County approves $250,000 donation to Saint Elizabeth Foundation for Dearborn Cancer Center

The Dearborn County fiscal body approved a $250,000 appropriation to the Saint Elizabeth Foundation to support the Dearborn Cancer Center, commissioners said during the meeting. The funding will be drawn from the county's growth and development account and was approved by voice vote. The foundation's board members and site staff told commissioners the center had increased local access to oncology care since opening and had expanded services including genomic testing, integrative oncology programs and a farmers market. Terry Bogan, site director of the Dearborn Cancer Center, said patient volumes rose from 2,236 in 2023 to 4,454 in 2024 and that the center's market share in Dearborn County had grown to nearly 70 percent. Sarah Secrest, director of development for the foundation, told the commissioners that 100 percent of dollars raised for Dearborn County go directly to the center and that the foundation remains responsible for fundraising to complete facility needs. Foundation board members attending the meeting including EG McLaughlin and Celeste Calvito asked commissioners to release the next installment of the county's pledge. At the meeting the commissioners moved and seconded the appropriation as advertised; commissioners approved the $250,000 and invited the delegation to leave following the vote. The appropriation is an operating transfer to the foundation's campaign fund; the commissioners did not adopt any conditions beyond the usual appropriation controls. Foundation representatives said they will continue community outreach events including a farmers market on Aug. 15 and a fall trunk-or-treat event. Why this matters: Local county funding helps the foundation finish philanthropic goals tied to the new cancer center and keeps expanded oncology services located near patients in southeast Indiana. Commissioners framed the payment as fulfillment of a previously stated pledge.