Foundation News

Boone Hospital Foundation Helps Keep Our Community Safe

In the last year, the Boone Hospital Foundation has supported the Emergency Services (EMS) department at Boone Health with financial backing to help improve patient experience. Through the generosity of Drs. Gary and Roberta Minish, we were able to buy a medically equipped UTV with trailer that enables the EMS team to access patients easier in specific settings. Gary Minish grew up in a rural area and envisioned the UTV being sent out to help those injured or taken ill in rural settings to receive medical treatment more quickly, and accessing places where ambulances cannot reach. The vehicle is also able to get to patients during crowded events. We are grateful for their willingness to help the EMS team at Boone Health do their best for our community.

The Foundation approved the request to buy the HAAS Alert system for the Boone Health Ambulance Fleet. The system sends out alerts to certain factory infotainment equipment and cellular navigation applications in vehicles to help avoid traffic incidents, one of the biggest threats first responders face while responding to calls for help. It also connects with other emergency vehicles in the area. The HAAS system helps protect those on the road during emergencies.

The Foundation also supports ongoing training and certification for the Emergency Services team, sending Boone Health employees to an emergency vehicle drivers instruction course that would enable them to become instructors, ensuring that the Boone Health fleet is well-trained in the field. We also recently sent eleven EMS employees to the Bryant Gladney Foundation education conference in May 2025, for continuing education and best practice training. These efforts speak to the Foundation’s mission to improve the health of the people and the communities we serve.

In health and wellness,

Monica CollinsMPA Executive Director, Boone Hospital Foundation