Kimball Health Services has launched a major regional fundraising campaign to raise $2.2 million in funding for a new hospital in the community that would be completed by the fall of 2023.
Officials with the facility and Kimball Hospital Foundation announced the public portion of the effort Thursday at the former West Elementary school, which will be the site of the new facility, and said they’ve already received $1.5 million in private commitments.
One of those commitments is $500,000 from Bonnie Risk, who said she initially planned to remain anonymous, but ultimately decided to come forward in an effort to encourage others. “I give because it just feels good. It feels good to be of service, it feels good to help, and it feels good to just make a difference,” said Risk. “I choose to give to this community because my family is grateful for all Kimball has done for us over the past 50-some years. With everyone’s help, we can build this hospital, and nurture the growth of Kimball into the next 50 years.”
Construction on the facility is anticipated to start in May on the nearly 60,000 square foot facility, which was originally estimated at $32 million dollars, but the cost of materials and services has pushed that figure up to $40 million.
Hospital Medical Director Dr. James Broomfield said a new facility is a key to the future of care in the community, as the ‘doctor that did everything’ no longer exists. “It requires a lot of different doctors now to do what those individual doctors did. Also, just the technology and everything, you talk about an MRI and all the other things that the hospital is going to offer, we have to have a new facility,” said Broomfield. “We’re not gonna be able to recruit to get all the different doctors we need in, much less the primary care doctors to stay here long term.”
The project is being financed with a 40-year U.S. Department of Agriculture loan, $6.4 million in 25-year bond funding which is expected to be repaid with hospital revenues, and funds raised in the capital campaign, with area banks assisting with bond anticipation notes to fund the construction.
Those wanting to contribute to the hospital fundraising are encouraged to contact Foundation Director Kerry Ferguson at 308-235-1967, or by email at foundation@KimballHealth.org.
