WMH Foundation annual campaign underway

WESTFIELD – The Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation has begun its 2026 Annual Campaign, according to Dr. Kathryn S. Bronstein, president of the WMH Foundation Board.

"We've all seen first-hand that when neighbors come together – meaningful things happen," Bronstein said.

The foundation is the fundraising arm of AHN Westfield Hospital and has invested $131,000 in the rural hospital over the past year. The money helped provide five new EKG machines and supported projects needed in the Physical Therapy, Kitchen, MedSurg, and Facilities departments.

This year, the hospital Foundation's fundraising efforts will focus on creating a new Friendly Accessible Caring Environment for our hospital.

"We want that first moment to feel welcoming, safe, and reassuring - an environment that reflects the exceptional care provided throughout our hospital," Bronstein said. "With your support, we can enhance the entrance with a larger protective canopy and heated sidewalks to provide greater comfort, safety and accessibility. We also plan to revitalize key areas of the lobby to create a safer, more modern, private and secure environment."

Bronstein added that the success of the Annual Campaign will be important to the continued viability and success of AHN Westfield Hospital.

Patricia Gaughan DiPalma, foundation executive director, emphasized the importance of community support for the multi-year effort.

"Your gift will help make this muti-year fundraising effort a reality. Together we can put our best FACE forward, DiPalma said. "We remain grateful to all our valued donors who understand the importance of this essential campaign and lend their amazing support year after year."

Bronstein noted the generosity of the people served by the hospital has made a significant difference.

"We would like to see even more residents participate in this campaign," she said. "We challenge everyone in our hospital service area – including Ashville, Bemus Point, Brocton, Chautauqua, Clymer, Dewittville, Findley Lake, Mayville, Panama, Portland, Ripley, Sherman, Stockton and Westfield – to step up and help us be the best we can be for every patient, family member, staff member or visitor."

Dr. Rodney J. Buchanan, administrator of AHN Westfield Hospital, reflected on the hospital's longstanding role in the community dating back to 1942 when the Westfield-Mayville Rotary Club helped to open its doors.

"Our community hospital has been a comforting and significant cornerstone of healthcare in our region, and I am very proud of what we have accomplished - especially with the help of our Foundation, which is currently celebrating its 48th year," Buchanan said. With the support of our parent company, Allegheny Health Network, along with the efforts of our hospital Foundation, we can offer the finest 24/7 emergency services, physical therapy, radiology, laboratory services, orthopedic and wound care clinics, as well as telemedicine."

DiPalma also noted AHN's recent investment in AHN Westfield Hospital.

"It's important to note that AHN recently infused $3 million into the hospital, including many electrical infrastructure improvements and the addition of the new Mobile MRI unit that was unveiled to the community 10 months ago," DiPalma said.

Donations can be made until Dec. 31. Checks made payable to the WMH Foundation can be sent to 189 E. Main St., Westfield, NY 14787.

For more information, email DiPalma at patricia.dipalma@ahn.org; call 716-793-2338 or visit www.westfieldhospitalfoundation.org, where gifts can also be made by using the following credit cards: Mastercard, VISA, Discover and American Express.