Shelley Kolisnek (left) and Tia Zimmerman (right) join Bolt FM's Andy Cohen to discuss autism during the radiothon.

It was another successful year for the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation, as they hosted the Equip to Care Radiothon from Monday to Thursday.

Executive Director of the foundation, Lorrie Bunko, set a goal for $30,000 to celebrate 30 years of the HDHF's existence, and she was pleased to say it was surpassed.

"We raised a total of $34,761. We got important information out there, we heard some great stories from people. It was a really good four days."

Money raised from the radiothon, as well as other fundraising events throughout the year, stays within the Humboldt region to support health care directly in the district.

Each year, an equipment list is developed based on the top needs of the hospital.

"One of the top priority items on there is the treatment chair for the chemotherapy unit. We're going to be moving from three chairs to four chairs and that's a really big boost to that area," explained Bunko.

"We need some O.R. equipment. Inpatient's is always in need of equipment. We got some really good things on the go there. There is also some bigger projects on the go that we're just waiting for more information about."

Last year, the foundation was able to purchase telehealth equipment, a vein finder, vital signs monitors, an ankle brachial index monitor, wall protection for inpatient rooms, an industrial dryer, specialty mattresses, a helicopter pad, laproscoptic sets, and a specialized freezer.

Bunko added why the radiothon continues to be beneficial for the foundation.

"Our focus is to get that information to the public. It's very important that we communicate with everyone in the Humboldt district what our activities are, what services are offered from here, what the needs are," "Secondly, the dollars. Without the dollars we can't do what we are mandated to do."

It's a quick turnaround for the HDHF, as they host the Spring, Health, Home and Leisure show April 30-May 1 inside the Curling Rink at the Humboldt Uniplex.

More details from the radiothon, including interviews can be found here.


You can hear more from Bunko with Bolt FM's Ron Quaroni below.