Posts Donate $100,000 to South Coast Medical Center

In a move to spark major support for the hospital’s plans to update the existing facility and to build a new patient care building on its campus, Carl and Cheryl Post of Laguna Beach donated $100,000 to the SCMC Foundation at the hospital’s Saturday night Fundraising Gala.

“We felt it was important that we be one of the first to endorse the hospital’s plans to remain and expand,” said Carl Post. “Our hope is that others will follow our lead. In our view, retaining this hospital is critical to the residents of South County.”

The Posts, long known for their generosity and support of Laguna Beach causes, first became interested in the hospital’s plans after Executive Director Elizabeth Schneider contacted them to consider becoming active with the hospital. Cheryl joined the Women’s Advisory Council and helped with the Foundation’s Fashion Show in September. Shortly after that, the couple was taken on a tour by Schneider and her staff and they became aware of some immediate needs.

“After seeing the cardiac rehab and physical therapy facility, we felt that there was a critical need for new equipment,” said Cheryl. “And because of the hospital’s focus on baby boomers – who have a major concern for heart-health, we believed that we could help with the cardiac unit, as well.”

“When I told the Physical Therapy and Cardiac Rehab unit that the Foundation might be receiving funds from a potential donor, they couldn’t believe their ears,” said Schneider. “They got all excited and you could see morale take a major leap. It was quite heart-warming.”

South Coast Medical Center, which several years ago was considering a relocation or sale, has been rejuvenated by the efforts of new President & CEO, Bruce Christian who has replaced 19 of 21 department heads and attracted nationally-acclaimed physicians who have now filled both of their campus office buildings. “It’s a new day at South Coast Medical Center,” said Christian. “We are committed to this community and, I believe, this community is committed to us.”

The hospital has recently announced that they would like to build much-needed senior housing on land they own behind the hospital to fund a major portion of a new Patient Care Building to meet the State’s seismic retrofit requirements. “We are not interested in a bond or in asking the taxpayers to pay for our rehab or new building,” said Christian. “It just isn’t necessary.”

South Coast Medical Center, a member of Adventist Health, has 208 beds and serves the residents of Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and Aliso Viejo.

Posted 11/19/07