The French Hospital Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce its capital fundraising campaign. Appropriately named “French – Well into the Future,” the effort will enhance services, facilities and technology at French Hospital Medical Center to meet the health care needs of our community today and in the future.

To help lead the campaign, Dr. Michael and Jennifer Clayton and Aaron and Erin Steed have agreed to be Campaign Co-Chairs. Dr. Clayton is a local urologist and a member of the French’s Community Board. He and his wife have been avid supporters of the hospital for many years. Aaron and Erin Steed, owners of Meathead Movers, have also been strong supporters and instrumental in raising needed funds for the hospital. Erin Steed is a member of the French Foundation Board.

The French Hospital Foundation goal is to raise $6.4 million total, $4.5 million of which has already been raised under the leadership of former Co-Chairs, John and Sandy Dunn, who have relocated to Monterey and will remain Honorary Co-Chairs. Only $1.9 million remains to be raised. The funds will be applied to a $26.5 million project, which will result in increased patient capacity, needed upgrades and leading-edge technology to the now 41-year-old facility. Specifically, the upgrades include:

• Advanced Cardiac Hybrid Surgical Suite
• ICU expansion and remodel
• Pre-and post Surgical Outpatient Suite
• Specialty Patient Care Wing to serve orthopedic and oncology patients
• Family Birthing Center remodel and expansion, including a new c-section suite

“Many in the community don’t fully appreciate that French Hospital is not-for-profit,” said Alan Iftiniuk, French Hospital president and CEO. “As such, we are deeply honored to serve the San Luis Obispo community rather than a stock price. But that means when upgrades like these are necessary, we are dependent on our community to make them a reality. We are blessed to be a hospital of the highest caliber, and these funds will make certain we still are for future generations.”

For more information, to see our video or to make a donation, visit the French Hospital Foundation website at www.supportfrenchhospital.org or call (805) 542-6496.