2013 at Community Hospital-Fairfax, The Year in Review

The American Hospital Association reports that 72 million Americans live in rural areas. Serving those Americans are 2,000 rural hospitals like Community Hospital-Fairfax (CH-F), often offering the only access to healthcare within many miles.

Providing the fullest range of healthcare possible, is important to CH-F. Recent service additions include an oncology clinic provided by Susan Kambhu M.D., new interventional radiology procedures offered on a weekly basis and PET/CT scans. Coming in 2014 are varicose vein procedures. These services join acute, skilled and obstetrical care along with radiology, laboratory, cardiac rehab, therapy, surgery and specialty clinic services.

Dr. Douglas Niemann joined the CH-F Radiology Team to share
about new varicose vein procedures at the Me Market. For more information
call (660) 686-2360.

CH-F is also proud to report excellent scores for quality in 2013. In the last 12 months, the hospital recorded a readmission rate lower than the industry standard. CH-F also performs well on Core Measures (standard of care determined by Medicare) with an average of 99% on all Core Measures reported. Medicare's website for hospital patient satisfaction reports that CH-F patients are recommending CH-F at higher rates than patients visiting other local hospitals. Community Hospital-Fairfax is currently outperforming the state and national average. (www.hospitalcompare.hhs.org).

In many communities, the local hospital is the largest employer and adds to the attractiveness of the community to businesses or families planning to make the community their home. In the last year, Community Hospital-Fairfax has employed 104 with a payroll of over $4.2 million. For every hospital job in a rural community, the American Hospital Association uses a multiplier of .77.  That means that CH-F contributes another 80 jobs to the local community. In the last fiscal year, CH-F spent over $145,700 supporting local businesses and organizations in Atchison and Holt Counties.

Community health is important to rural hospitals. CH-F is no exception. In the last fiscal year, CH-F sponsored many events to improve community health. Those include the Wear Red Challenge for Heart Health, Pediatric Orientation for 80 plus area first graders, the Kids Cafe and pool party for over 150 children and families, the Back to School Fairs in Atchison and Holt Counties, a free prostate screening, the Me Market for over 250 women and free screenings for high school students in Atchison and Holt.

Shannon Pruitt PT visits with guests at the Me Market.

Dr. Aron Burke was recognized as the Missouri Family Physician of the Year in 2013!

In 2014, CH-F will be reporting patient satisfaction and quality results at www.FairfaxMed.com. Patients and community members are encouraged to visit the website and learn more about how CH-F is providing care for the community. Other questions about Community Hospital-Fairfax services can be directed to the hospital at (660) 686-2211.

Hall of Snowflakes at CH-F

Last week, I made a visit to our Radiology Department and was delighted to find the snowflakes had made their way to the ceiling. Snowflakes have been a CH-F Radiology Department tradition for many years. Each year, the staff adds just a few snowflakes to the collection from the year before. Now over 70 snowflakes (some many years old), greet patients.

As you know, the winters can be long and gloomy in Northwest Missouri, but health needs know no season. Rain or shine, cold or warm, the staff at CH-F know that tests need run and patients need answers. The beautiful snowflakes can make your visit a little more palatable even if you had to venture out in Missouri's winter weather. 

We hope that you will enjoy the care and love given to each little piece of artwork. Each has been designed to bring a smile to a patient's face. We love how our youngest patients seem to find time to crank their necks back and take a look!

So from our house to yours, we wish you the very best health this holiday season. Should you find yourself needing to make a visit to our hospital, take a moment to admire our snowflakes and remember that winter will soon be over and the snowflakes back in storage. 

Seasons may change, but our commitment to you remains the same. 

Happy Winter Friends!

CH-F Volunteer-Turned-Patient Comes Full Circle

Each year, when the Celebrity Waiter Dinner or CommuniTEE Golf Benefit roll around, Community Hospital-Fairfax (CH-F) is fortunate to work with a great team of volunteers. From determining the decor, to filling out the scorecards, both events are an all hands on deck kind of affair. Before each event, emails are sent,  phone calls are made and a fantastic crew is assembled that makes each fundraiser run like a well oiled machine.

One of the most important, and pleasant, phone calls made each year is to Jimmy and Leisa Paris, Fairfax residents and members of both the CH-F Celebrity Waiter Dinner and CommuniTEE Golf Benefit committee. Jimmy and Leisa are always available with a helping hand, big smiles and 14 coolers. Yes, you read that correctly. Through chance and a collector's eye, Jimmy and Leisa have assembled enough coolers to keep 300 golfers and volunteers hydrated with cold water and pop and hold enough ice for 700 plus drinks at the Celebrity Waiter Dinner.

