Wishard Yes!

Wishard Referendum Passes in Landslide

2009-11-06T11:55:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday, Nov. 3 Marion County voters overwhelmingly voted to construct a new Wishard Hospital on IUPUI’s downtown campus, a project that will create an estimated 4,400 construction jobs annually and move Wishard’s life-saving services out of its physically declining campus, parts of which predate World War II.

“Over the past few months, our community was called upon to keep Wishard caring for us – to ensure quality care for all, to provide teaching for our state’s doctors, nurses, and physicians, and to protect and create jobs,” said Indianapolis Mayor Gregory A. Ballard. “Befitting the population of a world-class community, today, the citizens answered the call. This project has united individuals of all beliefs and backgrounds and we as a City will undoubtedly benefit beyond the brick and mortar of a new facility. We are proud to be a partner in progress for this project and look forward to working together with Wishard as we build a better future for generations to come.”

In the election to approve construction of a new, modern and efficient Wishard Hospital, 55,504 of the 66,213 ballots cast were “Yes” votes for Wishard, an astounding 83.8 percent approval.

“Indianapolis is a compassionate and humane community. Wishard exists because of our community’s values. These referendum results confirm our city’s commitment to ensuring that all our residents have access to high quality health care,” said Matthew Gutwein, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County CEO. “A historic coalition came together to support Wishard. We are deeply appreciative of their leadership in supporting this project, and to the voters, who offered the most resounding confirmation with each of their sacred ballots, we offer heartfelt thanks.”

Approval of the construction project ensures a future for Wishard’s more than 4,000 workers and will also create more than 4,400 construction jobs annually, providing a much-needed shot in the arm to the building trades industry.

The project began moving forward right away as representatives of Wishard and IUPUI joined together on Wednesday to officially sign an agreement exchanging land for a new Wishard. The new Wishard Hospital will be build on the current IUPUI campus at the location of the former Larue Carter psychiatric hospital.

Demolition at the site could begin as early as next week, with construction set to begin in the spring and the project scheduled for completion in 2013. The new facilities will include a 303-bed hospital, outpatient clinic building, power plant, parking garage and facilities for medical evaluation and research.

Vote “Yes” for a new Wishard today!

2009-11-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

There is no better time than the present to vote “Yes” for a new Wishard Hospital to serve the greater Indianapolis area. If you have not yet cast your support for Marion County’s safety net hospital, today – Election Day – is the day to do it.

Polling locations will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. Your polling place should be the same as it was in the 2008 Presidential Election. Click here to confirm your polling place location, and remember, government-issued photo identification is required to vote this year.

Absentee ballots are also due today. Ballots must be received by the Marion County Clerk’s Office by 6 p.m. today, meaning if you haven’t mailed your ballot in yet, you should hand-deliver it to the Clerk’s Office, Suite W-144 of the City-County Building at 200 E. Washington.

Wishard’s role in healthcare is crucial, and it’s contributions to our city’s life sciences industry and the local economy are also great. Wishard employs thousands, will create jobs for thousands more with this project, and will provide care for millions more in a new, modern and efficient hospital on the campus of IUPUI.

Approval of this project cannot wait. A delay of even one year would result in lost savings of more than $100 million and a missed opportunity on low interest rates that would likely mean the death of this project and mean a catastrophic loss to the Indianapolis community. We cannot wait to approve a new Wishard – the cost of inaction is far too great.

That is why we encourage all members and registered voters in Marion County to vote “Yes” for a new Wishard. Vote “Yes” early at one of four locations or at your regular polling place today.

"Wishard YES!" Rallies Today

2009-10-31T05:39:00.000-07:00

Show your support for a new Wishard Hospital today at one - or all - of three downtown rallies today. "Wishard YES!" rallies will be at Cancer Survivors Park at 10:30 a.m., at City Market at 11:30 a.m. and at Devington Plaza at 12:30 p.m.

Here's the rundown:

Supporters of Wishard and its proposal to construct a new, modern and efficient Wishard Hospital on the campus of IUPUI will gather at a trio of rallies to show support for the project, which is a countywide referendum in this year’s election.

With historic levels of community and bi-partisan support, the three Indianapolis rallies will bring together a broad cross-section of civic leaders, community members and Wishard supporters who will gather to present a unified stance in favor of passing the referendum and to share a message of Wishard’s importance, the need to begin this project now to take advantage of more than $100 million in savings, and that a new Wishard will require no additional taxes.

