News.Newsletter. Events

News Bulletin:
Challenges Facing Wishard Hospital Shown to Be Too Numerous for Effective Renovation
Hospital’s plan to build new facilities will require no tax increase

On July 12, Wishard Health Services announced its plans to build a new hospital after independent, architectural and engineering studies determined there is no option to renovate the current Wishard facilities. With critical resources, such as one of only two adult Level 1 Trauma Centers in the state, Indiana’s busiest emergency department, the state’s only psychiatric emergency department and the region’s only adult burn center, Wishard has earned the reputation for providing critical care for central Indiana’s most traumatic injuries.

Currently Wishard occupies 17 different buildings on property adjacent to the IUPUI campus. Some of the buildings that currently house patient care date back to 1914. Wishard’s outdated, sprawling and cobbled-together facilities also create inefficiencies. There is only one elevator to transport patients needing surgery from the emergency department. The hallways are often crowded with visitors, children, supplies and other hindrances. It is not uncommon for patients to travel the length of more than three football fields to receive the treatment they need.

In the last five years, Wishard has cut total property tax as a percent of total revenue from 15.3 percent in 2004 to approximately 5.4 percent in 2009. Overall, property taxes will provide Wishard with $24.9 million. Each year the project is delayed, it will cost Wishard $53 million and increase the risk of catastrophic failure.

With no candidate elections this year, the Wishard referendum bond will be the only countywide bond issue on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County will need to win a majority vote and then receive approval from the City-County Council to advance with financing the bonds. For more information about Wishard Health Services, visit WishardFacts.org.

——————————————————————————————————————
Youth Updates

Lonnie Tate, former NFTF participant, returns from New York City to visit. Lonnie graduated from IU and is not working at a bank. Lonnie’s sister Ashley graduated from Tech High School and she will be going to IU in the fall. Ashley is a member of NFTF. Tory, the younger sister, attends Attucks and she too is a member of NFTF. Tory enrolled as a preschool youngster. Lonnie and Ashley became engaged with Concord during their elementary grades.

Yazzi Molina, former NFTF participant, returns from Miami to visit.
Yazzi received her bachelor’s degree in the field of physical therapy and will be starting her master’s program in the fall. Yazzi’s siblings were all participants at Concord and the family visits the center on an annual basis. Youngest of the Molina family, Javis, was enrolled at Concord at age one. Javis has recently graduated from high school in Miami.

10 of the IPS/Concord GED students graduated in May, 2009. The 10 graduates represented roughly 22% of the total graduates for the Spring 2009 Adult Education program. Good job Holly Crane, IPS teacher.

Damon Nance, Concord participant, graduated from Manual in May, 2009. Damon will be going to Vincennes University inf the fall. Damon has been an active member of the center for a few years. Damon is working his 2nd year at the center as a Jr. Day Camp Counselor.

Michelle McIntosh-Jackson completes her CNA training and is now preparing to take the State certification test. Michelle was a child participant of Concord and then went on through the intensive youth development program, NFTF. With help from donors Concord was able to assist Michelle with her tuition for training. Michelle’s entire family has been engaged at Concord and are just one of the many families Concord has enjoyed serving. GO Michelle!

Ron Capuyan visited recently. Ron was a former member of the Before & After school program and summer day camp. In high school Ron served as a junior counselor. Ron graduated from Ivy Tech with an Associates Degree in Biotechnology. Ron has been hired by Dow Agro.

Amber and April Sparks were in the audience for the Preschool graduation with Amber’s daughter graduating from the program. Amber and April were former NFTF participants. Amber and April are gaingfully employed. April volunteered in January to assist with the filing of tax returns for local families and seniors.

Amanda Allen graduates from Manual High School. Amanda will be attending Purdue this fall. Amanda has been a Concord participant since she was six years old. Amanda has two younger siblings who are also Concord participants.

Amber Clark graduated from the Clarian Health & Science program. Amber will be starting work at the Barrington Health Center in the next two weeks, as a medical assistant.

Lisa Mitchell will be a sophomore at Ivy Tech this fall. Lisa is working toward a degree in radiology.

Ian Jackson graduated from Perry Meridian and will be attending Trine University in Angola in the fall. Ian won Athlete of the Year at Perry Meridian in the spring of 2009 and Ian was the Homecoming King in the fall of 2008.

Trevor Jackson, aka Simba, with the Disney Corporation is now living in California. Trevor is doing many performances for various groups and productions in the CA area. Trevor is the lead singer in the band, Impakt and he is working on solo music too.

Derrick Husky Jr. graduates from Manual High School. Derrick’s dad was voted as an outstanding volunteer at the center. Derrick Sr. provides recreational activities for teens every Tuesday and Thursday evening.

Drums!