Jimmy & Leisa (right) proudly sport their official volunteer shirts at the 2013 CommuniTEE Golf Benefit.

Along with the plethora of coolers, Leisa and Jimmy assist in many other ways. Many may not know that Jimmy and Leisa are part of a hard working team that provides the delicious steaks grilled onsite for both the golf tournament and the Celebrity Waiter Dinner. Jimmy and Leisa supervise the trimming, seasoning and grilling of over 500 steaks a year for the hospital. The smell and taste of steaks hot off the grill provided for each guest is part of what makes CH-F events so special. CH-F is so appreciative of this talented crew! One year, the hospital attempted to give Jimmy a year off. He was sure to let us know that he missed his role as grillmaster despite the added rest!

Just recently, CH-F got the opportunity to give a little back to the Paris family as they have generously given to us throughout the years. Approximately a year ago, Jimmy experienced an injury to his shoulder. When asked what tasks were more difficult after the injury, Jimmy commented that everything was more challenging. He knew he needed therapy to get back to the activities he was accustomed to doing and CH-F was his choice for therapy services.

"Use of one's shoulder is extremely important to day to day activities. We have watched Jimmy assist at hospital events and knew that he was an active, hardworking individual. We devised a therapy plan to help him regain the strength and use of his shoulder as quickly as possible," commented Shannon Pruitt, PT, Director of Therapy Services at CH-F.

Jimmy attended therapy over the course of several months. Although he may never regain the use of his shoulder that he once had, he is able to complete many more tasks than before therapy. As you can only imagine, Jimmy was not about to be left out of the CH-F golf tournament when August rolled around. He was upfront with the therapists when he told them he expected to be able play golf. Thanks to Jimmy's hard work and the therapy he received, Jimmy and Leisa hit the links in August along with their many friends from CH-F.

"Even though I often dreaded going, the therapists made each visit enjoyable. Thanks to all of them," commented Jimmy.

Jimmy and his wife, Leisa, stay dry at the 2012 golf tournament.

"Knowing our patients and being able to give back to them as they have supported us is extremely rewarding. Seeing Jimmy at the golf course was wonderful. Enjoying the steak he will cook at the Celebrity Waiter Dinner in March is even better!" Ann Schlueter, Director of Strategic Planning at CH-F.

Jimmy and his crew have a grill full at the 2012 Celebrity Waiter Dinner.

A Recipe for a Successful Me Market

What does it take to make a Me Market? 

Today, let's go over the recipe for a great health related event tailored especially for women. 

First you start with amazing volunteers: 

Many thanks goes out to these two, who put in hours worth of chair and table organization. We also have an amazing team of Development Council volunteers, plus other hospital employees who faithfully show up to events all year long to help. Whether it's setting up the 52 plus tables and chairs or helping the vendors find their booth space, our volunteers stay busy! 

The next essential ingredient is amazing healthcare professionals that provided screenings and information about important topics like health insurance and new procedures offered at Community Hospital-Fairfax:

1. Radiology Director Beth Mackey and Douglas Niemann, M.D. discuss a new procedure called Venacure that CH-F will soon be offering. Venacure is a non surgical procedure that effectively treats and diminishes varicose veins. 

 2. Home Health nurse Jeanie Mackey provided 50 blood pressure checks and 60 glucose checks at the Me Market.

3. Bonnie Erickson and April Stoner, both employees in CH-F Business Office, provided helpful information about health insurance. 

1. Madeline Hamilton, PT and Shannon Pruitt, PT informed guests about potential fall risks in homes that can lead to injury.

2. Labor and Deliver nurse Marcee Dugan handed out free samples of formula, baby lotion, diapers and more and shared information about Community Hospital-Fairfax Obstetrics Services. 

What else goes into a great event? 

1. A dash of Zumba fun! Instructor Tiffany Rhine of Rock Port took over the auditorium with her fitness routine and gave out free classes to many lucky winners! 

2. Mother daughter pair Lee and Abbie Harms take in all of the shopping together.

3. Charlie Smith, who was recently crowned America's U.S. Miss Missouri, Jr. Tween reigned at the Me Market, helping the Auxiliary collect stuffed animals for the hospital's Emergency Room pediatric patients. Charlie helped the Auxiliary collect 30 stuffed animals!

