AWHF marks Healthcare Foundations Day

24 November,2017

November 27 marks the first official Healthcare Foundations Day in Nova Scotia

The Annapolis West Health Foundation (AWHF) will join 40 other healthcare foundations across the province as they celebrate Nova Scotia’s first Healthcare Foundations Day on November 27. The Day will be launched to raise awareness for the essential work carried out by these organizations to support and enhance the delivery of health care in Nova Scotia.

Funded in large part by the generous support of donors, these healthcare foundations directly support community hospitals and health centres operated by Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA). In the past five years alone, these foundations have contributed more than $250-million to support patient care and community wellness as well as education and research within the Nova Scotia Health Authority.   Their important work is supported by thousands of Nova Scotians who include around 500 individuals serving as volunteer board members. Among their number are the 15 community residents who serve on the board of the AWHF.

“We are proud to join with healthcare foundations across the province as we all work towards a common goal of supporting health services in our communities and improving the lives of all Nova Scotians,” said AWHF Board Chair Heather LeFort. “The generous support of our donors and the active collaboration of community partners ensure that we can continue to improve health services and develop new and better ways to build wellness in our communities,” she continued.

Over the last three years the AWHF has contributed close to $750,000, which has gone directly towards sustainable funding to support and enhance the work of the Annapolis Community Health Centre and the Valley Regional Hospital. This includes a total of $120,000 that has gone directly towards the purchase of vital specialized medical equipment.

The Foundation serves a large area of Annapolis County with health services and wellness programs available to people living in over 35 communities. Working with community partners the AWHF currently gives financial support in seven key areas:

  1. Van Transportation Program
  2. Palliative Care Program
  3. Annapolis County Seniors Safety Program
  4. Equipment Funding Program
  5. Fundy YMCA
  6. Diabetes Foot Care Program
  7. Education Program

Janet Knox, President and CEO of the NSHA, in a recent media release underscored the huge part played by healthcare foundation donors and volunteers. “The generosity of our communities shines through our Foundations. We are thankful for their ongoing work and contributions. Together we are working to improve the care and comfort of our patients and clients and make the health system stronger for Nova Scotians.”

Healthcare Foundations Day on Monday, November 27 comes just one day before Giving Tuesday, a global movement to encourage giving and volunteering to address local challenges. It’s the perfect opportunity for people to support the 41 foundations big and small, that work for all Nova Scotians by directly supporting the hospitals and health centres to improve healthcare and community wellness throughout the province.

Health and patient care impact everyone living in Nova Scotia. “Give where you live”. People in the area served by the Annapolis West Health Foundation can do just that by visiting annapoliswesthealthfoundation.com/ways-to-give