WHO: Sgt. Dennis Fishburn and Ofc. Jason Fishburn, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Citizens for Wishard co-chairs
Dr. Lisa Harris, CEO, Wishard Health Services
Dr. Virginia Caine, Director, Marion County Health Department
Sheriff Frank Anderson
And many others

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 31
Cancer Survivors Park 10:30 a.m.
985 Indiana Ave.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46202

City Market 11:30 a.m.
222 E. Market St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46202

Devington Plaza 12:30 p.m.
6004 E. 46th St.
Indianapolis, Ind. 46226

WHY: Wishard Hospital is a vital asset to the community, providing life-saving medical care as well as primary and preventative care. Wishard also employs more than 4,000 people, is at the center of life sciences research in Indianapolis, and is a safety-net hospital for the community, home to the region’s only adult burn center and one of two Level I Trauma Centers, and the primary care provider for the majority of the county’s poor, indigent, underserved and uninsured populations. Marion County voters will decide Wishard’s fate in the 2009 Special Election on Nov. 3.

Follow us on Twitter for updates throughout the day! And visit WishardYes.org for more information.

Area hospital CEOs top latest list of Wishard referendum supporters

2009-10-31T05:35:00.000-07:00

The outpouring support for a new Wishard Hospital grew this week as CEOs of several Indianapolis hospital networks delivered their endorsement of the Wishard referendum.

Hospital CEOs Daniel Evans of Clarian Health, Vince Caponi of St. Vincent Health, Robert Brody of St. Francis Hospital & Health Centers and Bryan Mills of Community Health Network support a new Wishard and agree that Wishard is vital to the care of Indianapolis residents.

“Wishard Hospital has the busiest emergency room in the state and operates at 98 percent capacity,” said Caponi. “It simply would be impossible for all of the other hospitals combined in Marion County to accommodate the patient load and the cost of care if Wishard were to close. Wishard is important to the future of healthcare in Marion County as well as the training of doctors which practice in all of our hospitals. We need a new Wishard.”

In other large cities, closure of the public hospital has caused tremendous strain on other area health care facilities. In Detroit, closure of Riverview Hospital has led to financial struggles on the part of the three remaining downtown hospitals, which reported nearly record-high levels of uncompensated care in 2007 along with lower operating profits than in the previous several years.

In the nation’s capitol, D.C. General Hospital closed in May 2001 and the resulting influx of patients at neighboring Prince George’s County and Greater Southeast Community hospitals caused such financial struggles that Prince George’s County is now on the brink of bankruptcy or closure.

“Wishard provides high value services to this community that are potentially compromised by the limited potential of existing space,” said Brody. “Creating contemporary facilities to continue the essential mission of Wishard should be a priority of the highest order for the citizens of Marion County.”

“All of the major hospitals in Marion County support a new Wishard,” said Mills. “It is the community’s safety-net hospital providing needed care to underserved populations. Without Wishard, our community would lack the health care capacity and care would be compromised.”

“Clarian Health and Indiana University support the construction of a new Wishard Hospital in order to better serve the Wishard mission and to enhance the ongoing training of physicians through the Indiana University School of Medicine,” said Evans, in a statement co-signed by Indiana University School of Medicine Dean D. Craig Brater and IU President Michael McRobbie. “We believe that this can be accomplished in a collaborative way that utilizes the strengths of all three institutions to ensure that safe, modern and efficient health care services are available for all citizens of Indianapolis.”

For more information, visit WishardYes.org.

Sen. Lugar Delivers Powerful Support of Wishard

2009-10-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

One of the most revered political figures in Indiana history has delivered his support for passage of the Wishard referendum.

U.S. Sen. Richard G. Lugar released a statement strongly endorsing the Wishard Hospital referendum, and Lugar along with his wife Char voted absentee in favor of the referendum.

That information contained at Lugar's Web site, along with the following statements:

“Wishard Hospital is Indianapolis’ emergency room, providing critical care to our community as one of only two adult Level I trauma centers in the State of Indiana and the region’s only adult burn center. These are just a few of the reasons I strongly support Wishard Hospital’s expansion.

“When I was Mayor of Indianapolis from 1968 through 1975, Wishard was our city’s health care safety net, and it has continued that dedication to Indianapolis by providing nearly $150 million in free care in 2008.