You can also add in 14,335 steps, which is what guests who turned in their steps logged while at the Me Market. They kept track thanks to pedometers that CH-F handed out to the first 200 women who attended. Cassie Hegstrom of Tarkio logged 2,337 steps and won a month's membership to Heartland Rec Center! 

And just to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves, we also gave out door prizes all day long, thanks to donated items from the vendors. We also added spice to the mix with the Enchilada Lady's lunch and helped mothers by providing babysitting with the Tarkio High School FCCLA class. 

All of these ingredients helped Community Hospital-Fairfax create the perfect day out for women. 

If you attended the Me Market, we would love to hear what thought: Click on this link to take a quick, anonymous survey about your experience:  Me Market Survey

We'll see you next year on Saturday, November 9th! 

CH-F in the 1960s

We're still walking down memory lane: 

The 1960s was a prosperous time for Community Hospital-Fairfax. With the passage of Medicare and the enrollment of local citizens, healthcare was in high demand. Dr. Wannamaker and Dr. Humphrey had joined the medical staff of Drs. Settle, Carpenter, Bare, James L. Coffey, J. Heath Coffey (a nephew), and Niedermeyer. I-29 was under construction.

Despite its 65 beds, in 1968 Community Hospital-Fairfax was again in need of more space. A third addition to the building was needed. The 17 member board of directors met to discuss an expansion in March of 1968 and determined $150,000 was needed to make the needed additions. A generous donation of $10,000 in 1967 by F. Williams helped the hospital to purchase the Finch site. The proposed wing was to expand onto this property and be used for an extended care unit with 22 beds. Visitors in the last few years will remember this addition as the solarium, nurse’s station, obstetrics wing and the two hallways with patient rooms extending east and north from the nurses' station.

Local leaders continued to dedicate considerable time and effort to the hospital's prosperity. Ralph Hackett was the President of the hospital board of directors, Charles Moore took charge of the building board and S. J. Peterson directed the construction. Doris Wells was the hospital administrator.

In 1969, the Fairfax Forum called the new addition an "ultra modern wing." The article also describes each room as carpeted, with a television and piped oxygen. The board of directors encouraged contributions to room furnishings and engraved plates were added to each room to recognize the donor. These plates have been saved and are available for viewing in the new hospital.

In the fall of 1969, the hospital opened the new wing. 600 hundred guests came to view the facility which was described as having deluxe accommodations. The Fairfax Forum reports "comment most often heard by visitors was the attractive use of color in patient rooms and the many comfort conveniences." 

These happy times were soon to be followed by a difficult decade for the hospital. Stay tuned to learn more. 

If you are interested in learning more about the hospital, consider our e-newsletter. Sign up here.

Spreading Encouragement for Breast Cancer Awareness

 In October, breast cancer is front and center, so the color pink gets a lot of attention. But pink is just a color after all. Behind the pink are the heroes battling breast cancer that we are proud to know and love.

Today, all of us at Community Hospital-Fairfax wanted to spread more than just awareness. 

We want to send encouragement  to our friends and family facing breast cancer and a big hooray to those who have beat it. We love you and are here for you.

Robin Salfrank, Administrative Assistant

Jackie Martin, RN

Stacy Stillwell, LPN

Shannon Pruitt, PT

Barb Taylor, RN

April Stoner, Patient Accounts Supervisor

Mike Clifton, Housekeeping

CH-F Radiology Staff:
Tracy Beason, RT (R)(M), Beth Mackey, RT (R)(M) & Rikki Wilson, RT (R)

CH-F Surgery Team:
Dina Ridley, RN, Stephanie White, LPN, Trisha Quimby, RN, 

Medical Records:
Nora Driskell, Gay Martin, Judy Raya, Sam Silkett

Myra Evans, CEO

Did you know?

Community Hospital-Fairfax prides itself on being  close to home, right where you need us. In 2011, we brought digital mammogram technology to our patients, making the procedure more convenient and enabling doctors to see test results quickly. We are also introducing a PET/CT scan; equipment with the power of two imaging machines in one procedure that not only pinpoints abnormalities but can also determine benign tumors from cancerous tumors. 

These tools and more make Community Hospital-Fairfax the answer when your health is in question.

  And as we celebrate October as Breast Cancer Awareness, we also celebrate the health of our community every month and every minute of the year.

You can schedule a mammogram today by calling the Radiology Department at 660-686-2360. Patients must have a doctor's referral for an appointment.

