Falls Memorial Hospital Employees Give Back to the Hospital in Record Numbers. Employee Giving club membership reaches 90 percent. International Falls, MN (May 20, 2009) — The Falls Memorial Hospital Foundation reached a membership milestone last week when 90 percent of hospital employees donated to the organization’s employee giving club, PRISMS, which stands for: People Reflecting Inspiration, Spirit Motivating Success. “This overwhelming success is an example of FMH employees’ strong commitment to and belief in the organization and its future,” says PRISMS committee chairperson and FMH RN Betsy Loop. “The fact that 90 percent of our employees give part of their paycheck back to their employer speaks volumes about how they value the healthcare of our entire community.” The membership drive held May 5 – 11 is the group’s 3rd Annual. In 2007, 62 percent of hospital employees joined PRISMS and purchased a new chemistry hood for the pharmacy. In 2008, PRISMS had 76 percent participation and used the funds to purchase a bili-basinet, equipment that provides phototherapy treatment for newborns with jaundice. The almost $11,000 raised and pledged through this year’s membership drive will be earmarked for a future project in the hospital’s new facility. FMH is a not-for-profit organization, which means any excess revenues after expenses are reinvested in the organization. FMH’s not-for-profit mission also focuses on the diverse needs of the communities it serves and isn’t directed toward stockholder returns on an investment. The hospital’s routine replacement and upkeep of equipment is increasingly difficult to support from payment received for providing healthcare services. Larger investments, such as facility projects or major equipment purchases, require the organization to borrow money. Philanthropy reduces the amount of debt required for projects and the need to use cash resources that must be maintained to ensure financial stability and borrowing capacity for these needed projects. In 2008, FMH provided more than $96,000 in community benefit activities, including flu shots, an expired medication disposal drive, childbirth education classes, planned for ACLS ambulance service, mentoring/student shadowing, sponsorships and support of other local non-profit groups and more. Of that amount, more than $60,000 accounted for uncompensated care provided through the hospital’s Community Care program, which provides free or reduced-cost healthcare to patients who are unable to pay fully for services received at the hospital.