Hays Medical Center Foundation

Goal: $10,000.00

Specific Need

Plans are in the works for a new, nearly $1 million CHI initiative called Lifelong Vitality.

A 2022 study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity* found that as adults age, overall physical activity promotion correlated to significantly reduced incidence of falls, increased social outcomes, capacity to perform daily tasks, physical function, and socialization. In short, promoting healthy activity helps people not only live longer, but improves their quality of life, mental health, and ability to live independently as well. Rural communities that provide activity and socialization opportunities for all their residents demonstrate a commitment to the health and well-being of the population across a lifespan. Lifelong Vitality is an opportunity to provide the tools, space, and programming to build on the mission of improving the health of those in our northwestern Kansas community.

The physical improvements of Lifelong Vitality will adapt the CHI to a multigenerational, indoor/outdoor fitness experience that not only addresses the physical health needs of individuals across the lifespan but also provides the tools to incorporate interactive fitness and wellness programs suitable for all ages to experience together, improving overall quality of life. The prominent feature will be an outdoor, publicly accessible, 25,000 sq ft area featuring artificial turf, shade structures, accessible outdoor fitness equipment, agility, yoga, and stretching areas built to encourage fitness by providing access to these tools to anyone at any time.

More than half of the nearly $1 million has been raised, and the HaysMed Foundation is seeking additional support to bring this vision to fruition. 

*Pinheiro, M.B., Oliveira, J.S., Baldwin, J.N. et al. Impact of physical activity programs and services for older adults: a rapid review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 19, 87 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12966-022-01318-9

Mission

Profile

In an effort to address the increasing challenges faced by the medical community, the HaysMed Foundation was established in 1995. The Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization as described more specifically in Internal Revenue Service Code 509(a)(3) as a supporting organization of Hays Medical Center.

The HaysMed Foundation is a separate legal entity from HaysMed and is the designated depository and trustee for all current and future charitable gift assets to HaysMed.

The HaysMed Foundation is dedicated to support, assist and promote the interest and welfare of Hays Medical Center, its programs and activities. The Foundation is governed by a board of community volunteers.

Generous support from individuals, families, organizations, foundations and corporations, has assisted HaysMed in meeting the demands for physical growth and modernization, proactive educational programming, and recruitment and retention of superior clinical and administrative professionals.

Gifts to the HaysMed Foundation help provide enhanced health care services for the entire region.