“As a teaching hospital, Wishard has a strong reputation of fostering hands-on medical education. This role will increase in importance as the Indiana University School of Medicine plans to add 84 students to each medical school class for many years to come. We can claim that our health care insurance policies entitle us to first-class care, but we will be sorely frustrated if there are not adequate doctors available to give that care.

“The training these medical students receive reinforces Wishard’s track record of providing the highest quality of care. Wishard continues to set the standard in the use of health information technology with electronic medical records and has created a health care network committed to efficiency and quality of health care services.

“For 150 years, Wishard has cared for and comforted us. It has been indispensible to the health of our community and Central Indiana.

“This is a make-or-break moment for health care in Indianapolis. We must step up and modernize Wishard so that more doctors, nurses, rooms, and high tech equipment can meet our health care needs. A vote for Wishard is a vote for the health of Indianapolis.”

That may be the most powerful statement of support yet in a truly historically high level of support for this project. So many political leaders with a constituency to represent, to care for and consider, have spoken in favor of the Wishard referendum.

We must not take this incredible bipartisan foundation for granted. Leaders of every stripe are not only speaking in support of Wishard, but voting as well.

We must vote YES for a new Wishard Hospital. You can vote early now through Sunday at the Marion County Clerk's Office or at satellite locations at the Center Township Health Plex, Beech Grove Community/Tech Center, and at Devington Plaza, or vote on Nov. 3 at your regular polling place.

For more information about the Wishard referendum and early voting, visit WishardYes.org.

Indiana Chamber encourages passage of Wishard referendum

2009-10-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce delivered its support for the Wishard project in a news release distributed today.

Among the key points made in the statement, Chamber President Kevin Brinegar stated our failure to come through for Wishard this fall would have a dramatic effect not only on the other Indianapolis hospitals but also those in surrounding central Indiana counties.

"Wishard’s current facilities and the entire complex are outdated and on the verge of not being able to keep up with demand," Brinegar said.

Brinegar goes on to describe Wishard's financial strategy, saying, "there is a solid plan in place to provide for a new and improved Wishard without a property tax increase."

The Indiana Chamber has been the state's largest broad-based business advocacy organization for more than 85 years. There are more than 5,000 member companies that employ more than 800,000 Hoosier workers.

For more information about the Wishard referendum, visit WishardYes.org.

IBJ's Katterjohn endorses Wishard

2009-10-26T07:05:00.000-07:00

The Indianapolis Business Journal deliverd an editorial this week to discuss the Wishard referendum. IBJ Publisher Chris Katterjohn's conclusion: We must vote YES for a new Wishard this fall - we cannot afford the alternative.

Here's a link to the piece: KATTERJOHN: Get out and vote for Wishard. Here's a synopsis.

Katterjohn opens by stating the obvious as though it isn't: There is an election this fall and the only countywide issue is the Wishard referendum.

"My message today: Get out and vote “yes!” Don’t count on somebody else to do it for you. This community needs a new Wishard."

Katterjohn spells out his certainty of the project, which will result in no tax increase. He credits Matthew Gutwein and Dr. Lisa Harris, as well as the board and employees, who've made Wishard so fundamentally financially sound.

Katterjohn goes beyond the finances, too. Wishard has one of the state's only Adult Level I Trauma Centers and its busiest emergency room, as well as one of the top burn units in America.

"I could go on and on.

You should know that the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee and United Way of Central Indiana have come out in support of the project, as have Mayor Greg Ballard and numerous urban churches, schools and universities.

Because there are no political offices up for grabs in next week’s “election,” it might be tempting to sit this one out. But take my word for it: We can’t afford for this not to happen.

Please make the extra effort and vote “yes” for the Wishard bond issue Nov. 3."

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

Burst pipes shows the urgent needs of Wishard

2009-10-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

Late last night a critical steam pipe burst at Wishard Hospital. As a result, the main operating rooms were forced to shut down and at least 15 operations were forced to be postponed.

The steam in that pipe is used, among other things, to sterilize surgical instruments. Eventually the surgical staff ran out of usable tools and was forced to cease operations.

These are the kind of systematic failures Wishard's staff fears on a daily basis and has to work around only slightly less often.

"These are exactly the kind of systematic failures we worry about everyday here," Wishard CEO and medical director Dr. Lisa Harris said in a story on WISH-TV's Web site. "This is a big part of the reason why we must build a new Wishard Hospital now – not later."

