Campaign for Sharon Hospital ends Dec. 31

If it is true (and it is) that Sharon Hospital is there for Tri-state area residents when they need a small, good hospital, for everything from maternity to emergency room visits, it is equally true that many of the region’s celebrities make themselves available to help the hospital when it is in need.

This is one of those moments. COVID-19 has stressed nearly all organizations that must interface with the public, including of course all health-care providers. 

A fundraising drive that began in April will end at midnight on Dec. 31. The goal is to raise $1 million through the hospital’s foundation. 

“This is a significant gift for Sharon Hospital,” hospital President Dr. Mark Hirko said. 

The campaign was started by an anonymous donor, who has promised to “match every donation dollar-for-dollar.”

At press time, almost all the money had been pledged except $65,000. 

The money will be used, according to a press release sent out last week, for:

• “Improving the wireless and cellular coverage at the hospital so patients, staff and visitors can communicate more effectively;” as anyone knows who has spent time in the emergency department, cell service is limited at the hospital. 

• “Essential structural upgrades for utilities/HVAC systems for air quality, flow, humidity and overall patient and staff safety. These are not visible but important as everyone has learned by the virus’ airborne transmission.”

• “Diagnostic/Patient Care: Population increase and patient demands led to hiring an additional cardiologist as of July 1.  Cardiology diagnostic equipment and a new MRI machine are needed.”

For anyone who needs additional convincing to make a donation, six area celebrities have stepped up (as they have in the past) to tell you why they think the hospital is important and a worthy beneficiary.

In the past, these folks have spoken out on, for example, local newscasts, but because we live in a world of live streaming, you can watch them this time on social media. 

The links to the short pitches from Sam Waterston, Meryl Streep, Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick, Liam Neeson and Jane Curtin can be found at www.facebook.com/SharonHospital/photos; you need to click on “videos” and then scroll down to see the short films (you can also type the performer’s name into the search bar on the hospital photo page). 

Donations can be made to Sharon Hospital Challenge, c/o The Foundation, Sharon Hospital 50 Hospital Hill Road, Sharon  CT 06069; or online at www.nuvancehealth.org/supportsharonhospital. Gifts can be IRAs/DAFs and appreciated securities as well as checks and cash. Sharon Hospital is now part of the regional nonprofit Nuvance Health, which has doctors and hospitals in Connecticut and New York.

— Cynthia Hochswender

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