KU Medical Center has a long history of giving back to our community and state. Even as the economy is struggling, many of our employees have been generous with their time, skills and money.
For instance, many of you spent months organizing and fundraising for the annual Walk to Defeat ALS, which helped raise nearly $50,000 -- $20,000 more than our original goal. We exceeded last year’s fundraising for the United Way campaign, and raised approximately $85,000 for United Way this year.
When people haven’t been able to open their wallets, they have been generous with their time. Through organizations such as YouthFriends, Christmas in October, and health clinics throughout the area, KUMC faculty, staff and students have given thousands of hours in volunteer time.
All of this generosity is benefiting our community, and the leadership team and I would like to thank you.
During this holiday season, you have two more opportunities to give back. I encourage you to look at the Holiday Giving Program, where you can "adopt" one or more children from Project EAGLE and make their Christmas wish list a reality. In addition, at this year’s Employee Appreciation and Holiday Luncheon on Dec. 11 (sponsored in part by ING and the KUMC Credit Union), many area non-profit organizations will be on hand collecting much-needed items. See the list of needed donations.
Once again, thank you for all you have done this year, and I look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition of giving.
Bob Page, CEO of KU Hospital, and Bob Spaniol, PhD, RN, MBA, president of the Nursing Alumni Association and director of HIPAA Commitment for KU Hospital, attended the first-ever KUMC Alumni Associations leadership reception Tuesday evening. The alumni boards heard from Lou Loescher-Junge and Cynthia Teel, on behalf of Karen Miller, as well as Page and myself about the progress at the Medical Center.
Education
Dec. 1 was World AIDS Day, and I want to thank the students and staff who helped to put on the HIV/AIDS education events around campus this week. Read more and see pictures.
Kudos
Congratulations to KU Hospital on another outstanding year. Their recent Annual Report lists a number of accomplishments they achieved in
FY 2008.
Research
Johnson County Education Research Triangle Authority Board members have been named. The Board will oversee the funding and conduct audits of the proceeds from the sales tax that was recently passed in Johnson County. Read more from the Lawrence Journal-World.
BioTarget, a Nebraska-based drug company specializing in cancer treatments, will establish a research and development facility on our campus. Read more from the Kansas City Business Journal.
Kari Hess, RN, BSN, SON public health master's student, has been awarded a grant from the Kansas Coordinated School Health project. The grant will implement tobacco prevention programs, nutritional services, physical education and staff wellness in USD 253 in Emporia, Kan. Read more.
Other Items of Interest
Around campus, we are installing AEDs, or portable electronic tools that may be used in conjunction with CPR to help save lives of those in certain types of cardiac arrest. We are seeking Volunteer Rescuers who have or will complete the necessary training to properly use the devices. Learn more about the program.
John and Jennifer Kirse and the Shawnee Mission/Kansas City Alumnae Association of Delta Delta Delta have donated $12,600 to the Pediatrics Department. Read more about the gift.
Community
The Project EAGLE Holiday Giving Program is underway, and we have about 60 kids left to "adopt" for the holiday season. Adopt a child.
The Employee Appreciation and Holiday Lunch will be from 11 a.m. -
2 p.m. on Dec. 11 in Francisco Lounge. Non-profit organizations will be on hand collecting needed items.