROKE CENTER that gives instant access to telemedicine analysis to determine the type of possible stroke or neurological event if there is one, and administration of TPA (CLOT BUSTER—ischemic strokes (with blood clots) vs. hemorrhagic stroke.
- 24/7 availability of CT technicians
- Quick access to telemedicine consultations and rapid interpretation of CT results
- Comprehensive inpatient and outpatient stroke care protocols,
- Detailed transfer protocols for higher-level stroke care
- Transfers usually go to EIRMC (a Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission.)
Our valley is growing at a rate of about 8% every two years, according to the most recent U.S. census in 2020. If you use that rate of growth, for years ahead, that’s going to put tremendous pressure on the delivery of healthcare services to the citizens of the valley, pressure that is already significant. We now need new and critical equipment such as a patient monitoring system—the computer next to a patient’s bed that monitors vital signs, medications and progress. Doctors and the medical team track the information constantly, in real-time.
This is a vital piece of equipment we need. We have raised 58% of the cost, but need $240,000 to complete the purchase as soon as possible. At many times during the year, our hospital is filled to capacity, making the purchase of this equipment even more urgent, to ensure the safety of our patients, and the best patient outcomes. We currently have an aged system, but it’s quite outdated and can be unreliable. None of us want that!
The county’s growth in population creates additional demand for delivering quality healthcare to the valley’s citizens, which includes not only acquiring equipment, but also expanding services and hiring additional staff.
The closing of Teton Pass in the Spring illustrates the importance of our hospital and healthcare system in our valley in times of a natural event such as major snowstorms. This is yet another example of how fortunate we are to have this hospital and our clinics in our valley!
You and the citizens of Teton Valley need all who work and volunteer for Teton Valley Healthcare, and we need you as donors and potential donors—especially now during the Tin Cup giving season.
If you’re so inclined, please click the link for a very much-appreciated donation to the healthcare of the valley during this Tin Cup season. DonateNow
I thank you,
John Unland