Gov. Janet Napolitano recently was the keynote speaker at Verde Valley Medical Center’s celebration of construction of a new Perinatal Services Unit. The unit is part of the next phase of a $42 million expansion project started by the hospital in November 2006, due for completion in August 2009.

“This medical center is such an integral part of creating a network for healthcare for women and children for preventive as well as curative medicine,” Napolitano said. “Thank you for being a model for the rest of our state.” She continued by saying good, quality healthcare should be available throughout Arizona, not just in the big cities.

VVMC’s Interim President Jack Dempsey gave appreciation and recognition to all physicians and nurses who care for new mothers and infants at the medical center, saying the new unit will be a “special, caring, holy place where we will welcome new life.”

Other guests included past and present Northern Arizona Healthcare, Verde Valley Medical Center and Flagstaff Medical Center Board members, Administration and Medical Staff; surrounding community mayors; chamber members; county supervisors and other elected officials. Participants were treated to light refreshments and harp music, followed by a tour of the fourth floor future Perinatal Services Unit, which currently is under construction. A brief program followed.

The new unit is made possible, in part, through a generous donation of $1.3 million from the estate of Sedona couple Irmie and Frank Schuster. Mr. & Mrs. Schuster were very fond of children, but unable to have any of their own. Trustees for the estate, David and Yvonne Singer, said they believe the Schusters would be gratified to see their gift used for this purpose.