Imprint Making your mark on community health - Allina Health

Saving and improving lives
A message from Linda Dircks, Foundation Board Chair
As I look back at 2009, it was an exciting year as we engaged community
members and formed a number of meaningful partnerships. It also was a
very rewarding year as much of the work we do, with the help of
generous donors, are life-saving endeavors.
The Foundation funded the life-sustaining, Lucus Device for all three
Allina ambulances. The Lucas Device performs chest compression to keep
blood flowing in patients suffering a heart attack. Just a few years ago we
purchased the same unit for our Emergency Room and have saved a
number of lives with that piece of equipment.
In partnership with Wright Hennepin’s Operation Round Up program, The Community Health
Foundation of Wright County, Elim Care Foundation, local firefighters and law enforcement, we
funded and implemented Project Lifesaver. Eight families quickly signed up for a radio-transmitting
bracelet that can help locate an individual who has wandered away as a result of Autism, Alzheimer’s
disease or other related disorders.
Many of the Foundation’s fundraising activities in 2009 involved the color pink. As a result of Tough
Enough To Wear Pink initiatives with the Buffalo and Hamel Rodeos and the Pink Street Party in
partnership with Sara’s Dance Foundation, we were able to host two Mammo Parties. The parties
gave 68 women the opportunity to receive a mammogram, some pampering and education too.
And finally, the Foundation is wrapping
babies born at Buffalo Hospital in love with
Halo SleepSacks.We are providing a two-year
supply of this wearable blanket designed to
promote a safe sleep environ-ment and
reduce the risk of SIDs. Every baby born at
Buffalo Hospital will now go home with his
or her own Halo Sleep Sack.
So, you can see, our work has such an incredible impact on those we serve. Your charitable gifts
truly are lifesaving.
On behalf of the entire Foundation Board, I’d like thank each and every donor who has made
a commitment to the Buffalo Hospital Foundation. Your gift, large or small, has an impact on <strong>your</strong>
family, friends and neighbors.