Bingham Health Care Foundation Donates an AED to the Pocatello Free Clinic
BLACKFOOT, ID – November 1, 2019–The Bingham Health Care Foundation (Foundation) donated a new automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Pocatello Free Clinic (PFC). Today, members of the Foundation presented the AED to members of the PFC.
“The AED will help our patients who have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, which can put people at a higher risk of a cardiac event,” said Sherrie Joseph, Board Chair of the PFC. “The AED, which we have never had before, will allow us to deliver appropriate, immediate cardiac care and increase the chance of survival for these patients.”
The American Red Cross states that an AED is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, medical device that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm.
“With a focus on ‘Enhancing Healthcare. Enhancing Lives.,’ this donation reflects how our Foundation can make a local difference,” said Norm Stanley, board chair of the Foundation.
“We are committed to doing all we can to improve the health and wellness of our patients and our community,” said Jake Erickson, CEO of Bingham Healthcare. “The PFC plays an important role in our community, and we are proud to support this free clinic so our neighbors can live longer, healthier, and more productive lives.”
About the Bingham Health Care Foundation
The mission of the Bingham Health Care Foundation is to develop relationships within the communities it serves, to highlight awareness and access of care, increase the knowledge of healthy lifestyles, and encourage funding sources to enhance health care services to community residents. The Bingham Health Care Foundation provides funds to improve the health of patients in Eastern Idaho. The foundation enjoys the support of generous donations from hospital physicians, BMH employees, and from the local community.
For more information on the Foundation, visit https://binghamhealthcare.org/about-bmh/bingham-health-care-foundation
About the Pocatello Free Clinic (PFC)
The PFC is one of the longest operating free clinics in the United States, having been continuously operating since 1971. There are a few other clinics that are older, but most have had to close their doors at various times for lack of funding. Fortunately, the PFC has never had to do that. The PFC sees patients from Bannock, Bingham, Power, Bonneville, and other surrounding counties. The clinic sees patients—who are less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and uninsured—free of charge. This covers medical, dental, chiropractic, and mental health issues. All labs and pharmacy expenses are covered as well.
They pay staff and many volunteers who come together to make this happen. The clinic operates on corporate and private donations, as well as grants. Every dollar donated to the clinic stays right here in southeast Idaho to help our communities.
https://pocatellofreeclinic.com/
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