For the past two years, Mahaska Hospice and Community Health employees have been anxiously awaiting the move to their new home, the Mahaska Health West building (former Family Medical Center building), 1225 C Ave. East in Oskaloosa.

The Mahaska Health Partnership (MHP) Foundation and the Mahaska Hospice Foundation began a fundraising campaign to cover costs for the renovation project in January of 2003. The goal of the capital campaign was to raise $300,000. In November of 2003, MHP announced the completion of the campaign, which exceeded the $300,000 goal. 

MHP employee, corporate and community contributions had a huge impact on the first ever MHP capital campaign. MHP employee donations exceeded $30,000 in what was the first employee campaign held to raise money for a MHP project.

The corporate campaign was also very successful because of donations by many local businesses. The following organizations were lead corporate contributors, with donations exceeding $5,000:

- Clow Valve Company: $30,000
- MidWest One Financial Group: $30,000
- First National Bank Midwest: $30,000
- Musco: $30,000
- TD&T Financial Group: $10,000
- Bank Iowa: $6,000
- Horizon Federal Savings Bank: $6,000
- Garden and Associates: $6,000
- Smith Wake Investments: $5,000

The final piece was the community campaign, which helped put the total campaign over the $300,000 mark. MHP CEO, Jay Christensen is pleased the goal was met and feels Mahaska Health West will complete the MHP campus.  

"We were very pleased to reach our $300,000 goal on our first significant fundraising effort. It's a testimony to the commitment of the many people who worked on the project. It helps us complete our goal of a centralized health campus," said Christensen.

Construction crews are putting the finishing touches on the building and Community Health and Hospice employees are preparing for the big move. Bev Gray, Community Health Staff RN, is anticipating the move and feels the new location will benefit patients.

"We've been looking forward to the move since the capital campaign began. Our new location will be more convenient for the public and will give people easy access to the doctors and hospital," said Gray.

Community Health and Mahaska Hospice plan to move during the week of June 27. If you need to speak with someone from either department on June 30 or July 1, please call 672-3100 and the switchboard will assist you. For directions to Mahaska Health West, please click here.