Syracuse Area Health
Case Study: Story of a Little Hospital with Little Support
Background
Syracuse Area Health, located in the small town of Syracuse, Nebraska, with a population of 1,900, faced a pressing need to replace its outdated 1952 Hill-Burton facility. The hospital’s leadership planned a new, modern replacement hospital to better serve the entire area. Despite the clear necessity of the project, it struggled to gain widespread community support even though the Hospital Administrator and Board knew the project was very needed.
The Challenge
The lack of community embracing the project stemmed from various concerns and uncertainties, including skepticism about the need for the hospital and hesitations regarding the fundraising efforts. These concerns posed a significant hurdle to achieving the hospital’s vision of modernizing its facilities to better care for the community.
The SNS Solution
Strawhecker Nonprofit Services (SNS) conducted a comprehensive Philanthropic Planning Study (Feasibility Study) to understand community concerns and chart a clear path forward. SNS developed a strategic plan that addressed these concerns head-on, fostering understanding and buy-in from community members. Their team implemented persistent activity paired with innovative strategies to build trust, communicate the hospital's value, and turn the tide of opinion in favor of the project.
The Outcome
Thanks to SNS's strategic guidance and persistence, the community shifted from resistance to active support. The campaign gained momentum as community members became more engaged and informed about the hospital’s importance. Ultimately, the project exceeded its fundraising goal, demonstrating a remarkable turnaround in public sentiment.
The Impact
The successful fundraising campaign not only ensured the construction of a much-needed replacement hospital but also strengthened community ties and trust. Syracuse Area Health now stands as a modern healthcare facility equipped to serve the town’s residents for generations to come, embodying a collective achievement born from collaboration and persistence. The hospital’s story is a testament to the power of addressing concerns with care and creating tailored strategies to unify communities around a shared goal.