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In the News

Groundbreaking
By Steven Lerch
Express Editor
JONES COUNTY–Inclement weather did not deter more than 100 residents from attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Jones Regional Medical Center Friday, May 2.

    Granted the event was held indoors at the Fawn Creek Country Club instead of the project sight at 1791 Highway 64 East as prevailing winds and rain continued into the late evening.

    But gold shovels were presented anyway to the people and organizations spearheading the project. A box filled with ceremonial dirt was placed at the head of the presentation podium to symbolize the end of one journey and the beginning of another.

    “This day has been dreamed about; talked about; and thought about for more than a decade,” said C.E.O. of Jones Regional Medical Sean Williams. “The vision going forward is bright for Jones County.”  

    Jones Regional Medical Center is one of the only hospitals in the state to be building a brand new facility at a new location, not just renovating their current building, to meet the growing needs of its patients.

    More than $2.2 million of the $2.5 million goal has already been raised for “Your Family Needs You” fundraising campaign, which stands as the last in dollars needed to build the new medical center.

    Dr. John Bailey (retired), honorary co-chair of the “Your Family Needs You” fundraising campaign, spoke about how far Jones County has come with its medical facilities in the past 50 years; illustrating the early partnership with local funeral home services as the beginning of what has become the Jones County Emergency Medical Services, which according to Dr. Bailey, are today “second to none.”  

    Bob Bierer, a pizza delivery driver, was presented with a Jones Regional Medical Center Medal of Honor from Dr. Thomas Serbousek, Jones Regional Medical Center emergency physician for the heroic actions in the April 23 car accident on Buffalo Rd involving the family of Phillip Horak who were treated at Jones Regional.

    It was the first time that Bierer was ever honored in his home community after having received national media attention for his heroic deed this past week.

    “We are very proud to be partnered with Jones Regional Medical Center,” said Ted Townsend, president and CEO, St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids. “We have learned and continue to learn from you.”

    More than $12,000 in donations were submitted before the ceremony began. Site excavation began two weeks ago. The project is tentatively scheduled for completion during the fall of 2009.

 (Contact the writer at slerch@monticelloexpress.com)
   

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