CMH launches campaign to raise $3 million
The Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation kicked off a campaign to raise $3 million to help equip the planned expansion with the latest medical technology. At a ceremony on June 15, CMH Foundation President Sheryl Jones Alu announced that $1.3 million in gifts and pledges has already been received.

Alu also expressed her pleasure at the selection of Michael and Wanda King as co-chairs of the capital campaign. “We knew that it would require very special leadership to reach our goal,” she said. “The foundation is very excited that Michael and Wanda have agreed to take on this challenge.”

During the kick-off, CMH Board President Cliff Stewart talked about the role of philanthropy in today’s changing healthcare environment. “CMH is one of the lowest cost hospitals in the state (4th out of 47),” he said. “This has been achieved through excellent fiscal management and by not spending money on extravagant items that are not necessary.”

He added, “This saves our residents millions of dollars each year.” Additionally, the hospital gives comfort and care to those in need. Last year alone, CMH provided $4 million in care to those without insurance or unable to pay their bills.

“Without community support,” Stewart said, “it would be difficult for Calvert Memorial to offer the latest technology, expand services, build new facilities and renovate aging ones.”

At the celebration, CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis talked about the project’s impact on Calvert.  “The expanded facilities will address the immediate demand,” he said, “and prepare us for the future growth of the community.”

According to Xinis, this is the largest expansion in the hospital’s history. When complete, one fourth (or 71,767 square feet) of the hospital will be new or rebuilt.

 The $32 million project includes a greatly expanded Emergency Department, a new 10-bed Critical Care Unit, 16 additional acute care beds and 372 more parking spaces. It also features a modernized laboratory and a concourse dedicated to outpatient services.

The lack of space has created problems including overcrowding and longer waits. To fund the project, the hospital is selling bonds at favorable rates and launching a capital campaign to raise $3 million from the community to purchase much-needed equipment.

“Board members, trustees and those closest to the hospital have already made significant contributions,” said Xinis. “Our co-chairs led the way with a major gift.” In the coming months, our medical staff and employees will conduct special drives, he added.

Other community leaders and local business owners have made important contributions. The DM Group, a 35-year-old printing company, has pledged $50,000 toward the campaign.

“There is no more important job than watching out for the local hospital,” said Kirk Swain, president, DM Group. “It improves the lives of everyone in the community.” He encourages others to consider making their pledges over a five-year period. “We can do more by making regular payments.”

All contributions to the hospital are tax-deductible as allowed by law. Checks should be made payable to the CMH Foundation and mailed to: PO Box 2127, Prince Frederick, MD 20678. If you have questions or would like to make special arrangements, please call the Foundation office at 410-535-8178.