Huron Noon Lions Club Contributes $1,000 to Dialysis Expansion

The Huron Noon Lions Club recently presented a contribution of $1,000 to support the expansion of dialysis services at Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) to Levi Kary, HRMC Foundation Executive Director and Jennifer Jungemann, RN, BSN, director of dialysis at HRMC.

In the fall of 2022, Huron Regional Medical Center (HRMC) announced a $2.45 million project to relocate and expand dialysis services to an easy-to-access, one level treatment center at 142 Third Street SE in Huron. The HRMC Board of Directors determined to move forward with expansion and relocation in response to an aging water system and limited capacity in the current location within the Central Towers at HRMC. 

At one time, over 14 people were on the waiting list to receive life-sustaining dialysis in Huron.  The current unit, housing a total of seven treatment chairs, has the capacity to serve 21 patients per week.  The expanded center will house 12 chairs, increasing the capacity to serve up to 36 patients per week.

To meet the need to expand dialysis services in Huron, the HRMC Foundation formed a special capital campaign committee and pledged to raise half of the project cost.  “We’ve been humbled by the amazing support of the community and have raised over $400,000 thus far,” says Kary, who is engaging community entities to pledge their support for the project and will continue fundraising through the month of September. “Each contribution moves us nearer to our goal.”

Huron Noon Lions Club member, Allen Greenfield, expressed personal and family connection as a core reason the Lions Club members opted to support the expansion project. “Several members have had family that required dialysis.  Some had to travel for treatments and others were lucky enough to get treatment in town and had positive experiences,” says Greenfield. “This is something the community needs, and service clubs support the community — it’s what we do.”

The mission of the Lions Club is to empower volunteers and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally as well as to encourage peace and global understanding.

The newly expanded dialysis center is on track for completion in June.  HRMC and the HRMC Foundation will host a public open house at the new location at 142 3rd Street on Tuesday, June 6 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. featuring tours and refreshments.