OakBend Medical Center’s fundraiser, Patchwork of Life Precious Memories, raised over $250,000 this year to be used to expand the hospital’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit.

The specially designed unit was created for older adults experiencing mental, emotional or behavioral problems. The goal of the Senior Behavioral Health Unit is to meet each individual’s special needs while providing essential resources and support for the families that love them. Unfortunately, the current Unit is out of beds for new patients and has a waiting list for patients needing to be admitted. To remedy this shortage of space, a fundraiser was held to raise money to double the size of this important part of the hospital.

Patchwork of Life Precious Memories was held at Safari Texas with Pat Hebert leading the committee. Joe and Doris Gurecky served as the Honorary Chairs of the fundraiser.

According to Joe Freudenberger, CEO of OakBend Medical Center, “The community was extremely generous in supporting our outstanding fundraising event. The monies raised will allow us to expand the Senior Behavioral Health Unit and assure that we are able to help any and all seniors that need this Unit. ”

OakBend Medical Center has also received a $750,000 grant from The George Foundation to support the hospital’s Indigent Care Program. OakBend is the community’s safety net hospital which cares for patients of all backgrounds and income levels, and as a result treats a disproportionately large share of low income, vulnerable patients. “The George Foundation’s grant will help support the hospital’s mission to care for every person in Fort Bend County and adjacent communities, regardless of their ability to pay,” stated Freudenberger.

The addition of the ACE (Acute Care for the Elderly) Unit, to be opened later this year, will make OakBend the only hospital in Fort Bend County to have a unit dedicated to the care and comfort of elderly patients.