The foundation's purpose is to financially support health care endeavors that benefit residents of Laclede County and surrounding counties. Financial support and board focus will be directed into these three areas of need:
- Health care scholarships - Scholarships for the study of medicine, nursing, radiology, respiratory care, medical technology and rehabilitation services will be offered to attract local students into these health-related careers and return to the Lebanon area to practice.
- Community support - Funds will be directed toward elder care, immunization programs, the uninsured children's health services, dental care and to those with no access to traditional health care as well as provide outreach and educational programs.
- Access to specialized care - Laclede County health statistics indicate that heart disease and cancer are the two leading health concerns in the county. With the need for advanced cardiac and cancer care, funds will be directed to provide local, convenient facilities and services for these patients.
The foundation is a not-for-profit foundation 501(c)(3) corporation. A 25-member board of directors will serve as the governing body of the organization. "This is an active board of directors that will be taking on the operation of the foundation," Johnsen said. "These are committed and dedicated community members that share the vision of improving healthcare for our area families." Johnsen said the board will be active in securing financial support for the foundation through annual gifts, corporate gifts, planned giving, special gifts and signature gifts.
Board member Charlie Brown, CEO of Eagle Distributing in Lebanon said the new foundation will provide area families and businesses an avenue through which they can support local community healthcare programs. "The foundation will also give the opportunity to seek future funding for healthcare services we might not otherwise be able to have without community support," Brown said.
Brown and Johnsen serve on the foundation board of directors along with: Dalton Wright, Lebanon Publishing Company; Dr. Curtis Mather, Mid Missouri Orthopedic; Kenneth Howe, Holman Funeral Homes; Dr. Jeffrey Mutchler, Mid Missouri Orthopedic; Steve Hite, Mid-Missouri Bank; Kim Russell, Durham Companies; Dr. Frank Roam, Lebanon Surgical Center; Mark Grieshaber, US Bank; Dr. Emily Mebruer, Lebanon Family Practice; Dianna Lowe, Lowe Companies; Craig Curry, Central Bank; Bill Wheeler, Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center; Larry Clinefelter, Conway Schools; Sam Allen, City of Lebanon; Dr. Karen Tabb, Lebanon Surgical Center; Duard Johnson, Johnson Conoco Distributors, Inc. dba Energy Companies; Beverly Miller; Julie Kays and Velma Gregory, St. John's Hospital -Lebanon, Judith Benage and Rhonda Widhalm, Lebanon Schools.
To make a contribution to the foundation, or for more information about the foundation and its programs, please contact St. John's Hospital - Lebanon at 417-533-6100.
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