The trauma center remained open as it maintains a separate collection of instruments for emergencies, but had there been a multiple trauma event - something like yesterday's tanker explosion on I-69 or the paint truck fire from a few years ago - Wishard would not have been able to met the need.

Wishard is home to one of only two Adult Level I Trauma Centers in Indiana. Halve that number in a crisis, and bad becomes catastrophic instantly.

Fortunately no such disaster occurred, but this failure should strengthen the resolve of every Marion County voter to vote "Yes" for a new Wishard Hospital.

We cannot afford not to.

To learn more about the Wishard Referendum, visit WishardYes.org.

Third Star editorial sticks to support of Wishard

2009-10-22T05:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday The Indianapolis Star delivered an unprecedented third endorsement of the Wishard referendum, a countywide ballot question this fall to support construction of a new Wishard Hospital on the campus of IUPUI.

"Vote yes: Wishard's work eases concerns" is the third editorial from the Star in favor of the referendum. It delivers a concise record of the consensus in favor of the Wishard referendum.

In City Hall, at the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and throughout the Indiana health-care community, there is clear consensus that Wishard Hospital needs to replace its out-of-date, overworked facilities.

Those supporters will get no quarrel from the Wishard staff, who long to perform their yeomanly work in a setting worthy of the large, diverse population they serve and the economy to which they contribute $1.2 billion a year.
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That staff commands the loyalty of countless patients, none more than police officer Jason Fishburn, whose life was saved by the Westside institution last year after he was shot in the line of duty. He and his father, Dennis, are co-chairs of Citizens for Wishard.

All in all, it is an impressive vote of confidence.

The Star addresses some of the questions that have been asked about the Wishard referendum, and its conclusion aptly sums up Wishard's approach.

Good and necessary questions have been thrust at those who would ask permission to spend three quarters of a billion dollars. Wishard and its people have answered them, in their work more than in their words. The question they pose to the voters calls for a "yes."

Visit WishardYes.org for more information about the Wishard referendum and to sign up in support.

Ft. Wayne columnist's story connects Wishard

2009-10-16T06:50:00.000-07:00

It's often striking how wide the reach of Wishard Hospital truly is.

People from across the state have stories of relatives and friends connected to Wishard, some who live in the Indianapolis area but many others from farther north, south, east or west of the capital city. Often these connections are made by Wishard's Richard M. Fairbanks Burn Center, one of the best in America, or another medical pathway.

On Friday, though, a Ft. Wayne columnist penned an editorial in remembrance of a fallen friend and colleague. His column likely did not intend to draw any link to Wishard, or to the proposed construction of a new Wishard Hospital, but in a way his work was reflective of how and what Wishard is and does.

In "Beyond the Numbers," Morton J. Marcus, an independent economist, speaker and writer formerly with Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, writes of his relationship with Chris Linn.

Linn, Morton writes, worked at the Indiana Univeristy Indiana Business Research Center. Linn was an Indiana Republican, Morton writes, and a responsible citizen. Linn also lost his life too early, in Morton's words, "because he chose to continue smoking cigarettes even though he knew all along the potential consequences."

Morton writes of his last conversation with Linn: "he asked me to help him get an absentee ballot so he could vote for the Wishard Hospital improvements on the November ballot in Marion County."

Of this last conversation, Morton writes, "Chris Linn went out as a responsible citizen."

Unknowingly and probably unintentionally, Morton's column reflects two things: approving the Wishard Hospital project is a civic responsibility, and it is an issue with bipartisan support.

This story also connects to Wishard's message of preventative care and its efforts in providing smoking cessation services, but the striking element again is the reach.

Wishard impacts, touches, moves, inspires, and helps far more people than those who require its medical services. Wishard is woven into the fabric of the community.

It's a community that covers the entire state, and probably even beyond.

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

Indianapolis Indians announce support for Wishard project

2009-10-15T10:04:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, the longest-tenured professional sports team in Indianapolis stepped forward to help the longest-running hospital in the city.

The Indianapolis Indians announced their support of the proposed Wishard Hospital project, stating their common values in promoting good health in Indiana and offering high-quality at a low cost. Here's the full text of the Indians' release, also viewable here.

"The Indianapolis Indians have announced support of a November 3rd Marion County referendum for Wishard Hospital's to build a new, modern and efficient county hospital in downtown Indianapolis.

