The new center will be specifically designed for patients who receive cancer treatments or other infusion center services, creating a more comfortable and peaceful environment.

The project marks that completion of fundraising efforts for one of the hospital’s three initiatives announced in July 2009. The Allegan General Hospital Foundation will continue to raise funds for the remaining two priorities, including purchasing digital mammography equipment and increasing mammography services to individuals who are unable to afford them.

The infusion center renovation and expansion is funded by a total of $200,000 from the Perrigo Foundation and $100,000 from the Allegan community. In July 2009, the Perrigo Foundation made an initial donation of $100,000 to the hospital. The foundation also issued a separate challenge grant that would match community donations, up to $100,000, made during the next nine months (Aug. 1, 2009 – April 30, 2010). Community donations totaled $100,000, allowing the hospital to earn the full amount of the challenge grant from the Perrigo Foundation.

“Perrigo is dedicated to providing quality, affordable healthcare products around the world,” said Judy Brown, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Perrigo. “We’re just as committed to ensuring access to quality, affordable healthcare in Allegan and we’re thrilled to support a critical community resource like Allegan General Hospital.”

The infusion center will relocate to areas within the hospital more accessible to patients. The new center will feature private treatment areas; heated, massaging rocker-recliner chairs for patients; TVs, music systems and headphones for each patient as well as DVD players and laptop computers with wireless Internet access. The center also will include a dedicated waiting area with more space for families and friends, and a patient education center.

In addition to cancer patients, the center will serve patients with anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, colitis, and others requiring transfusions, IVs and other specific procedures.

“To reach the $300,000 mark in our fundraising efforts is a tremendous achievement, allowing us to move forward with the renovation and expansion of the infusion center,” said Gerald Barbini, president of Allegan General Hospital. “We see it as the successful beginning of our ongoing fundraising initiative that will allow us to continue to provide quality care close to home.”

For more information about donating funds to the Allegan General Hospital Foundation, visit aghosp.org.