NORWICH – The Chenango Memorial Hospital Foundation’s annual campaign is well underway with a focus on primary care. Gretchen Walsh, this year’s campaign chair, is looking to beat last year’s total of nearly $91,000. “This year we’re targeting business donors,” Walsh said. “Historically, individual donors have accounted for the majority of gifts. We really want to see more participation by businesses.”

By year end, CMH is expected to serve 80,000 patients in its health and school based centers, over 2,300 acute care patients (including over 250 moms and their babies) and over 15,000 patients in the emergency room. Many of these patients are employed or have ties to local businesses.

These are not small numbers. Less often recognized is the hospital’s contribution to the local economy. In 2009, according to the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS), Chenango Memorial will have a total economic impact in the community of well over $86,000,000. This includes payroll for full and part-time employees plus contractors and others. It also includes supply and capital expenditures to keep the hospital functioning.