By Mark Ciota, Hometown Health

Excellent health care is the very heart of a community&8217;s ability to thrive. In 1905, a visionary group of citizens came to that realization and raised $5,000 to establish the first dedicated hospital in Freeborn County. In 1911, the Naeve family donated land for a modern hospital and community members have partnered with the hospital ever since to ensure quality health care for all who live in the area. This is our community&8217;s legacy.

Together, we have built Albert Lea Medical Center into the fine facility it is today. Our recent Patient Services expansion is the direct result of what you told us you needed. You spoke and we listened. We now have more space in our lobby, pharmacy, and gift shop, and more physicians and specialties. We now have first-class facilities as we strive to deliver the highest quality health care possible.

Now we ask you to again partner with us as we seek to raise $3 million of our $19 million project cost.

Why do we ask? Because, although prudent financial management has allowed us to set aside $16 million for this project, funding the entire project would require us to borrow from our future by using dollars earmarked for obtaining and replacing technology, equipment and services. ALMC must fund all of these initiatives without any financial support from the Mayo Clinic.

The good news is local families and businesses have already generously donated $2 million; if we can raise another million our goal will be realized.

Please join me and my family and the generations of families before us in contributing to Albert Lea Medical Center to preserve the excellence in health care that underlies a thriving community. By working together we can expand our community&8217;s legacy to ensure funds are available to maintain our high standards into the future. Thank you for your consideration.

Mark R. Ciota, M.D., is CEO of Albert Lea Medical Center. For more information go to www.almedcenter.org.