Star stands with Wishard

The Indianapolis Star sent a message to more than 200,000 subscribers and the thousands more who read Indy's premier metro daily online - Vote Yes for a new Wishard.

In an opinion piece on Sunday for Our View, the Star's editors proclaimed, "Out with the old Wishard: Vote yes for new building."

The Star editorial describes the rejuvenation of Wishard's business model over the past several years, as well as the absolute necessity of its services in Indianapolis. The piece describes the need for a new facility, and it also supports Wishard's assertion that no tax increase will be required.

In closing, the Star writes, "Again, no tax increase is being presented on Nov. 3. A heavy decision is facing voters, but the great burden they're asked to approve is Wishard's. A 'yes' vote will leave only winners."

Click here for the story.

Visit WishardYes.org for more information about the Wishard referendum.

Indianapolis Chamber Supports Wishard Project

The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce offered its support for the new Wishard Hospital project this morning, announcing its position statement following thorough research of the project. Below is the full release:


INDIANAPOLIS – The Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce today announced support for the proposed construction of a new Wishard Hospital and pledged to take a leadership position on passing the Nov. 3 public referendum for the project.

“We believe the construction of a new Wishard Hospital is firmly in the best interest of our city, and will have significant benefits for residents and the business community. From its leading role in health education to its high level of care and impact in the community, Wishard plays an increasingly important role in central Indiana despite the physical decline of its facilities,” said Chamber President Roland Dorson. “After thorough research and study, we find the plan for this project to be financially sound and are confident it should place no additional burden on the taxpayers of Marion County.”

The Chamber’s Fiscal Policy Council and the Executive Committee of the Board thoroughly reviewed details of the project and expressed confidence in Wishard’s plan to fund the construction through a bond issue requiring no tax increase.

The Chamber cited the Marion County Health and Hospital Corporation, which manages Wishard Hospital, as having a thoughtful, solid approach to financing the construction project, estimated to cost $754 million. Currently, Wishard spends $25 million annually for repairs and renovations of its current facility, while its projected annual debt service in the proposed plan would be $38 million, accounting for a 15 percent contingency for overruns as well as $150 million Wishard has saved to date to put toward the project.

Dorson said the plan for a new Wishard is the most economically prudent solution to the current facilities’ ongoing physical decline and lack of conformity to modern medical facility standards.

Wishard Hospital and HHC currently employ more than 4,000 people and contribute an annual economic impact of $1.2 billion to the state. The hospital’s record of effective and prudent fiscal management has led to a 67 percent decrease in reliance on property taxes over the past six years, allowing it to provide more than 1.2 million outpatient visits each year.


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About the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce
Founded in 1890 by Colonel Eli Lilly and a group of Indianapolis business leaders, the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce is the voice of the central Indiana business community. Today, with a membership of more than 4,300 businesses, the Indianapolis Chamber is still a voice of progress and improvement, bringing together businesses for a thriving community. For more information on the Chamber, visit indychamber.com.

Source: Greater Indiana Chamber of Commerce

Visit WishardYes.org for more information about the Wishard referendum.

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.”