Now in its 150th year, Wishard Hospital has operated in Indianapolis longer than any other health care provider. As the city's longest-tenured professional sports franchise, the Indianapolis Indians can relate. We know that a reciprocal relationship with the community is the key to establishing and maintaining connections that stand the test of time.

For more than a century, the Indianapolis Indians and Wishard Hospital have each contributed to a good quality of life in central Indiana. But we have more than our longevity in common.

Our two institutions have a mutual commitment to improving the health of our community. In 2009, the Indianapolis Indians traveled to 30 schools to educate children about the fundamentals of a healthy lifestyle, in addition to hosting youth clinics at our home, Victory Field, during the team's summer season. The Indians applaud Wishard's focus on primary and preventative care - the health system provides free community flu shots, health screenings and sports physicals at more than 70 health fairs, serving more than 26,000 individuals last year alone.

The Indianapolis Indians and Wishard also share a common position on offering residents and visitors to our community a high-quality product at a low cost.

The Indianapolis Indians strongly support Wishard's proposal to construct new, modern and efficient facilities so it can effectively continue its steadfast commitment to and care for our community.

For more information visit www.wishardyes.org"

As Citizens for Wishard, we are grateful for this amazing show of support on behalf of the Indians. Vote YES for a new Wishard Hospital on Nov. 3.

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

Go Tribe!

Jischke delivers endorsement of Wishard plan on behalf of 9 university presidents

2009-10-12T11:55:00.000-07:00

Former Purdue President Martin Jischke spoke to a group of students and members of the Indianapolis media today at IUPUI, delivering an endorsement today on behalf of nine university and college presidents and chancellors.

Jischke announced that the presidents from Ball State University, Butler University, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Marian University, Martin Universiy, Purdue University, the University of Indianapolis, and the chancellor of IUPUI all have endorsed Wishard's plan to construct a new, modern and efficient hospital on the campus of IUPUI.

"Wishard is absolutely critical to life sciences and healthcare education here in Indiana," Jischke said. "I believe without a new Wishard our ability to continue to attract talented young people like those here today would be threatened."

As he spoke, Jischke was flanked by students from several of the universities whose presidents were endorsing the plan.

Jischke was also joined by Wishard Health Services CEO Dr. Lisa Harris and former Councilman King Ro Conley, who spoke briefly to the assembled students about Wishard and answered their questions.

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

Star Delivers Approval in Second Editorial

2009-10-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

For the second time in the past month, The Indianapolis Star has chosen to voice its support for the proposed construction of a new Wishard Hosptital.

On Sunday, Indy's biggest metro daily newspaper urged readers of its editorial section to, "Vote yes: take Wishard out intensive care."

The Star reported on the conditions at Wishard and the difficulties faced by doctors and staff on a daily basis. It concluded that a new, modern and efficient Wishard Hospital would benefit everyone in the community.

Also on Sunday, Star reporter Daniel Lee composed an in-depth article titled, "Wishard ballot issue lures vocal allies."

Lee's story includes comments from Citizens For Wishard co-chair IMPD Sgt. Dennis Fishburn, father of IMPD Ofc. Jason Fishburn, who was shot in the line of duty last year and credits Wishard with saving his life.

Look for more coverage of the Wishard project in the coming weeks, and vote "Yes" on Nov. 3.

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

Early Voting Starts on Wishard Referendum

2009-10-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Early voting for the Nov. 3 special election began on Monday. Reports from the Marion County Clerk's Office state 86 residents cast their votes in the first day.

Early voting will continue at the City-County Building through Nov. 1, and satellite voting locations starting Oct. 24. For more details on early voting follow this link. The satellite sites will be at Devington Plaza, the Center Township Health Plex and the Beech Grove Community/Tech Center.

Get Involved!

The first of several opportunities for you to get involved leading up to and including Election Day, Nov. 3, will be Saturday.

This will be our first organized effort for Wishard supporters to pound pavement in support of a new Wishard Hospital is Saturday, Oct. 10. Join the street team and go door-to-door in Marion County neighborhoods to distribute fliers about the new Wishard Hospital. Contact Susan at susan@wishardyes.org to sign up.

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

Star stands with Wishard

2009-09-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-21T11:58:00.000-07:00

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.

###

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

2009-09-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

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.”