Anniston, AL – Founded in the late 1970s by a group of concerned citizens, including Dr. Warren Sarrell, the Regional Medical Center (RMC) Memorial Foundation has stood as a beacon of support for the RMC Health System’s pursuit of providing superior quality healthcare services for the community and residents of northeast Alabama. Today, this foundation remains a vital and active support organization, playing a crucial role in the expansion of medical services and facilities in the region.
As one of the largest not-for-profit health systems in the area, the RMC Health System reinvests its earnings back into local communities, aiming to improve access to healthcare services, incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, and recruit top talent, thereby serving as the region’s second largest employer. Through the generosity of donors and support from local businesses, the RMC Foundation has made a significant impact on the community.
The Calhoun Journal recently had the opportunity to speak with Lagina Fillingim, Director of the RMC Foundation. She emphasized the foundation’s core mission of caring for people, noting that while monetary contributions are valuable, there are alternative ways to provide assistance for those interested. Mrs. Fillingim expressed pride in several projects, notably the early detection screening opportunities offered to the public.
In the current month, the foundation is running the “Get Ahead of Your Behind” campaign, focusing on colorectal cancer awareness. While these topics may be uncomfortable to discuss, Mrs. Fillingim stressed their potential to save lives. They are providing at home colorectal screening kits to the public, aligning with the foundation’s commitment to accessible healthcare. Just go to rmccares.org/getahead to request your FREE kit to be mailed to your home.
Another way the RMC Foundation serves the community is through the Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship. Established in 2016, the Martha Vandervoort Memorial Scholarship, valued at $3,000 per year and renewable for four years, invests in students impacting their community through leadership and community service. Our scholars have been successful in carrying out our mission to reinvest in our community. They’ve already done so as teachers, nurses, serving on City Council, and physical therapy to name a few. Last year’s recipient is Kevin Cole, a graduate from Anniston High School, who plans to study Sports Medicine or Kinesiology at Alabama State University.
The early screening programs mentioned by Mrs. Filligim are held throughout the year and focus on specific topics such as skin cancer, breast cancer, and heart health to name a few.
The RMC Foundation also holds several fundraising events throughout the year, including a golf tournament. An upcoming event is the Garden Jubilee on May 4th at the Kress in Anniston, aimed at raising funds for the Tyler Wellness Park located behind RMC. This park, once open to the public, will feature fitness stations, a pavilion, and a walking trail.
Contributing to the RMC Foundation is made easy through cash gifts, which are not only a simple way to give but are also tax-deductible. Donors receive acknowledgment letters for their gifts, serving as documentation for tax records. Importantly, 100% of the gift directly supports the designated RMC Foundation project. The RMC Health System, as a not-for-profit regional healthcare provider, relies on charitable donations to reinvest revenues into essential programs and enhanced healthcare services for the community. Patient revenues alone are insufficient to cover all expenses, making philanthropy and donations crucial to achieving the vision of providing world-class healthcare to everyone in the community. Charitable donations to the RMC Foundation contribute to providing cutting-edge tools and medical technology, enabling physicians to treat over 200,000 people annually. The foundation raises funds from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the RMC Health System’s efforts in delivering premier healthcare services to northeast Alabama residents.
To learn more about the RMC Foundation and ways to support, visit https://rmccares.org/foundation/
