The Skagit Regional Health Foundation’s Cardiac Cares Capital Campaign has raised $4 million to purchase innovative diagnostic imaging equipment for the Skagit Regional Health Heart and Vascular Institute’s cardiac catheterization labs.

This $3 million campaign goal was the second-most ambitious fundraising initiative in the Foundation’s 35-year history. While the campaign was initially scheduled to continue through 2024, a gift of $3 million, presented this past October by a couple who receives care at Skagit Valley Hospital, secured the completion of the campaign. This gave the Foundation the ability to donate significantly more to this important patient care project.

Campaign Chairman Travis Coulter said, “Important healthcare projects like this one are funded by individuals, families, businesses, service organizations and special events. The community support of this campaign has been humbling and admirable. This gift from a local couple reaffirms the “why” we live here. If the gift was five dollars or $3 million, it matters, and the Foundation is so very grateful.”

The Foundation is delighted to honor 22 leadership gifts of $10,000 and more to name the center, two patient lobbies, three catheterization labs and 10 observation rooms. More than 250 individuals, family foundations, local business partners and corporate charities participated financially with new gifts and commitments to support this capital campaign.

What does this mean for our patients and providers?
For patients who experience heart disease, unusual heart rhythms or vascular issues, the cardiac catheterization lab is a likely destination where interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists and interventional radiologists provide advancements in diagnosis and treatment.

These important modernizations in equipment and facility will increase the access and availability of quality cardiac care for emergent and planned procedures. The catheterization labs have seen an increase in the number of procedures, treating more than 3,600 patients from 15 different zip codes in 2021.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have reached a tremendous conclusion to the campaign and we are so grateful,” said Linda Frizzell, Executive Director of the Skagit Regional Health Foundation.