We at the Sentinel talk a great deal about community, and for good reason. We love our community. From Byram to Old Greenwich.
From the Round Hill Community Store to Ada’s. Our community is rich with neighbors from all parts of the economic spectrum, ethnicities, and political and religious viewpoints. Greenwich is great. It is that diversity which makes our community so interesting and so different on any given day.
Recently we spoke about pillars in our community. Not individuals—we do that quite a bit—but institutions and their missions. Our first responders are there all day, every day to ensure our physical safety. Our religious houses and faith traditions are there to nurture us and protect our morals. We realized there was another we do not often talk about: our hospital. We may take it for granted, but Greenwich Hospital has been protecting our health since 1903. It began modestly, as befit the community at the time. But as Greenwich grew so did the hospital. Today, it is a world-class mixture of different medical practices and expertise that can address all but the rarest ailments.
This may seem like we are stating the obvious, but these days in many communities our hospitals are under attack. The high costs of operations, the complicated funding channels, and the ever-changing insurance and legal landscape all create a very tumultuous and unpredictable industry. Add to that the Democratically controlled state legislature in Hartford wanting to levy excessive taxes on hospitals across the state as a way of balancing the budget and we are left mimicking Munch’s painting “The Scream.”
In previous generations, hospitals were community cornerstones. Doctors knew your family and were with you throughout your lifespan. You can still find that with Doctors Sunil Rana and Robert Fucigna. They have a gentle demeanor that immediately puts one at ease. When you visit you are not rushed, they have time to really listen to you and to get to know you. There are others, too—we all have our favorites—but they are quickly fading from our community, replaced by the business of healthcare.
Fortunately, there is something we can each do to help support Greenwich Hospital’s place in our community. Later this month they are hosting their annual fundraiser, Under the Stars, proceeds of which will benefit women’s and children’s health services at the hospital. This is a vital practice at the hospital that includes pediatrics, maternity (obstetrics), gynecology and cardiovascular services, as well as specialized services in the NICU, Breast Center, and the Fertility Center. These are services that have affected each and every one of us—if not ourselves personally, then certainly someone whom we love dearly.
Under the Stars is everyone’s opportunity to offer financial support to this exceptionally worthwhile cause by purchasing a ticket or making a donation. It is easy to do, just visit: www.giving.greenhosp.org/underthestars. Even a small donation can help support these important practice areas. Supporting such an important cause is the right thing to do and we encourgae you to do so.
When we think of Greenwich Hospital, it may be difficult to imagine the original 24-bed hospital that opened on Milbank Avenue in 1906. The hospital became a reality because some of our leading citizens at the time identified the need for one. The state granted them a charter and $25,000 only after they had raised $75,000. It was truly a public/private partnership, with the community coming together to support the need for the hospital.
Herein lies another aspect of what makes our community so great. When we identify a need, whether it is 1906 or 2017, if we need to put capital behind that need, we do. We raise the funds necessary through large donations and small. We come together as a community. We hope you will join us at Under the Stars in supporting this incredibly vital town resource and those they are trying to protect.
