News

The SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation proudly announces the successful raising of over $100,000 to establish the Norma Fairchild Education Endowment. This endowment celebrates and honors Norma Fairchild for her unwavering commitment to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital and the community. The new endowment aims to enhance and sustain the quality of care provided by SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital by empowering employees through continuous learning and growth opportunities.
 
Norma Fairchild has been a cornerstone of the Mt. Vernon community for many decades. Her love for the community, coupled with her passion for health care and education, is undeniable. Fairchild has served the community in numerous capacities, always bringing her thoughtful wisdom, steadfast leadership, and unwavering advocacy to the table.
 
“Today, more than ever, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of investing in and retaining our local employees. By prioritizing the retention of local individuals as employees at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital, we not only benefit the hospital but also strengthen the bond between the hospital and the local region we serve,” says Kay Zibby-Damron, Regional Administrative Foundation Director at SSM Health in Southern Illinois. “Norma’s community service has had an immeasurable impact on countless lives, and she deserves to be recognized and celebrated for her lifetime of work.”
 
In a heartfelt surprise to Fairchild, the announcement was made on Monday, September 23, 2024, in the presence of a group of family, friends, and hospital administration who all helped create the endowment. The permanent endowment is dedicated to Employee Professional Development and Education and will disburse approximately $5,000 annually and will be used to advance the education, clinical skills, and expertise of Good Samaritan Hospital employees.
 
“I am very excited and shocked that my name is on it. This will help the nursing and employee programs at Good Samaritan Hospital and I am so thankful for everyone who made it happen. It’s about community and helping our own,” Norma emotionally stated. “My heart is in Mt. Vernon.”
 
Anyone wishing to honor Norma with a donation to the new Norma Fairchild Education Endowment may do so by contacting the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation Office at 618-899-1047 or online at Donate to an SSM Health Foundation (givetossmhealth.org).