More than $4 million raised to fund healthcare enhancements in Norman

Thanks to local donors more than $4 million of healthcare technology will be brought to Norman and its surrounding communities. Norman Regional Health Foundation hosted its annual Ambassador Ball this weekend announcing that the Equipped for Tomorrow Campaign not only met, but exceeded, its $4 million goal.

University of Oklahoma Women’s Basketball coaching legend Sherri Coale was in attendance to announce the exciting news. Coale has been the campaign chair for the Equipped for Tomorrow Campaign since its inception two years ago.

“Norman Regional Health System is such a hub for our community. Not only is it an entity for health and wellness but it’s intertwined with our schools. It’s a hub that has spokes that affects so many,” Coale said.

The campaign exceeded its $4 million goal by raising funds earmarked for leading-edge equipment within specific, Norman Regional service areas including a renovation of the Education Centerat Norman Regional’s historic Porter campus.

The $1.8 million renovation is a result of the partnership between the Norman Regional Foundation and Norman Regional Auxiliary. The new Education Center is slated to open in August, 2024 with several community partners already in-line to book space.

“More than 300 donors contributed to Equipped for Tomorrow to raise $4,024,079 during the Foundation’s campaign,” shared Foundation Executive Director Erin Barnhart. “The Foundation would like to extend its heartfelt thanks to these generous donors. This campaign is an investment in our Healers, our patients and our community.”

The five healthcare pillars the campaign focused on included: Cardiovascular Care, Cancer Care, Perinatal Care, Physical Rehabilitation and the Education Center at Norman Regional’s historic Porter campus.

“This campaign will transform healthcare in our region and ensure lifesaving equipment is available throughout the communities we serve,” said Richie Splitt, President and CEO of Norman Regional Health System.

Later this summer, Norman Regional will become home to a new ZeroG® Gait and Balance System from Aretech® – making this cutting-edge physical rehabilitation equipment available to patients in Oklahoma for the first time.

This critical piece of equipment funded through the campaign, utilizes a robotic body-weight support system to empower those injured and left with neurological deficiencies to relearn how to walk again. This system, among other equipment funded through the Equipped for Tomorrow Campaign, will add great benefit to the leading-edge innovation of Norman Regional’s patient care.

Another piece of lifesaving equipment is new imaging software for breast cancer patients.

The Clarix Imaging system helps breast cancer surgeons identify tumors more easily during lumpectomy procedures. This technology creates 3D images of the tissue, which means doctors can see every tiny detail and make better decisions with pinpoint accuracy during surgery, reducing the risk of complications and second surgeries.

Other equipment to be funded by the campaign includes warmers for newborns, additional equipment for cardiovascular procedures and more.

The public can get a sneak preview of the hospital’s new expansion at an open house and family fun fest from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 20 at 3300 Hospital Parkway in Norman.

The Norman Regional Foundation is thankful for the community showing up to support their vision for tomorrow. Learn more about the funded projects at nrhfoundation.org.