Hays, Kan.  (May 10, 2012)   Autographs covered the steel beam that will hang over the foyer of the new Bickle Family Tower at HaysMed, set to open in January of 2013.  A beam signing ceremony on Thursday afternoon brought HaysMed physicians and Associates, supporters, and community members out to leave their mark on the new building.

Office and clinical space has been at a premium at HaysMed and the new construction and renovation projects will help relieve the situation. However, it is not just about a new building and renovation, but what happens inside the building. The role HaysMed plays in the health of the region, and the importance of maintaining exceptional healthcare for the future.

"This project is very exciting for everyone involved with HaysMed, especially our physicians, Associates and patients who have seen the tremendous growth and all of the positive changes over the last 15 years," said Dr. John Jeter, president and CEO of HaysMed.

Cost of capital expansion projects are a concern to HaysMed and other health care facilities throughout the nation.

"We knew when we were finalizing our construction plans that private community support would play an important role in the success of the project." stated Jeter. "We approached the Foundation Board and they agreed to raise $5 million towards construction and another $2 for future endowments."

The Bickle Family Tower, at a cost of nearly $13 million, will join the Miller and Bickle Pavilions allowing for expansion of the DeBakey Heart Institute, space for administrative offices relocated by the Women's Center and Breast Care Center renovations, and additional space for future medical services.  

Don Bickle, co-chair of the capital campaign and a major donor to the project, spoke about the relevance of HaysMed to the region.

"I cannot imagine how our lives in rural Kansas would be affected without the close availability of HaysMed and its programs," stated Bickle. "All of us have had family members and friends whose lives have been touched by the healing hands of HaysMed physicians, nurses and the many other caregivers."

Campaign co-chair, Dr. Jeff Curtis agreed.  "We are so fortunate to have a medical facility of this caliber in western Kansas. This expansion comes at a critical time and will allow us to continue to provide the very highest quality care, and in an optimal environment, for our patients and families."

The HaysMed Foundation has received nearly $5.1 million in gifts and pledges towards the campaign total goal of $7 million.

Since announcing the campaign last fall, significant contributions have been received by the Foundation from area businesses and foundations including the Hadley Foundation; Dane G. Hansen Foundation; Bank of Hays; Brungardt Hower Ward Elliott & Pfeifer; Commerce Bank and the Kemper Foundation; Commercial Builders, Inc.; Emprise Bank; Golden Belt Bank; Insurance Planning, Inc.; Midwest Energy, Inc.; Nex-Tech; RDH Electric; and Vitztum Commercial Flooring.

Traditionally, when the highest beam of a building is put into place, a tree is hoisted atop the beam to symbolize growth and bring luck for the future.  So it was fitting that an evergreen tree adorned the beam that was raised and installed on the top floor of the future Bickle Family Tower to symbolize the growth and future of exceptional healthcare for this region