(Mt. Vernon, Illinois) Don and Harriett Koch have built a lifetime focusing on what matters to them most—faith, family, and community.
And as part of their support of a strong community, they have helped ensure the region has the very best medical care. Their donation to Good Samaritan has not only helped the hospital advance medical care in the area, but also fund construction of the world-class Good Samaritan Regional Health Center.
“We believe that one of the most important assets of any community is quality health care,” explains Harriett. Don adds: “We have a strong commitment to this community and have received so much from it. We want to give back.”
But the couple’s support of Good Samaritan Regional Health Center is not new to their family. In fact, you might say it’s in their genes.
A History of Support
As a child growing up in the area, Harriett, now 71, remembers watching construction of the current Good Samaritan Regional Health Center and her parents’ support of that project. Her mother was a “Pink Lady” volunteer in the hospital and her father, a local farmer, served on the Lay Advisory Board. Little did Harriett know that one day three of her four grandchildren would be born at Good Samaritan.
“I remember my parents’ support of the hospital. It was something important to them and is now very important to us,” explains Harriett. “To us there is no better way to help our community than to support our church, schools, and medical facilities.”
Don, from Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Harriett, from Woodlawn, Ill., married 49 years ago and spent most of their married life in Carlyle, Ill., where they raised their son, Jay. But 13 years ago, the retired educators moved to Mount Vernon to be close to their family and the community they both call home. Now, as second-generation supporters of the hospital, Harriett and Don are watching as the new Good Samaritan Regional Health Center becomes a reality.
A New Era of Health Care
Building on the commitment to quality and compassionate health care, Good Samaritan Regional Health Center will offer expanded services and amenities in a state-of-the-art facility.
“The new health center will be a tremendous asset to the region,” says Don. “Not only will it draw physicians to the area and provide job opportunities, but also provide our region with outstanding health care.”
Among many other features, the health center will include an expanded critical care unit and emergency department to allow for the care of seriously ill or injured patients. And the new Procedure Center will offer convenient, accessible care for outpatient needs.
In addition, Good Samaritan Regional Health Center’s healing environment will enhance patient comfort and privacy. Each room will feature a private bathroom and shower, as well as a “family zone” with accommodations so loved ones can stay overnight. The facility also offers other comforts to visitors, such as cozy waiting areas with museum-quality artwork.
“Every aspect of this new facility has been carefully planned to meet the needs of patients, visitors, and our staff,” says Good Samaritan Regional Health Center Foundation Executive Director Bruce Flanigan.
“This is truly a different experience in health care. We are proud to offer compassionate, highly-skilled care in a facility that offers every comfort and convenience.”
Construction Plan On-Track
Development of the new Good Samaritan Regional Health Center, a $237 million undertaking, continues to be on-track. The facility is expected to begin accepting patients in January 2013 and will serve as a health care destination for the entire region.
“The health center will continue to provide cutting-edge treatment and expertise close to home,” says Flanigan. “But now it will serve the needs of even more patients in a beautiful, world-class facility.”
This tremendous undertaking—and the community benefits it will provide—has received tremendous support from many generous donors like the Kochs.
“This is one of the most exciting developments in our area,” says Don. “We are happy to be a part of it.”