The North Sunflower Medical Foundation has donated $1 million to help Ruleville-based North Sunflower Medical Center invest in cybersecurity systems.
The foundation announced the donation this week, saying the funds are intended to “help protect hospitals, patients, and the people who work here from cyberattacks,” according to a release this week.
“In Ruleville, we watch each other's backs,” said Stacey Davis, deputy executive director of the North Sunflower Medical Foundation. “The Foundation is proud to step in and make this gift to help those who support the Foundation. We are proud to stand with those who support us.”
The Foundation is the philanthropic arm of North Sunflower Medical Center. This provides an opportunity for the medical center's family and community to support her NSMC through increased community understanding and support. The mission of NSMF is to: “Promote the health and wellness of the residents of Sunflower County and surrounding areas by supporting the strengthening of quality health care and provide educational grants aimed at retaining health care professionals,” and Partnering with local government agencies on health-related issues. ”
The foundation noted that the majority of its donors work in some capacity at NSMC.
“The fact that members of the NSMC family make personal and financial sacrifices in support of the places they work is a blessing to our hospital, our community, and most importantly, to families across the Delta. “This is a profound statement about the people who work together to provide the best health care. Health care is available everywhere,” the release said.
Although NSMC has not reported any direct cyberattacks against hospitals, hospitals are not immune to the trickle-down effect of large-scale attacks on the healthcare industry.
The Change Healthcare cyberattack in February affected the majority of hospitals in the country and resulted in the suspension of reimbursement for many services. NSMC was one of the hospitals that suffered due to prolonged power outage after the attack.
NSMC Executive Director Billy Marlowe asked the county in April to approve the hospital's request for a $9.5 million loan facility from Planters Bank in case cash flow becomes an issue.
At that point, the hospital had cash on hand and hoped it wouldn't have to draw on its loan facility.
Mr. Davis said this investment demonstrates how NSMC is leading in technology, always thinking ahead and proactively working on cutting-edge care.
NSMF raises funds in a variety of ways, including:
Annual Gift: We support you through a variety of programs that encourage entry-level giving. Approximately 500 employees donate an annual percentage of their salaries to the foundation.
Gifts of Remembrance: Provide an opportunity to remember those living or deceased whose kindness and love touched our lives. Gifts can also be given in memory of someone who has passed away or in honor of someone celebrating a birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, retirement, etc. A memorial notice will be sent to the person or family being honored in their honor or memory.
Planned gift: When a person leaves a portion of their estate to a hospital foundation in a will or establishes a charitable gift annuity or trust.
Corporate gifts: Companies working together to improve tomorrow's healthcare.
Programming: Special events such as golf/tennis tournaments and Relay for Life.
Special/Signature Gift: A one-time large gift from an individual donor. Naming opportunities are also available.
If you would like to consider donating to the North Sunflower Medical Foundation, please contact Stacy Davis via email at stacy.davis@nsmedicalfoundation.org.
