Chinook Regional Hospital, where a new cardiac care centre is currently being planned. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Bringing Hearts Home raises $25M so far, but still needs $5M

Jan 30, 2026 | 12:12 PM

A significant update for a local fundraiser that aims to build new cardiac care centres in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.

Officials from the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign have announced that nearly $25 million has been raised so far.

That brings it approximately 83 per cent of the way to its $30 million goal.

Crystal Elliott, CEO of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, says this represents a pivotal chapter in their journey of improving cardiac services.

“This progress reflects extraordinary community belief,” says Elliott. “At the same time, the work is not finished. I remember how challenging it was to raise our first five to six million dollars, and our final five to six million will require the same determination, focus, and partnership, alongside continued government collaboration.”

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The campaign, which launched in September 2024, has received more than 750 donations from communities spanning southern Alberta.

Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Cardiac Sciences Physician Lead at Alberta Health Services (AHS), says she sees firsthand the impact that delays access to care can have on families in the region.

“Timely access to cardiac care close to home is critical to improving outcomes,” says Zielke.

Planned key enhancements to Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital include a new cardiac catheterization lab, a dedicated electrophysiology lab, two new echocardiography labs, cardiac MRI and CT scanners, and expanded cardiac ICU capacity.

Cardiac disease is the leading cause of death in southern Alberta, with mortality rates 29.6% higher than the provincial average and heart attack rates 15.5% higher than elsewhere in Alberta.

The campaign is set to wrap up at the end of 2026, and organizers still need to bring in an additional $5 million to meet the goal.

You can learn more about Bringing Hearts Home at CRHFoundation.ca