Well Wishes for Elsie Fae

If you are from our corner of Northwest Missouri or read our local newspapers, there is a chance you have heard the name Elsie Fae Rhoades. Her weekly newspaper column, filled with witty comments and funny stories, has made her a staple in our community. 

Elsie Fae’s claim to fame reaches far passed our region into Iowa, where she was a teacher in Shenandoah for many years.

Last month, news of Elsie Fae sustaining injuries in a car accident spread fast, prompting friends and family to pass on a link to the Community Hospital-Fairfax website, where letters of encouragement and well wishes could be submitted online and sent to Elsie Fae as she recovered.

As I sat at my desk one morning, I couldn’t help but gasp at the list of emails in my inbox. Forty six messages? That couldn’t be! Surely they were “spam” mail. But as I begin browsing through them, I realized they were everything but.

“Get well” wishes had flooded my inbox from the form set up on our website where friends and family could send notes to patients. Normally, they trickle in one at a time and then I transform the message into a printed card and deliver it. But this time, there was obviously going to be a need for a much larger card.

My heart was so warmed for Elsie Fae as I read all of the notes from family members near and far and Shenandoah alumni.

From Cedar Rapids to Georgia and California, Elsie Fae’s name far outstretched the boundaries of the hospital.

Being a lover of literature myself, my favorite messages included a past student (SHC Class of ’69!)  who said she vividly remembered Mrs. Rhoades’ lesson on Dante’s Inferno and another bragged they were still able to quote Macbeth thanks to their amazing teacher...

I kept reading, so enthralled by the love and support:

“You are a strong woman!”

“Praying you have a speedy recovery!”

“Wishing you continued healing, from two Shenandoah grads!”

“You touched and influenced the lives of hundreds of Shenandoah High School grads! Wishing you a fast and speedy recovery!”

“Mrs. Rhoades, You have been in my prayers. I'm happy to hear of your continued progress. Keep up the good work and God bless!”

“Wish you nothing but the best, speedy recovery. You have meant so much in my life, in particular my tough high school years, you were a fabulous teacher!”

“Hope you continue to feel better each day. You are such a strong women and I will never forget the kindness and great friendship with my mom. Much love and "Get well Soon!"

Forty emails later and I was convinced that if words at the power to heal, Elsie Fae would be up and out of the hospital in no time. I typed all of the well wishes into a 6 page get well card and practically skipped down the hallway to deliver it to nurses for them to pass on.

If you know someone in the hospital, never underestimate the power that encouraging words can have. If a loved one is at Communtiy Hospital-Fairfax, consider making an impact by sending a get well card by visiting our website at www.fairfaxmed.com and click on “Send a E-Message to a Patient” on the right side column.

You’ll never regret sending encouragement.

Written by Jennifer Herron

Our First Five Years

As we look back on how the hospital's roots have built a foundation in our community, we can't help but appreciate how the hospital got its start. Our community literally started from the ground up and used its own resources, funds and connections to create what we have today. Here's a glimpse of the hospital's first  5 years...

Long before HIPAA was a gleam in the eye of Congress, the local papers contained "hospital notes" giving the names of hospital patients and their health status. You could also tune into the local radio station, where patients names were read. From these notes we find the first major surgery at Community Hospital which took place the week of Nov. 17, 1949.  It was an appendectomy. And of course, we can't forget our hospital's first baby, Bill Smith of Fairfax. He was one of three babies born the first week of the hospital's operation.

There were also big headlines in February of 1950 when the hospital purchased its first portable x-ray. Funds were provided by the Atchison County branch of the American Cancer Society.

In June of 1950, the hospital announced that its 500th patient had been admitted. In that same time, 60 babies had been born. The June 24, 1950 edition of the Fairfax Forum relates,

            "The number of patients that have used the facilities of the hospital is evidence aplenty    that the establishment of the hospital here is more than justified. There have been instances where there is little doubt that lives have been saved because the hospital service was at hand. No doubt other instances could be noted where the availability of the hospital prevented illness or caused it to be less serious. The satisfaction to both patients and their relatives in being near home during their illness has no doubt been a large factor in speedier recover, to say nothing of the large amount of money saved by not being compelled to make long trips and several days visits to hospitals in other places."

The community had ceased to be no less appreciative of the efforts made to build a hospital as they celebrated 5 years of operation in 1954. The program for the 5 year anniversary celebration states:

            "Not until Fairfax was left without a medical doctor in the late 40s did the full force of the situation hit the community. Through the years young doctors would come to the community, establish a good practice, only to leave for towns where hospital facilities were located. The answer seemed to be "Build Our Own Hospital" but how?"

