The Teulon Healthcare Foundation aims to ensure local health-care providers have the equipment and space they need to provide exceptional patient care.
This volunteer organization focuses on raising funds to offset shortfalls in health-care funding in the Teulon health-care district. Established in 1993, the foundation is a successor to the Teulon Hospital board’s fundraising committee.
“Supporting local health-care facilities, providers and stakeholders through donations has been happening for generations,” said David Oakley, chair of the Teulon Healthcare Foundation.
Some of the beneficiaries include Goodwin Lodge, Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital, Teulon Medical Clinic, Teulon Community Health Centre, Teulon and District Handivan, Teulon and District Seniors Resource, Gateway Manor and more.
“Financial gifts, medical equipment, truckloads of topsoil and volunteering are some examples of how citizens have supported local health care over the years. The Teulon Healthcare Foundation facilitates this age-old tradition of enabling the citizens of Teulon the RMs of Armstrong, Rockwood, St Andrews, St Laurent and Woodlands, as well as friends and family outside our health district, to make a difference in local health care,” Oakley said.
“Financial gifts are placed into a capital fund and the income generated is used to support and enhance local health-care services. The foundation meets regularly with all the local health-care facilities and stakeholders looking for opportunities to provide funding that would help improve patient care.”
Since 1993, the foundation has invested more than $1.8 million back into local health care. Some highlights include funding the construction of the Teulon Medical Clinic addition in 1997, supporting the construction of the Goodwin Lodge sunroom in 2004 and its outdoor courtyard in 2012. In 2015, the foundation funded a full renovation of the Teulon Medical Clinic, and in 2019, they ran a fundraising campaign to buy a power stretcher for the local emergency medical services.
Other achievements include buying several new handivans over the years and assisting in recruitment and retention efforts for health-care providers. The organization also serves as a bridge between local health-care facilities, providers and the community to help support better patient care. In addition, the foundation actively advocates for the Teulon health-care district with the regional health authority.
“There is a huge shortfall in provincial health-care funding as a whole and there are no funds available for some improvements that may seem very basic,” Oakley said.
“Our community, through the Teulon Healthcare Foundation, makes a difference in the local patient experience by funding the shortfall. Without the support of community and the foundation, these projects would not happen.”
In 2024, the foundation invested $450,000 towards improvements in Teulon health-care facilities. Projects included a full renovation and modernization of the emergency and treatment room at the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital. In addition, the foundation funded multiple overhead patient lift systems throughout the health-care campus to enhance patient comfort and facilitate a safer work environment for staff.
The organization also provided funding to develop three new rooms in the Teulon Medical Clinic, complete with equipment to support a growing provider base and to expand training opportunities.
In addition, the foundation funded a barrier-free exam table, blood pressure machines, oxygen monitors, 15 bedside tables, wheelchairs and medical scholarships.
In October, the foundation sponsored a flu clinic and health-care expo.
“The clinic administered over 235 vaccinations,” Oakley said, “and the expo provided an opportunity for attendees to interact with the many wonderful local organizations that provide support to local residents.”
The local exhibitors included Teulon & District Seniors Resource, Teulon & District Métis Association, Teulon & District Handivan, Teulon Food Bank, Gateway Meal Program, Inwood Manor Meal Program, TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibility), NavCARE and Interlake Healthcare Products.
Another achievement in 2024 was the development of a virtual donor recognition board on the foundation’s website that includes stories to honour donors while also increasing the visibility of their support.
Looking ahead to 2025, the foundation plans to work directly with the regional health authority to provide a congregate eating area and recreation space in the Teulon Hunter Memorial Hospital and to provide internet and reliable TV service for patients and residents in Teulon facilities.
Other plans include renovating the telehealth room for a more private and dignified patient experience, modernizing the hospital boardroom and integrating an audio-visual system to help with training for staff and providers.
Oakley said they will help to co-ordinate with the many local organizations that support the well-being of community members to raise awareness, accessibility and effectiveness. In addition, they’ll explore the development of supportive housing in Teulon.
At the same time, he extends gratitude to all of the donors over the years.
“Donor generosity has made a significant difference in in patient care in the Teulon healthcare district. Citizens can continue to help by making a donation to the foundation. Donors may contribute to a general fund or may choose a specific project to support. The foundation is a registered charity and will provide a receipt for income tax purposes,” he said.
“Teulon health-care services have been supported by many organizations in the past. Unfortunately, some of them no longer exist.”
The Teulon Healthcare Foundation thanks these organizations and their volunteers for the difference they’ve made in local healthcare, including the Teulon Hospital Board, the Teulon Hospital Board Donation Fund, Teulon & District Volunteer Ambulance, Teulon Senior Hospital Auxiliary, Teulon Junior Hospital Guild, Teulon Kinsman Club, Kinette Club of Teulon, Teulon Women’s Institute, Teulon Ladies Legion, Balmoral Hunter Hospital Auxiliary and the Women’s Institute of Inwood, Narcisse and Chatfield.
For anyone looking to get involved with the Teulon Healthcare Foundation, all are welcome to contribute to the cause.
“Our membership is open to the citizens of the Teulon Healthcare District: the Town of Teulon, the RMs of Armstrong, Rockwood, St. Andrews, St. Laurent and Woodlands. Our board is elected at our annual general meeting in September by the residents that attend,” Oakley said.
“The foundation welcomes area residents to attend our meetings, provide input and become involved in a role of their choosing.”
For more information, visit www.teulonfoundation.ca, email teulonfoundation@gmail.com or check out the Teulon Healthcare Foundation on Facebook.
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