Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation Celebrates Successes at AGM

SYDNEY, NS “ The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation (CBRHF) hosted their Annual General Meeting Thursday March 27, 2014 in the Regional Hospital Cafeteria.

Seventeen year old Autumn MacDonald, Mental Health and Addictions patient shared her journey through mental health with a silent crowd. As she reflected on the dark memories of her past, MacDonald said, “Mental Health and Addiction Services saved my life.”

This past September, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation kicked off a, never been done before, $1.35 million Mental Health Campaign. Autumn MacDonald received services from one of the outreach programs that the campaign supports, CaperBase.

The meeting brought together CBRHF board members, staff, donors, volunteers and community members. Incoming Chair of CBRHF Board of Directors, Patricia MacNeil calls the year a “great success”.

In 2013, the CBRHF celebrated several milestones. The Foundation received its largest non-governmental gift at more than $692,000 from the Cape Breton Mental Health Foundation. The past year also saw 12 patient room renovations in the Pediatric Unit at the Regional Hospital. Each room is kid-themed and brightens both the walls and the spirits of little patients.

CBRHF CEO, Brad Jacobs tells attendees, “There is a lot to celebrate here tonight.” This past year has been one of the most successful in the Foundation’s history. “We surpassed our goal in 2013 and have set a goal to raise $10.5 million over three years, for better healthcare in Cape Breton.” Jacobs explains that the Foundation saw a drop in operating costs and an increase in disbursements of more than $1 million to various units including, the cancer centre, pediatrics, mental health, operating room, renal dialysis, and patient funds at the Regional Hospital.

Reflecting on the events of 2013, Patricia MacNeil says, “The number of patients coming through the doors at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital is continuing to grow and so are the priority needs. Without the support of donors and volunteers like you, we wouldn’t be able to have the impact on patients.”

From the soft spoken voice of Autumn MacDonald, the impact that the CBRHF has made is clear. The CBRHF’s vision for 2014 is to care for more patients, like MacDonald, here at home.