Thanks to three gifts totaling $850,000 from Larson Manufacturing, Dale Larson and the Larson Family Foundation, Brookings Health System Foundation’s capital campaign to support the hospital expansion and renovation project has exceeded $3.6 million.

“As a community, we need a local hospital to care for our citizens,” said Dale Larson, Chairman of the Board of Larson Manufacturing. “The private sector and civic organizations should join forces to help build a state-of-the-art health care facility to support our growing community.”

The current hospital was built in 1964. Since that time, Brookings County’s population has increased by over 60 percent. In addition, health care delivery has changed from mainly overnight hospital stays to predominantly same-day procedures where patients go home to recuperate.

“Brookings Health System’s plans for the hospital expansion and renovation project include updating care areas to meet patients’ changing needs,” said Larson Family Foundation Executive Director Maree Larson. “Supporting Brookings Health System’s project helps ensure the Brookings community will have local access to the high quality health care they deserve.”

The gifts also continue the Larson giving tradition.

“Sharing with our community is a part of Larson Manufacturing’s culture,” said Larson Manufacturing President and CEO Jeff Rief. “Our organization understands the role high-quality health care plays in an economically vibrant community. We’re pleased to support Brookings Health System Foundation and the hospital project.”

In addition to the most recent gifts, Dale and his late wife, Patricia, were lead donors in 2013 to support building The Neighborhood at Brookview skilled nursing home. Larson Manufacturing also helps sponsor the Foundation’s annual sporting clays event.

In less than eight months the Foundation’s current capital campaign has reached 78 percent of the $4.6 million goal thanks to the generosity of several donors.

“Our campaign stands as a testament to our strong philanthropic community,” said Brookings Health System Foundation Chair Roberta Olson. “Visionary leaders like Larson Manufacturing and the Larson Family are stepping forward to keep heath care close to home and to create an impact on Brookings’ future.”

Donors contributing $1,000 or more to the capital campaign will be included in a permanent donor wall near the front entrance of the renovated hospital. To learn more about the campaign and how you can give, please contact Foundation Director Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or visit www.brookingshealth.org/Foundation.

About Brookings Health System Foundation

The mission of Brookings Health System Foundation is “Inspiring people to support Brookings Health System through philanthropy, recognizing the vital role of local healthcare in sustaining quality of life in our community.” Gifts to the Foundation support charity health care for those less fortunate, health and wellness education, facility, equipment, and technology upgrades and other needs as they arise at Brookings Health System. For more information about Brookings Health System Foundation or how you may contribute, please contact Foundation Director Barb Anderson at (605) 696-8855 or foundation@brookingshealth.org.

About Brookings Health System

Brookings Health System, located in Brookings, South Dakota, includes a 49-bed hospital, the 79-bed The Neighborhoods at Brookview nursing home, Brookhaven Estates senior living apartments, Yorkshire Eye Clinic, and medical clinics in Arlington, White and Volga, South Dakota. It is a non-profit, city-owned facility that offers the community a full range of inpatient, outpatient, surgical and extended care services. The emergency room is staffed 24 hours a day and provides around the clock patient needs ranging from minor injuries to life threatening crises. For more information about the services offered at Brookings Health System, please call (605) 696-9000 or visit us on the Web at brookingshealth.org.