KH . ORG 21 attack. Charlie was quickly taken to the cardiac catheterization lab for further evaluation and scheduled for a stent procedure with cardiologist Ronald Fritz, D.O., early the next morning. After he awoke from the procedure, he and Susan were greeted by cardiothoracic surgeon Robert Burnett, M.D. Dr. Burnett explained there were four blocked arteries in Charlie’s heart that would require open-heart surgery: a quadruple bypass. Charlie explained: “It was in the critical care unit that I began to fully understand what a highly skilled group we have here at the Heart Center in Coeur d’Alene. A multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals work together to decide on protocols, evaluate your condition and measure your progress every day. Susan and I feel so fortunate to have had that level of expertise and professionalism. We never felt scared because of the incredible care we were receiving.” Paying it forward Originally built over 20 years ago, the Heart Center exists because of the tremendous assistance and support of donors and friends of Kootenai Health. In fact, the proceeds from the 2002–2004 Festival of Trees, totaling nearly $670,000, directly supported the construction. At that time, the Heart Center was built to bring new technology and services to the community. It was a welcome addition to expand the availability and timeliness of cardiac care for residents in northern Idaho. Since then, the community population has grown tremendously, and residents are also growing older in age. There is a vast regional need for excellent, cardiac care close to home. Many people do not want to travel out of northern Idaho to receive highquality care. Additionally, when there is an immediate need, such as the one Charlie experienced, travel time can delay care and negatively impact patient outcomes. In the past year, Kootenai Health served more than 3,200 patients in the Heart Center. With this high volume, there were times when there were more patients than space available, and care teams had to find other ways to make sure every patient’s needs were still met. As a result, Kootenai Health is currently working on an upgrade and expansion to the Heart Center. The new facility will add nine new patient rooms for a total of 24. It will also add a second cardiac catheterization lab for treating blockages in the heart and a second electrophysiology lab for treating heart rhythm disorders. These critical additions will provide the resources needed to ensure ready, rapid care is available even as our population grows. Helpingeveryone Cardiovascular disease does not discriminate. Every day, men and women of all ages, walks of life, social position and fitness levels find themselves experiencing a cardiac event. Some of them may be your family members, friends and neighbors. In 2022, the Kootenai Health Foundation launched a capital campaign to support the Heart Center expansion. With generous lead gifts from the McIntire family How you can help To learn about giving opportunities that align with your personal priorities, please call (208) 625-4438 to start the conversation or visit kootenaihealthfoundation.org. TOP: The United Heritage Insurance tree. BOTTOM: Mark Brinkman, M.D., and Mary Brinkman. and Charlie and Susan Nipp, the $4 million campaign goal is currently at $2.7 million. This important work will not be possible without you. With your support, Kootenai Health can provide you, your family, friends and all residents greater access to premier, specialized cardiovascular care.
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