Calgary Health Foundation Aims to Transform Cardiac Care with Donations

The Calgary Health Foundation is launching initiatives to enhance cardiac care in Calgary, with a focus on innovation and community support. This year’s campaign aims to raise $2.5 million to renovate one of the six catheterization labs at the Foothills Medical Centre. This effort coincides with the upcoming Giving Tuesday and the holiday season, emphasizing the foundation’s commitment to improving health outcomes in the region.

Paul Rossman, CEO of the Calgary Health Foundation, shared insights into how donations have significantly impacted local healthcare. One notable example is funding for a cardiac PET scanner, the only device of its kind in Calgary. Rossman explained that the awareness generated through the foundation’s spring campaign encouraged a donor to fund this essential equipment. “What that does is catalyze investment by Alberta Health Services and the province to build infrastructure around that diagnostic equipment,” he stated.

The cardiac PET scanner is particularly vital for detecting coronary blockages in women, a crucial advancement for women’s cardiovascular health. Rossman described the scanner as a “game-changer” for diagnostics, attributing its realization to a donor who recognized the pressing need for such technology.

Investment in Cardiac Innovations

The foundation is not only focused on the PET scanner but is also seeking to raise $400,000 by year-end to support the renovation of one catheterization lab. These laboratories enable physicians to perform minimally invasive cardiac surgeries, which improve patient outcomes. Rossman noted, “They’re replacing heart valves through veins and arteries rather than open-heart surgeries. It’s a better outcome for the patients and for the hospital because the patients are in and out within a day.”

Highlighting the importance of community figures, the foundation’s campaign features hockey legend Lanny McDonald, who underwent treatment in a refurbished laboratory after experiencing a cardiac arrest in February 2024. Rossman praised McDonald’s willingness to share his story, saying, “He’s such a beloved Calgarian and he’s so well known, and he agreed to share his name and his story with us because he’s grateful for the care that he received.”

The Calgary Health Foundation also aims to raise $5 million to establish a women’s cardiovascular health clinic as part of its broader strategy for surgical and cardiac care innovation. Rossman emphasized that campaigns like these are crucial for raising awareness about the foundation’s mission and the impact it seeks to achieve within the healthcare system.

Philanthropy’s Role in Healthcare

Rossman articulated the challenges faced by publicly funded health systems, stating, “The health system is publicly funded, but public funding is often strained by the daily demands for services.” He pointed out that finding resources for innovation can be particularly tough. “Philanthropy can be the catalyst for innovation in the health system because it’s an opportunity for physicians to seek dedicated funding to try new things and implement new technologies.”

As Giving Tuesday approaches, the Calgary Health Foundation continues to highlight the importance of community support in transforming healthcare. Through targeted campaigns and partnerships, the foundation seeks to enhance cardiac care facilities, ultimately saving lives and improving health outcomes for residents in Calgary and beyond.