Wellstar Foundation Inc

Programs: Wellstar foundation is the development and fund-raising center for wellstar health system, an organization described in irc section 501 (c)(3). It is dedicated to serving our community and giving people the tools and facilities to become stronger and healthier. The wellstar foundation began in 1995 in response to medical advances needed by our healthcare system to continue the pursuit of world-class healthcare. From its modest beginnings with four dedicated and experienced team members to the current 10-member staff, the foundation has been instrumental in rallying employee, volunteer, corporate and community support for wellstar health system initiatives. The members of the foundation collaborate with other community leaders to raise funds and provide programs and services which result in health improvements for all. Payments to hospital projects for the reporting period exceeded $1 million. Health, safety & education: wellstar foundation continues to have initiatives for fundraising that will help to improve the health of children and families in the wellstar service area with an emphasis on some of the following service lines and disciplines--cancer, cardiac, end-of-life, prevention & wellness, and overall facilities improvements. Over the past five years wellstar team members have donated over $4 million towards system initiatives through the annual employee giving campaigns. The wellstar foundation has started a new campaign to expand the wellstar cancer network in an effort to raise awareness and hopefully save more lives. This will include strengthening the nurse navigator program to funding innovation, research and patient support. A program to provide military veterans with testing for prostate and lung cancer was instituted. Other programs and facilities enhancements benefiting from the generous support of donors in the community include: with support from the community a new inpatient facility near the kennestone hospital campus was bulit and opened in summer of 2012. Wellstar community hospice at kennesaw mountain and tranquility hospice at cobb hospital continue to provide much needed care to hospice patients who need financial assistance through the angel fund endowment of the foundation. Cardiac services--a new chest pain observation unit, a cardiac health promotion project and more specialized cancer treatment technology. Women's services--instead of one annual speaking of women's health event to raise awareness of women's health issues there are several workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year. Donations were also accepted for equipment for the neonatal intensive care unit including a new specialized bed that gives premature babies the best possible chance at survival. Cancer services--funding for the stat cancer clinic and the i-elcap program as well as genetic risk assessment counseling were also important projects for which the foundation provided financial support. Community outreach--school health and cobb safe kids programs, a state-funded "first steps" program for expectant mothers and their families, scholarships and financial assistance for residents of the assisted living facility on the kennestone hospital campus called atherton place. General facilities improvements--with the support of team members and volunteer groups and auxiliaries at each of the hospitals in the system a total of approximately $650,000 was raised during the reporting period to be used for renovations and other initiatives throughout the wellstar network.