With the help of the Fairfax Kiwanis Club, the community pulled up their bootstraps and built the hospital with their own funds. This effort received both local and national acclaim. In the May 1951 issue of Readers Digest, Fairfax Community Hospital received mention for their efforts to build a hospital and successfully recruit physicians.

In 1954, the hospital celebrated its 5 year anniversary with the news that expansion was needed. It was decided to add onto the original building about 70 feet to the east. The second story would provide 8 private and two double rooms, increasing the number of beds by 12, making a total of 60 adult beds in all. The lower story would be used for offices and storage. S. J. Petersen was in charge of the construction work. 

Such a positive first 5 years was just the beginning of how Community Hospital-Fairfax would continue to prove it was a perfect fit in Northwest Missouri. 

Join us soon for another stroll down memory lane and please feel free to share your memories or connections in the comments section. 

The Doors Open...

Ready for the next installment?

As you will remember, funds for hospital were raised by selling shares. The original offering was for $105,000 and the local Kiwanis and other volunteers sold $100 shares. It was soon discovered that a second offering would be needed and it was again, quickly raised. 

March 10, 1949-The Fairfax Forum

New Drive for Hospital Funds Launched--Building Open House Friday, Saturday

Construction funds from the original stock issue were exhausted last week and the Fairfax Kiwanis club has asked the hospital board what the club could do to help keep the construction work going, so the board at its Sunday meeting instructed the Kiwanis club to appoint soliciting committees, to start the canvass Wednesday morning, March 9, and to raise the money this week. It was the unanimous opinion of the board members present that this amount ($50,000) could be raised before Monday morning.

It should not take argument to sell this issue of stock. All surely are agreed that the community is too near the goal of good medical and hospital care to halt at this state. Let's finish the job. Meet the solicitors with a smile and your check book. They'll see you in a day or two.

October 27, 1949-The Fairfax Forum

Fairfax Community Hospital Open House November 5-6

The Fairfax Community Hospital Corporation and Community Hospital Association announce that open house will be held at the hospital from two to six o'clock on Saturday and Sunday, November 5 and 6, and after that the hospital will be ready to receive patients.

It has been a long wait-three years-since the initial moves were made to build a hospital, and now the modern building and equipped hospital is a reality. While small, compared to city hospitals, its building equipment and conveniences will rank among the best to be found anywhere. No one should miss the opportunity to see it during the two days of open house.

October 27, 1949-The Fairfax Forum

Employ 4 Nurses for Community Hospital

Four nurses have already been employed for the Fairfax Community Hospital which will open soon, and only one more is needed to complete the staff of five registered nurses needed for the operation of the hospital under the schedule adopted by the Community Hospital Association which will operate the institution. A class of 10 women are taking nurse's aide training.

November 10, 1949-The Fairfax Forum

Medical Staff for Hospital Announced

Seven physicians have accepted invitations to become members of the active medical staff of the Fairfax Community Hospital. Dr. Paul Musgrave, Dr. G.R. Wempe, Dr. Ed Niedermeyer, Dr. E.B. Settle, Dr. B.F. Byland and Dr. H.C. Hautman.

Dr. E.L. Neidermeyer

3000 Visit Hospital on Open House Days: Building crowded Sunday afternoon as people come to look it over. 

Words of praise came from almost all visitors. If there was criticism it was of the silent variety. Many good will messages were received and many, many beautiful flowers were sent by well wishers.

Honoring Our First Home...

You read the news in the local papers today that the original hospital building will be torn down in the next month. This week, we brought a little of the old hospital to the new hospital by hanging a few pictures. 

A few of our favorite physicians and an architectural rendering of the old hospital after the 1970s renovation now grace the walls of our new building. Over the next few weeks, we hope that you will join us as we do some remembering. Here is the beginning of our walk down memory lane:

April 25, 1947-The Fairfax Forum

 Hospital Corporation to Issue Certificates

Authority was received Tuesday from the Missouri Securities Department by the Fairfax hospital committee to proceed with the issuing of stock certificates to those who have subscribed for stock.

