We began “Expanding our Horizons” Capitol Campaign in 2003. An independent study, conducted by a company out of Ft. Worth, established our “Case for Support” in for the amount of $3.5 million. This study was conducted a year in advance of starting our campaign. We were aware of the numerous other fundraising efforts being presented to the community, however, the need for improved health care and renovation and expansion of our 35-year-old hospital building was a priority to the patients and community. This was the ONLY project that positively effected every man, women and child that came within a 50 mile radius of Palo Pinto General Hospital.
The Board of Trustee's of PPGH were adamant about NOT raising taxes to fund this need so they set out on a mission to procure two separate commitments. First, the hospital Board of Trustee's needed to investigate the procurement of a low interest loan for the “bricks and mortar” portion of the building, then once assured the loan could be funded, the board addressed the need for equipment and furnishings to the Board of Directors of the Palo Pinto Area Foundation. The PPAF board, consists of leaders in our county who have been instrumental in raising funds three different times for the hospital; in 1969 to start the hospital; in 1981 to add the second floor and again in 1994 to renovate the Emergency Room and Women's Center, which today are award winning Centers of Excellence at Palo Pinto General Hospital.
In 1969 we built a one-story hospital on the West end of Mineral Wells. Eighty-bed hospital with emergency room capabilities of, 2 operating rooms, 2 examination and treatment rooms along with a surgical area consisting of 2 operating suites and a 5-bed recovery area. Medical and Maternity would have 2 delivery rooms, 2 labor rooms, 1 recovery room and 10 bassinets. The total funds needed for the building project were $2,519,000.00. With Bond issue funds amounting to $1,200,000.00, Hill-Burton funds from Federal Government of $900,00.00 and Palo Pinto County Tax Revenue of $112,000.00, the total revenue needed from private donors, in 1969, was $209,000.00.
The campaign was successful and a beautiful new hospital was built. The foundation was also responsible for reimbursing the County for operating expenses for the temporary hospital, which was housed in the Crazy Water Hotel since 1968. The community came together and proudly supported the efforts to improve the quality of life in Palo Pinto County.
Philanthropy was an absolute necessity in 1969, to make Palo Pinto General Hospital a success. Today, more and more major hospitals, as well as rural hospitals, are dependent on Philanthropy to supplement their needs. The bottom line margin is shrinking due to reimbursement issues from Medicare/Medicaid, insurance etc. The donated dollar is a “pure” dollar (worth 100 cents). Generally it would take about $10.00 in revenue to the net bottom line to equal a donated dollar.
