Dave Barrett’s ties to the Quad-Cities run deep. He’s the third generation Barrett to provide Yavapai County residents warmth and comfort through propane delivery to local homes and businesses. Barrett Propane is about business and community. As the company’s website states, “We live here, we work here and we participate in our community. You’ll see us at local events, local businesses, in our schools and on our ball fields. So when you choose us, you’re choosing the community as well.”
That’s the kind of commitment that Barrett has shown the Yavapai Regional Medical Center Foundation for years. Barrett not only gives generously to support the YRMC Foundation, he also serves as Chair of its Board of Directors.
Recently, Barrett shared his thoughts on leading the YRMC Foundation Board of Directors during the pandemic, the Dignity Health-Yavapai Regional Medical Center affiliation and the story behind those pink Barrett Propane trucks.
- Why do you personally support the YRMC Foundation?
My support for the YRMC Foundation originates from two places: personal experience and a desire to support local healthcare. The personal experience goes back 20 years ago, when my wife was diagnosed with breast cancer. Getting that diagnosis was one of the most frightening moments of our lives together.
At the time, the coordinated care my wife needed wasn’t available in our community. That’s why when the BreastCare Center at YRMC opened in 2011, we jumped at the chance to support it.
I bought a new Barrett Propane truck, had it painted pink and – with the hospital and Foundation’s permission – placed the BreastCare Center logo on it. For the last nine years, for every gallon pumped through the pink truck we give a penny to the BreastCare Center at YRMC. Those pennies add up. In total, we’ve given about $40,000 to support the work of the BreastCare Center.
That’s my personal story. But I’m also motivated to support the YRMC Foundation because of its impact on all of us. I recognize that the availability of excellent healthcare is tied to the quality of life we enjoy in our community.
- What will you remember most about serving as Chair of the YRMC Foundation Board of Directors during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Like most people, my memories of the pandemic will be linked to stories of sadness, loss and isolation. However, as Chair of the YRMC Foundation, I will also cherish memories of hope. I’ll remember the Dignity Health, YRMC team and the community rallying around the circumstances brought on by COVID-19. The perseverance of our doctors, nurses and staff during extraordinarily difficult circumstances will continue to impress me. And the truckloads of donated food, bags of PPE, and the monetary gifts to the Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund will always be appreciated. These are hopeful memories that I’ll treasure.
- What would you like people to know about the relatively new affiliation between the YRMC Foundation and Dignity Health/CommonSpirit?
First, it’s important to mention that the Foundation team and I have been very impressed with the leadership and staff of the Dignity Health/CommonSpirit philanthropy organization. We’ve been welcomed and treated as an important member of the organization. Even this early in the process, we have tapped into enormous fundraising resources and a network of 80-plus Dignity Health/CommonSpirit foundation members. We’re looking forward to building a partnership with Dignity Health/CommonSpirit.
- What will remain the same for YRMC Foundation supporters even after the affiliation between the Foundation and Dignity Health/CommonSpirit?
There are three important aspects of giving to the YRMC Foundation that will not change with the affiliation. First, all donations to the YRMC Foundation will remain in our community. Those gifts are invested in programs and services that advance the health of our local community. Second, 100% of donated funds will continue going to the programs or services you designate. And third, if you wish to do so, you may direct your gifts to any of the YRMC Foundation’s 17 restricted funds.
For more information about the YRMC Foundation, visit us at YRMCFoundation.org or contact us at (928) 771-5686 or [email protected].