OTC Foundation receives $55,000 ventilator from Hamilton Medical

The OTC Foundation, the fundraising arm of Ozarks Technical Community College, has received a gift of a Hamilton G5 Ventilator, valued at a list price of $55,320, from Hamilton Medical, Inc.  The ventilator, which is the same equipment now in use at St. John’s Hospital, will be used to train students in the College’s Respiratory Therapy program.

The donation of this equipment came out of the existing relationship between St. John’s Hospital, Hamilton Medical, and Ozarks Technical Community College.  St. John’s recently purchased 22 of the ventilator systems, and the gift to the College was arranged as part of the transaction.

“The ability to train our students on the same equipment currently in use in area hospitals will provide an advantage to our graduates, as they prepare for clinical experience and for their careers,” said Dr. Hal Higdon, president of the College.  “This is another great example of how the relationships between community colleges and area industry leaders can be mutually beneficial, and can lead to advancements for the community as a whole.”

In 2009, Ozarks Technical Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program was named one of the top ten programs in the nation by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).  The program prepares its graduates for careers as Registered Respiratory Therapists, working primarily in hospitals, private clinics or home care.  A career in respiratory therapy offers unique challenges in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of people with lung problems.

The OTC Foundation, now in its 13^th year of operation, works to meet the ever-increasing needs of Ozarks Technical Community College through the funding of scholarships, new programs, and capital improvement projects.  The current Major Gifts Capital Campaign includes efforts to raise money for scholarships, health care programs and facilities, student support programs, and workforce development.