North Valley Hospital raises $3.1 million toward new facility

North Valley Hospital has hit the halfway mark in its capital campaign with over $3.1 million raised toward its replacement hospital.

The hospital foundation has a goal of $6.3 million. So far, more than 400 individual and corporate donors have given $3,161,791.

Carol Blake, executive director of the foundation, said the halfway point marks the end of the quiet phase of the campaign.

"The community will now hear a lot more about gifting opportunities," Blake said.

Hospital officials hope to reach the goal early enough to reduce loan interest costs for the $26 million facility.

According to Blake, a contribution of $10,000 - given after the closing of the loan but before construction ends - has a financial impact estimated at $22,681.

Swank Enterprises has begun work on the foundation for the one-level, 72,000 square-foot facility, although the hospital has yet to receive final approval of its loan.

Blake said the Department of Housing and Urban Development gave preapproval for the concrete and footings work.

The completion date for the new hospital is projected in December 2006 or early 2007.

North Valley Hospital's new facility is located on 45 acres near the intersection of Montana 40 and U.S. 93 north. It will offer the same services with an expanded surgery area, separate inpatient and outpatient areas, and better access for emergency vehicles.

According to Blake, the foundation's fund-raising to remodel or replace its hospital began in 1994. After a long public process in 2002, the hospital's board opted to build the new facility.

Although that decision was controversial, Blake said the foundation has received a good reception during its quiet phase of reaching out to philanthropists, corporations and others.

"The community support has continued to be really strong, really positive," Blake said.

She said the foundation offers large donors of $25,000 or more an opportunity to name facilities such as a room or a department.

Donors who give $100, $500 or $750 may place names on the brick pavers installed in a pathway through the main entrance, corridor and gardens.

North Valley Hospital will recognize contributions of $1,000 or more on a donor wall outside the chapel.

"It'll have a water feature," Blake said.

Blake said the foundation created many levels of recognition to give people of all economic levels a way to participate.

"A gift of $5 to me is wonderful," she said. "Gifts of any size are so appreciated."

Donors who give from a few to many thousands of dollars earn a listing in the "New Century… A New Way of Healthcare Register" which will remain on display in the new hospital.

People interested in contributing may contact Blake at 863-3631 or by e-mail at cblake@nvhosp.org.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com