Citizens for Wishard Co-Chairs, Jason and Dennis Fishburn, Have Personal Stake in Community Outreach Effort

Ofc. Jason Fishburn and his father Sgt. Jason Fishburn delivered a heartfelt plea to Marion County residents on Monday asking for support of Wishard’s proposal to build facilities to replace the hospital that is in a state of rapid decline and cannot be renovated.

Our Citizens for Wishard co-chairs kicked off a grassroots campaign to encourage voters to come out to the polls and “Vote Yes” for Wishard on Nov. 3, 2009.

The Fishburn family was forever touched by Wishard after Ofc. Jason Fishburn suffered a gunshot wound to the head in the line of duty on July 10, 2008 and was taken to Wishard Hospital.

“Wishard Hospital saved my life,” said Ofc. Jason Fishburn. “I’ve come a long way.”

Sgt. Dennis Fishburn, who was the family spokesperson during his son’s treatment, spoke passionately about the importance of Wishard in the community.

“We’re here today to pay it forward,” said Sgt. Dennis Fishburn. “Wishard is dying of old age. The people of this community have the opportunity to be the doctors who save Wishard’s life. We must as a community embrace the proposal for a new Wishard and come out to show our support at the polls on Nov. 3.”

In July 2009, Wishard announced its plans to build new, modern and efficient facilities in downtown Indianapolis. Without candidate elections this year, the Wishard referendum question will be the only county-wide bond issue on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County that manages Wishard needs a majority vote and approval from the City-County Council to finance the bonds.

Citizens for Wishard has already earned the support of many in the community including doctors; health care professionals; business, community, local hospital and faith leaders; elected officials and private citizens.

“We must keep Wishard caring for us,” said Sgt. Dennis Fishburn. “It’s only a matter of time before the current facilities will fail and Wishard will be forced to close its doors — shutting out care to central Indiana residents like our family.”