For many, the year 1976 sticks out as one of many celebrations. The United States celebrated its bicentennial. The Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball team went undefeated, winning the NCAA National Championship. More quietly, though, a group of dedicated men and women in Noblesville chartered the Riverview Hospital Memorial Foundation. In 2016, that organization, known today as Riverview Health Foundation, will celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The community effects of Riverview Hospital Memorial Foundation could be seen from the very beginning. In its first year, it welcomed more than 150 members and helped Riverview Hospital purchase an echocardiograph for the Cardiology department. During the next few years, much of the focus for the Foundation was on contributing to the purchase of other much-needed equipment.
In the early 1980s, the Foundation increased its efforts to include two larger projects and expand its reach into the community by providing loans and grants to physicians to open medical practices in Hamilton County, and, with the help of a bequest from the Geneva Fisher Estate, the creation of Riverview Wellness Center. Many of the physicians who received funds from the Foundation to open offices are still practicing with Riverview Health.
As generous donors continued to provide financial support to help grow the Foundation, so grew the needs of Riverview. Capital campaigns for areas such as the Surgery Center, Emergency Center, Women’s Pavilion and Cardiology department helped Riverview Health not only expand its services, but meet the needs of the increasing number of patients.
The Foundation also helps support Riverview Health through its endowment and the Women’s Endowment Fund. The Women’s Endowment Fund was started during the Women’s Pavilion campaign in 2003 in order to support women’s programs, services and equipment at Riverview Health. Through this endowment and the Riverview Health Foundation Women of Vision Giving Club, patients in the Maternity Center, Women’s Center and Cancer Center are able to receive various items and high-quality services.
While equipment and medical technology are ever-changing, Riverview Health and Riverview Health Foundation continue to focus on one thing—the health and well-being of our community. In 2014, Riverview Health provided more than $20 million in uncompensated care for residents in Hamilton and Tipton counties.
The benefits afforded by Riverview Health Foundation and its donors for the past 40 years—as well as current and future donors—will leave a legacy that lasts for the next 40 years and beyond.