Fundraiser hopes to bring simulation training labs to hospital
Whitefish Community Foundation has selected the North Valley Hospital Foundation as one of 50 nonprofits to take part in the annual Great Fish Challenge. This year’s project focus is on the SIM-MT traveling simulation training van, a tool that can help train nurses, physicians, and other clinical staff at North Valley Hospital in managing unusual yet challenging medical situations.
The Great Fish Challenge kicks off on July 26 this year. North Valley Hospital is continually grateful for the community support in recent years, and we’re asking you to partner with us again to support the SIM-MT training simulation schedule for North Valley Hospital.
What is SIM-MT?
SIM-MT is a nonprofit organization from Bozeman that operates the traveling simulation training lab. SIM-MT was created and funded initially by the Helmsley Foundation to provide three mobile labs for the state of Montana, fully outfitted with high fidelity simulation equipment.
Simulation involves the use of mannequins with a variety of levels of sophistication (fidelity). North Valley Hospital currently owns low fidelity simulation equipment, which allows for most clinical training. However, high fidelity simulators cost up to $100,000 and are highly technical machines requiring specialized expertise to operate.
The North Valley Hospital Foundation is raising money to allow use of this training resource at North Valley Hospital. This training can provide experience to nurses, CNAs, physicians, and other staff that will save lives.
How can SIM-MT help the Whitefish community?
North Valley Hospital, like other small, rural facilities in Montana, is not able to provide permanent, on-site training for very rare, life-threatening situations in a realistic way. With SIM-MT, these hospitals are fortunate to now have access to mobile, high fidelity training systems that require quick thinking, specific protocols, and an understanding of procedures and actions that can save a life when the unexpected occurs.
Bringing this advanced medical simulation training technology to providers at our local critical access hospital and clinics will ensure that nurses and physicians operate at the highest skill level no matter how unusual the medical emergency may be.
What is the fundraising goal?
The North Valley Hospital Foundation Board has approved this project to raise $100,000 for a broad fund to supplement clinical training at NVH. A goal of $40,000 was set in the Great Fish Challenge to focus on funding the highest priority project of bringing the SIM-MT mobile lab to North Valley Hospital and rural clinics. At times, the hospital and clinics may be able to include local fire departments, EMT’s and other first responders to be part of the specialized training at no cost to them.
How can I help bring this advanced medical training to North Valley Hospital?
By donating to North Valley Hospital Foundation through the Whitefish Community Foundation’s Great Fish Challenge, your gift will help us reach our goal. The process also allows individuals to make donations to multiple organizations at one time, simplifying the process. There is also an opportunity to give to the Whitefish Community Foundation match fund which potentially benefits all of the nonprofit participants at the end of the challenge.
Help us provide our nursing, clinical staff and first responders this specialized training. It could save YOUR life!
Allison Linville handles community relations for North Valley Hospital.