Bates County Memorial Hospital recognized on Mar. 19 a donation from the Dehaemers Family Charitable Trust that funded repairs to one of its ambulances, with representatives gathering alongside Hedge Hollow Raceway ahead of the raceway’s opening weekend. The hospital presented a shadowbox as a token of appreciation to both the foundation and Hedge Hollow Raceway for their roles in facilitating the gift.
The partnership highlights ongoing efforts by Bates County Memorial Hospital (BCMH) to maintain a reliable ambulance fleet serving Bates County. As a nonprofit, BCMH relies on community support to sustain emergency medical services, including maintaining four ambulance units, two of which are staffed around the clock for emergency response.
The Dehaemers Family Charitable Trust made its donation through the Bates County Community Health Foundation last summer. The funds were used to replace the engine in Unit 2, allowing the vehicle to return quickly to service and supporting countywide ambulance operations.
Hedge Hollow Raceway played an important role by connecting BCMH staff with the charitable trust and helping facilitate the donation. Former EMS Administrator Russell Whisenand also assisted in establishing this partnership.
Greg Weaver, CEO for BCMH, said, “Community support like this helps strengthen and sustain these services for the people we serve. These efforts reflect the strength of a community working together to support essential services.”
The hospital’s recognition event underscores how local partnerships can help ensure vital emergency services remain available throughout Bates County.
