New foundation begins mission to support CCMSD

Crook County Medical Services District (CCMSD) has officially launched its new foundation – an internal fundraising arm dedicated to serving the needs of the district and its patients.

“For quite some time, CCMSD has not had a direct charitable foundation,” states a press release from the Board of Trustees.

“A foundation has been created and forms have been filed with the State of Wyoming, Internal Revenue Service granting the Foundation 501(c)(3) status.”

Dubbed Crook County Medical Services District Foundation, Inc, it is intended to be the philanthropic arm of CCMSD, including the hospital and the clinics in Hulett, Moorcroft and Sundance.

“The CCMSD Foundation’s mission is to develop resources that directly support CCMSD in providing the residents of the county access to the best healthcare available. Through philanthropic support of CCMSD, we seek to improve the quality of life for CCMSD’s patients and families,” states the press release.

“We express our mission in ways that invite donors to participate in programs that align with their values, meet their need for recognition and promote a feeling of making a difference.”

The board was moved to create the new foundation in the wake of a conflict with the Crook County Medical Foundation (CCMF) over the Red Bluffs Clinic. The building was constructed by CCMF, but several months of disagreements over how the rental agreement should work led to it ultimately being occupied by Campbell County Health.

This caused trustees to feel that the goals of the two entities no longer aligned. Feeling that this outcome was a clear demonstration that CCMF’s mandate is to support healthcare in the county rather than CCMSD itself, the board directed its attorney, Kara Ellsbury, to begin taking the necessary steps to create a dedicated internal foundation.

The CCMSD Foundation is now able to accept donations from members of the community.

“Gifts are generally applied toward projects that cannot be funded through general operation revenues, such as for new equipment that is otherwise unaffordable, building improvements, etc. The hospital’s needs are investment opportunities for donors,” states the press release.

“Your investment is in your community. Your gift is never taken for granted, and we recognize that it is our responsibility to steward your donations in the most prudent way possible, and as you intended. It is our responsibility to serve both the interests of the donor and CCMSD and its hospital and clinics, while working as a part of a professional volunteer team.”

At this time, the new foundation is also actively seeking additional members. The current members include CCMSD trustees Mark Erickson, Sandy Neiman and Bob Richey.

“Please feel free to reach out to any of the members about joining in this worthy cause directly supporting your local independent medical services district,” states the press release.

CEO Micki Lyons is also a direct point of contact for members of the community wishing to support the new foundation.