Continuing a Health Care Tradition

A Legacy of Health

Ask most folks what their health is worth to them and they reply without hesitation, “Everything!”  Wouldn’t it be great if you could give that gift of good health tour children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors? A planned gift, donation or will bequest to the Buchanan County Health Trust will ensure that the very best in health care will be available for their lifetime. The Buchanan County Health Trust Inc. is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 as a charitable corporation. The Trust originated with the foresight of providing funds for health-related projects across Buchanan County. All gifts to the Trust are tax-deductible. Gifts to the Health Trust are not spent, but instead added to our endowment. The interest generated by the endowment is then used to support organizations that are dedicated to improving the health of all Buchanan County citizens.

Past support has provided funds for a number of different projects.

Other Achievements

Since its inception, the Trust has loaned or granted funds to several non-profit organizations in Buchanan County providing health care services, such as:

• A loan to BCHC helped with construction costs of the Long Term Care Unit.
• A grant helped the Brandon First Responders to purchase a jaws-of-life unit.
• A grant assisted with physician recruitment.
• A grant helped the Winthrop Swimming Pool to buy backboards and rescue equipment.
• Grants to help the county's schools and first responder units purchase 12 separate defibrillators.
• Grants to purchase CPR training equipment for East Buchanan, Jesup and Independence school districts, as well as the Buchanan County chapter of the American Red Cross.
• Grants to the Buchanan County Volunteer Co-op to support crisis child care services, medical assistance and parenting classes.
• Grants to help with the purchase of emergency vehicles in Independence, Stanley and Lamont.
• Grants to help purchase generators for Buchanan County Emergency Management.
• Grants to help purchase a mammography machine, an ambulance and the new helipad at the Buchanan County Health Center.
• A more than $30,000 total investment in fitness equipment at the Therapy & Wellness Connection, the Aurora Comet Center and the Independence High School weight room.
• First aid supplies for St. John's School, Independence, Kid's Corner Daycare, Winthrop, and Boy Scout Troop 95, Jesup.
• Purchased more than $13,000 worth of vaccine over 5 years allowing hundreds of unprotected 7th and 8th graders across Buchanan County to receive the Hepatitis B vaccine series at no cost to their families.
• To date, the Trust has partnered with local health and health-related organizations to invest nearly $287,000 in 90 separate projects which improve health care for all Buchanan County residents.

What can my gift or bequest accomplish?

Your gift to the Buchanan County Health Trust will ensure that all citizens maintain access to quality health care. Specifically, you will be making a promise to our future: that the help they need will be there when they need it the most.

How can I benefit by giving a bequest?

Arranging your will gives you peace of mind and satisfaction. At the same time, you keep your flexibility. With a bequest, all your assets remain available to you during your lifetime.

A bequest also reduces estate taxes for some people. Other kinds of planned gifts can offer even greater tax advantages. The Buchanan County Health Trust Planned Giving Committee is happy to provide information about other planned gift options, too.

The Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is located in the hallway near the north entrance to Buchanan County Health Center. Through this display, we honor the names of people who, by their thoughtful generosity, have invested in the future of health care in Buchanan County. The beautiful cherry-wood sculpture recognizes supporters by having their names inscribed on brass name plates which are mounted on leaves made of soft maple, walnut, mahogany, hickory and white oak. The wood products used in the Tree of Life originated from the Buchanan County area. Metal plaques at the base of the tree represent the cornerstones; while large falling oak leaves represent lifetime donations.

While all gifts to the Trust are appreciated, recognition on the Tree of Life is limited to individuals or families contribution $1,500 or more. A gift totaling $25,000 or more qualifies an individual or a family to receive special recognition in the form of a cornerstone. Lifetime contributions of $100,000 or more are recognized through the falling oak leaves.

Board of Directors

The Buchanan County Health Trust is governed by a 10-member volunteer Board of Directors.

Directors are elected to serve 3-year terms.

2007 Board Members include:

• Dr. Jim McMillan – President
• Ryan Ruffcorn – Vice President
• Kay Hoffman – Secretary/Treasurer
• Janny Budzine – Director
• John Christensen – Director
• Mary Donlea – Director
• Jerry Fratzke – Director
• Susan Gruber – Director
• Donna Nielsen – Director
• Dr. Julie Sandell – Director
• Denny Wilson – Director
• Robert Richard – Ex-Officio
• Julie Sproull – Ex-Officio
• Ron Timpe – Ex-Officio
• Brenda Fuller – Corresponding Secretary

Contact Us

Buchanan County Health Trust
1600 First Street E
Independence, Iowa 50644

Phone: 319-334-7204
Fax: 319-334-6149
Email: bfuller@bchealth.info