Courtesy of McCurtain Memorial Hospital
Idabel, OK: On Monday, McCurtain Memorial Hospital president and CEO Brian Whitfield was presented with a check from Sharon Payne at Farmers Bank & Trust’s Broken Bow branch for patient room renovations.
Hospital Makeover
In December, Whitfield announced plans to begin a complete renovation of the hospital, including all patient rooms. The hospital, constructed in the early 1970s, still features original wallpaper throughout. Whitfield said he intends to give the hospital a complete makeover.
“This hospital provides exceptional healthcare to our community, and I recognize that we must clean this place up if we expect our employees and residents here to take pride in their hospital,” Whitfield said. “With no money to build new yet, I am going to buy us time and change its looks,” he said.
Additional Money Needed
The hospital’s Foundation donated $100,000 in December towards the room renovation project, on top of an additional contribution of over $100,000 in early 2024 for an overhaul of the Emergency Room—bringing the Foundation’s total contribution last year to over $200,000. In December, the announcement that additional money was needed to complete such a project garnered support from area individuals and families as well as businesses.
Farmers Bank & Trust has supported virtually every fundraising effort by the hospital’s Foundation, opting to contribute as one of the highest donors at events.
“Sharon Payne reached out to me and simply asked how they can help, “ Whitfield said, “and within a few days, she said her leadership was honored to support the hospital once again.” Sharon, the chairman of the McCurtain County Hospital Authority Board and a lending officer at Farmers, has repeatedly vocalized her support for MMH and has served taxpayers well, Whitfield said.
“This lady is truly a servant. Sharon challenges us when we appear before the Authority and defends our great work across this community. She is truly a champion for healthcare, and her employer has proven time and time again that they will rise to the occasion for a good cause.”
Adopt a Patient Room
Additional businesses, families and individuals have recently donated and the hospital is awaiting permission to recognize them. The patient room renovations will cost an estimated $200,000 to complete. To date, the hospital has received roughly $107,000 towards this. Area businesses, families, individuals, churches, and civic organizations can adopt an entire patient room renovation for $6,500 – or a partial at $3,250 – and will have their name or business featured on the wall of the patient room, ensuring the community is aware the renovation was made possible because of them. To donate, call 580-208-3122 or email ceo@mmhok.com. All donations are tax-deductible as MMH is a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit organization.
The administration, staff, and community thank Sharon Payne and the incredible Farmers Bank & Trust people for giving back to this community.
