I am very pleased to send you our 1999 Annual Report. During the past year, the Foundation continued its work to improve the heart health of our community and, indeed, that of communities across the country and
throughout the world.
Our education programs are growing at a rapid rate, and we are faced with the good problem of having to work creatively to fund the growth which has resulted from the ever-increasing demands for our service.
As you will see, our Research Division continued to work on many fronts with projects ranging from robotic surgery to the distressing issue of death of young people during competitive sports.
Clearly, the clinical research carried on by the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation fills a niche which is becoming more and more important. Major university hospitals and research centers continue to focus increasingly on basic or "bench" research, while their ability to carry out vital clinical research has declined. With this shift in emphasis, the responsibility for carrying out clinical research including important trials of new drugs and devices - falls more than ever to research organizations associated with major medical centers, such as the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation.
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Ford W. Bell, D.V.M.
President |
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Ray Bentdahl
Chairman |
On the horizon is the prospect of a major new heart center here on the Abbott Northwestern campus, a center which will surely become a major regional and even national referral center for patients with cardiovascular disease. The Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is excited about the opportunity to partner with Abbott Northwestern Hospital in developing the vision for this world-class facility, and in working to make the vision reality. The opportunities for increased clinical research and for enhanced programs directed at primary prevention of heart disease are very exciting.
Thank you for your interest in and your support of the work of the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation. We are indeed grateful for our many loyal friends who make possible the Foundation's ongoing contribution to the health of our communities.
Sincerely,
Ford Watson Bell, D.V.M.
Please read the following articles:
Mission and Vision
Education Services Division
Research Division
Contributions and Funding Division
Summery of Revenue and Expenses
Past Annual Reports:
Annual Report for 1998
Annual Report for 1997