July 4, 1947-Fairfax Forum

 Hospital Board of 9 Members Elected: Stockholder's Meeting Held Last Thursday Night Attended by About 250 Persons

There has been no decline in interest in the move to establish a hospital in Fairfax, if the enthusiasm shown at the stockholders' meeting, held last Thursday night is any criterion. The meeting was attended by Approximately 250 people and 735 of the 1050 shares of stock were represented in the voting......The stockholders then proceeded to vote, and the nine men receiving the highest number of votes were declared elected. These men are: John F. Sly, S.J. Peterson, F.C. Whitford, W.S. Walker, Jack L. Pearce, Cline Hawkins, R.D. Seymour, H.O. Scarlett and L. Roy Sims.

November 14, 1947-Fairfax Forum

 Hospital to be Located on Taylor Lots in East Fairfax-Ground with 250 Feet Highway Frontage is Donated to Organization by Mrs. Anna Taylor-Grading May Start Soon

The Fairfax Community Hospital is to be located on lots known as the Taylor lots, with frontage on Highways 275 and 59, between the Baptist church and the vocational agriculture building. Grading and excavation will probably start soon........The community will commend Mrs. Taylor for her generosity in donating the lots for the institution and she has the thanks of all. Her husband, the late Dr. A.P. Taylor, was a practicing physician in Fairfax for many years, and for several terms served as major of the city. She feels that it is one way in which she can help carry on the work in which he spent his life-that of relieving the suffering of humanity and promoting the health of the general public. Her splendid move in making the donation will speed the work and service that the stockholders in  the hospital hope to bring to the community.

August 24, 1948-The Fairfax Forum

Lay Cornerstone In Masonic Ceremony-Missouri Grand Lodge Officers Here for Impressive Event

The cornerstone, a beautiful piece of variegated granite, bears these words "Fairfax Community Hospital, 1948." It was presented to the Kiwanis Club, who sponsored the cornerstone laying ceremony, by Clinton Allen of the Allen Monument Works, Maryville.

August 6, 1948-The Fairfax Forum

 Start Laying Brick On Fairfax Hospital: Building Supervisor Hopes to Have Structure Enclosed by Cold Weather

The first brick on the new Fairfax Community hospital building was laid Tuesday, and progress on the building can now be watched with more understanding and interest by the general public than during the excavating and foundation laying period. Walls are to be 12" masonry, 18" blocks inside 4" brick facing.....Operating and nursery rooms are to be air conditioned....There will be 16 patient rooms, with accommodations for two patients to the room, one 4-bed ward, and a nursery that will accommodate 12 babies.

Join us as we look back on the journey of Community Hospital-Fairfax in a series of blog posts. Leave your comments and memories below! 

Golfing "Fore" A Cause

I doubt that anyone had as much fun as we did this weekend. Really, you didn't.

We hosted the CommuniTEE Golf Benefit in Mound City for the hospital. We raised money, we witnessed some good golf and some REALLY bad golf and we laughed until our stomachs hurt. We learned that our cardiologists are better heart surgeons than golfers, that 66 teams of golfers in two days can consume 239 hotdogs and brats and that some things, like community golf tournaments, do not get old even after 22 consecutive years.

Twenty-two years of golf. That means that some of our committee members were not even born when the tournament started. Some of our teams have played every year and many have introduced second generations into this great tradition.

The fact that this tournament is a family affair is one of its best attributes. Just a quick count reveals 21 families that were playing with more than one generation. Many tee off beside their brothers, cousins, sons and daughters. Others come from great distances to be reunited for a great cause and for a few fun rounds of golf.

And if you are a golfer who can't have fun, than this is not the tournament for you. Many of our golfers play less than five times a year, but endure the sore back for a great cause. We also have an equal number of avid golfers who are incredibly patient and happy to switch to the role of teacher when needed. There is a common understanding that everyone comes together for the hospital first and golf second. Really, it's a winning combination, don't you think?

You'll see your fair share of medical personnel trade in the stethoscope for a golf club. Nurses, radiology techs, cardiologists and administrators alike hit the course in support of local healthcare. Golfers or not, they love their community and are happy to spend a day in support of the patients they care about.

Of course, it is not all fun and games. There is a more serious side to our tournament-The side that involves the dollars that we raise. This year, we set out to purchase a new anesthesia machine for our surgery department. When given a goal, you can bet our community will meet and exceed it, and of course they did. From volunteers that sold $1,600 in raffle tickets, to selling brats and hotdogs to the sponsor who graciously contributed $2,000. It was a team effort and one that we can be proud of.

So next year, do not be the one sitting at home while we're out having all the fun. Come play with us Aug. 22 and 23 in Tarkio.

Really, you won't regret it!

To view the list of winners and meet our amazing sponsorings, visit Fairfaxmed.com