LANCASTER – As local residents embrace the spirit of the season with family and friends, Antelope Valley Hospital reminds people to remember their own community hospital in their year-end gift giving.
“It is the ongoing support of our community that makes it possible for Antelope Valley Hospital to continue to provide the exceptional clinical care that our community has counted on for 60 years,” stated Johnny Zamrzla, chair of the Antelope Valley Hospital Foundation Board of Directors. “During this holiday season when many individuals are giving serious thought to year-end contributions, we hope they will consider including AVH in their plans.”
As a nonprofit district hospital, AVH relies on the support of donors – both individuals and organizations – to support the hospital’s mission and offset many of the rising costs associated providing care, purchasing new equipment and attracting talented staff.
Each year AVH treats approximately 800 cases of stroke, delivers 5,400 babies, sees 113,000 people through its emergency department, and serves 210,000 patients. In addition, it is home to the sophisticated Institute for Heart & Vascular Care Center, Women & Infants Pavilion, and the only Level II Trauma Center within 50 miles. It is also a STEMI Receiving Center, Advanced Stroke Center and Accredited Chest Pain Center.
“These programs are made possible, in part, because of the generosity of donors who understand the importance of ensuring that Antelope Valley Hospital will be here when people need it most,” Zamrzla said. “The cost of providing care continues to rise and district hospitals are not immune to the competitive pressures and changing regulations that engulf the entire healthcare industry.”
Zamrzla recognizes that different people may give to the hospital for different reasons. He says that some give because they believe in its overriding mission and in its unique position as the community’s only full service acute-care hospital. For others, the hospital carries a special, personal meaning because of a family experience that has strengthened their bond and appreciation for the institution. Others want to leave a lasting legacy in the community while some simply want to feel good about making a difference. “What everyone has in common is knowing that their gift will help save lives, treat illness, bring newborns into the world and make the Antelope Valley a better place to work, live and raise a family,” Zamrzla said.
In addition to traditional monetary donations, the hospital welcomes gifts of real estate, life insurance, stocks, mutual funds, endowment gifts, life income gifts, charitable IRA gifts, and wills or living trusts. Further more information on gift-giving, visit avhospital.org and click on “donate” or contact the foundation directly at 661-949-5810.
“Every gift matters, big or small, for when combined they allow us to not only address the hospital’s current needs, but better position the hospital for long-term growth and sustainability,” Zamrzla said. “Supporting Antelope Valley Hospital is a good investment, now and for the future.”
[Information via news release from Antelope Valley Hospital.]
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