St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild has supported Wishard Hospital for more than 100 of Wishard’s 150 years of existence. The guild, established in 1907, raises funds for the programs and services of Wishard Health Services through the annual Decorators’ Show House and Gardens.

We have seen first hand the compassionate care and the life-saving and life-changing services provided by the doctors and staff at Wishard Hospital, all while the physical buildings crumble around them.

Wishard Hospital provides crucial services to the Indianapolis community, including one of only two Level I Trauma Centers in the area and a world-class burn unit. Most important, Wishard cares for the neediest of our Marion County neighbors, often operating at capacity. The other hospitals in our community could not absorb this (often uninsured) patient load if Wishard were forced to close its doors.

We need Wishard Hospital. With available stimulus funds, low interest rates, and reduced construction costs, now is the time to build — with no increase in property taxes. Through good fiscal management, Wishard has the funds to pay the debt service on the bonds it seeks to issue, without needing to tap the residents of Marion County.

Vote yes for Wishard on Tuesday.

Jennie Moy and Linda Kammen

Co-presidents, St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild