Clinic fund donations aid recruiting effort

The Wahkiakum Community Foundation's Clinic Operating Fund is helping the Wahkiakum Family Practice Clinic's recruiting progress.

On January 2, the Clinic Fund reimbursed the new Nurse Practitioner Betsy Johnson with a check for $1,257 for her moving expenses.

In negotiating with the possible new doctor, the Clinic Advisory Committee has asked the Foundation to be ready for a $10,000 moving expense check as well, according to fund spokesperson Karen Bertroch. Because of the generosity of the community's donations, there is money available in the Fund, she said.

Currently the clinic's Operating Fund is at $13,580. The clinic's Endowment Fund is at $10,745.

Gifts to the fund will aid the Advisory Committee as it works to recruit Clinic staff.

Donations for the Clinic Fund can be sent to:WCF/Clinic, POBox 611, Cathlamet WA, 98612.

Bertroch, foundation director, is working on a grant request for the fund as well. By building up the fund, when funding is needed, the resources will be ready, she said.

The Foundation deducts no fees from donations for the Clinic Fund. The Board of Trustees sees this fund as crucial for the area and desires to support it by keeping all income in the fund, Bertroch said. This fund also helps to purchase equipment for the clinic, such as the Complete Blood Machine. The new machine was purchased with donations from the community and a USDA Community Facilities grant.

The Clinic Fund is one of 28 separate funds managed by the Community Foundation on behalf of donors and programs in the area. For more information, contact Bertroch at (360) 465-2414 or email her at kbertroch@aol.com.