The Pembroke Regional Hospital (PRH) Foundation proudly announced the public launch of its $10 million “Together, We Care” Campaign on June 4th - a transformative initiative to strengthen healthcare for families across the Upper Ottawa Valley.

 

Now in its third year of quiet fundraising efforts, the campaign has already made a significant impact. Thanks, in part, to generous donors and fundraising initiatives, a total of $7.1 million has been raised to date, supporting critical investments in patient care. While this milestone reflects the strength of the community, the Foundation emphasized that reaching the full $10 million goal remains a significant and essential undertaking.

 

“This campaign is a true reflection of what can be achieved when a community comes together,” said Roger Martin, Executive Director of the PRH Foundation. “We’ve made incredible progress, but there is still important work ahead to ensure our hospital has the tools it needs to provide exceptional care, close to home.”

 

Since April 2024, through the campaign’s quiet phase and the generosity of donors, the Foundation has funded 84 new and replacement pieces of equipment, directly improving patient care across the hospital. These investments include advanced technologies like the MOLLI Surgical System for breast cancer procedures and the HUGS Infant Protection System, enhancing newborn safety. Donors have also helped fund three of the five required ultrasound machines, used nearly 10,000 times annually.

 

“Every investment made through this campaign is rooted in one goal - delivering the best possible care to our patients,” said Sabine Mersmann, President and CEO of Pembroke Regional Hospital. “With the support of our community, we can continue to evolve, innovate, and meet the growing needs of those we serve.”

 

The campaign will continue to focus on high-priority needs, including the purchase of a new CT scanner, which will provide more than 15,000 scans annually - enhancing diagnosis, enabling more efficient treatment, and helping patients return home to their families sooner. Funds will also support the implementation of the Epic health information system featuring the MyChart patient portal, improving access to care by giving patients real-time access to their health information.

 

Campaign Chair Dr. Christy Natsis brought a deeply personal connection to her role - not only as a leader, but as both a donor and a cancer survivor who received care at PRH. During the launch, she shared her story, speaking with heartfelt passion about the impact of the hospital and leaving a meaningful impression on those in attendance.

 

Also in attendance was Dennis Carr, President and CEO of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), who spoke to the importance of strong community partnerships in advancing local healthcare. In a highlight moment of the evening, it was announced that Canadian Nuclear Laboratories and Nuclear Laboratory Partners of Canada (NLPC) had committed a transformational $250,000 donation to the Together, We Care Campaign. This significant investment underscored the impact of corporate leadership in community health and provided meaningful momentum as the campaign continues toward its $10 million goal.

 

Guiding the campaign is a dedicated Campaign Cabinet, led by Dr. Natsis alongside members Lisa Edmonds, Terry Lussier, Andre Mickovitch, Carole Nevills, Mike Thompson, and Caitlin Cybuski. Working closely with the Cabinet is the PRH Foundation team - Claire Johnson, Stacy Taylor, and Executive Director Roger Martin - who continue to engage donors and partners across the region.

 

The campaign is further strengthened by leadership from within the hospital, including Staff and Family Lead Colleen Ferneyhough and Physician Lead Dr. Chris de Jesus, who are helping to build awareness and support among staff and physicians.

 

At the public launch event, attendees had the opportunity to connect with key clinical and project leaders, including Dr. Pawel Stefanski, Chief of Radiology, who shared insights on the importance of the hospital’s CT scanner, and Laurie Menard, who highlighted the impact that Epic and MyChart will have on the patient experience.

 

PRH Foundation Board Chair Lisa Edmonds shared her pride in the community, stating, “With a proud history spanning more than 150 years, Pembroke Regional Hospital has always relied on the strength and compassion of its community. The ‘Together, We Care’ Campaign builds on that legacy - helping to shape a future where patients have access to leading-edge technology, improved experiences, and exceptional care close to home.”

 

The PRH Foundation invited the community to be part of this important journey by livestreaming the event courtesy of Shawn Behnke of ComBEtek. Click link to replay and learn more: https://prhfoundation.com/together-we-care-campaign/

Help us build the future of care, right here, close to home — because together, we care.

 

For more information, please contact:

Roger Martin - Executive Director

Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation

roger.martin@prh.ca

(613) 732-2811 ext. 6223 or visit www.prhfoundation.com