One year ago Kootenai Health’s emergency operations team convened for the first time to discuss the possible threat of a novel coronavirus. No one would have predicted the significance of this new virus to our health care system, our community and our world.

In the twelve months since, the health care heroes at Kootenai Health have devoted their energy and expertise every single day to serve our community in these unprecedented times. Thankfully, our donors have as well by giving $1.5 million for our Health Care Heroes Fund, which supported various needs during the pandemic including; a COVID-19 Testing Analyzer, Telehealth Programs, Ease Technology Applications to help patients connect with family, ICU Respiratory Equipment and support for our Health Care Heroes.

Donor Dollars at Work

COVID-19 Testing Analyzer

Back when our microbiology staff first started COVID-19 in-house PCR testing, we only had one analyzer that could be used and ran 76 tests the first week. Because of generous supporters, this second analyzer was purchased by the Health Care Heroes Fund. A huge thank you to our donors for stepping up to help our hospital! Since then, we now have three different PCR testing platforms to run COVID-19 tests. In December we ran an average of 2,600 per week. It takes a team effort to keep things running smoothly, and we couldn’t do it without some of our “behind-the-scenes” departments like our microbiology team.

Zen Rooms

Thanks to our donors, three new Zen Rooms were opened throughout the hospital for staff to utilize during their shift. These rooms are open to all staff as a space to take a break, relax and reflect. Each room is equipped with recliners, relaxing activities and stretching tools. These rooms were made possible with your support.

Along with hospital needs, some of those funds have supported the operating costs of the Kootenai Health community vaccine clinic. Kootenai Health is assisting Panhandle Health District in every way possible to accelerate vaccination opportunities in our community. Working together, we can end this pandemic.

To find more information about Kootenai Health’s vaccine clinic, click here.

“My husband, Laurie, and I were delighted to learn that we could donate to Kootenai Health’s Health Care Heroes Fund after receiving our vaccine to support our local health care workers during the past difficult year. We were able to get our first Covid-19 vaccination at Kootenai Health and we were impressed with the efficiency, organization and helpfulness of the employees staffing this critical community effort. It was really an emotional moment walking through the doors of the clinic. We encourage everyone to get started on their vaccines so we can all go back to our normal lives—and to support our hospital and dedicated health care workers. Each of us needs to do our own part in helping to get through these hard times.” -Cathy & Laurie Kraus

Thank you to all who continue to serve our community in its time of need. Together, we can look forward to a brighter tomorrow.