DeWitt Medical Foundation Presents $60,000 from Gala 2019 Event Proceeds to Cuero Regional Hospital’s LINC Program
DeWitt Medical Foundation Board of Trustees presented a $60,000 check to Cuero Regional Hospital leadership on Thursday, July 30th to support their LINC program, which provides scholarships for registered nursing candidate interested in working at Cuero Regional Hospital. This check includes 100% of the 2019 Gala XII - An Evening Under the Oaks proceeds.
“In presenting these funds to Cuero Regional Hospital, we will help the hospital address the nationwide nursing shortage and ensure our community has the best people serving their medical needs,” said Martin Leske, President of DeWitt Medical Foundation.
“DeWitt Medical Foundation would like to thank everyone who donated their time and efforts in coordinating the 2019 Gala event. Special thanks to Suzanne Bell, our Gala chair, and to our generous event sponsors, underwriters and auction winning bidders that helped to make this gift of $60,000 to CRH possible. We would also like to thank the community we serve for their continued support of their local hospital system,” said Leske.
Presenting a check in the amount of $60,000 from DMF to CRH Senior Leadership is, from left to right: Randall Jochim, DMF treasurer; Lynn Falcone, CEO of Cuero Health; Judy Krupala, CNO of Cuero Regional Hospital and Suzanne Bell, DMF 2019 Gala Chair and DMF Vice President.
Judy Krupala, CNO of Cuero Regional Hospital, shared details on the LINC program, which was established in 1993 as a way to “grow our own” staff.
“At that time, the nursing shortage was severe. And, we had employees who wanted to pursue a professional healthcare career, but were unable to do so due to financial or educational constraints. The LINC program was the solution, enabling participants to attend school full-time and work part-time, while maintaining full salary benefits. Once they complete the program, they are required to sign a contract with the hospital for a commitment of approximately 5 years,” said Krupala.
LINC was a collaborative effort with the Texas Hospital Association and multiple small rural hospitals to offer this special educational opportunity to employees aspiring to become Registered Nurses and Allied Health Professionals. While it began for RN’s, it has been opened up for other Allied Health Positions to benefit from the program. Cuero Regional Hospital currently has 3 students in the program and the cost is approximately $15,000 per student which covers books, tuition, uniforms etc.
“This presentation of $60,000 from DeWitt Medical Foundation to Cuero Regional Hospital’s LINC program will cover the cost of four students to complete their dreams of furthering their career in healthcare, as well as help to maintain critical nursing staff levels at a time when we can all agree, skilled and quality healthcare is absolutely vital,” said Leske. “We are grateful to all of our supporters of Gala 2019 that made this possible. Your investment into the future of healthcare in our community will have a lasting impact.”
To learn more about DeWitt Medical Foundation, follow them on Facebook or visit www.CueroHospital.org and click on “MORE” then “Foundation.”