Kawartha ATV Association advancing care close to home

Kim Coulter, RMH

KAWARTHA LAKES: Members of the Kawartha ATV Association (KATVA) find adventure on the trails. They find care at Ross Memorial Hospital (RMH). Thanks to KATVA’s generous support for the Ross through their annual fundraising Poker Run, patients at the Ross receive the best care possible with access to the latest medical equipment, life-saving technology, and services and spaces which grow with our community.

KATVA’s Poker Run on Saturday, June 1st, attracted more than 215 participants, with 47 volunteers supporting the ride through the Pinery and Five Points forests, the silent auction, draws, and dinner. The event was more than a big success. It resulted in an impactful donation to the Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation.

On July 26th, KATVA representatives visited the Ross to present their latest gift, a cheque for $15,000, to help fund the proposed expansion of the Emergency Department to include a Mental Health Emergency Services Unit (MHESU). The MHESU will provide a safe space to prevent self-harm, private rooms for crisis care, as well as a private waiting room. Modernized mental health treatment areas will optimize the safety and security of staff and patients and support the projected 44 percent increase in patients requiring crisis intervention in the Emergency Department. This project is now proceeding through the Ministry of Health capital planning process.

This latest contribution from KATVA brings the group’s cumulative giving total to $65,429. KATVA’s donations have supported care for patients in the Mental Health department, Diagnostic Imaging, and Operating Suites and helped fund equipment, including new X-ray technology and IV pumps.

“Our team works hard to deliver the services and care our community relies on, and we know our community works hard to support our team,” said Kelly Isfan, RMH President and CEO. "Thank you to the Kawartha ATV Association and all Poker Run participants and volunteers for helping drive exceptional care at Ross Memorial Hospital through your generous support.”