NorthBay Health Foundation has its work cut out for it: to raise $12 million as soon as possible to update and upgrade two aging catheterization labs at NorthBay Health Medical Center.

Failure is not an option, according to NorthBay Health Foundation President Paul McGinty. “There are simply too many lives at stake to put this project on hold any longer,” he said.

That’s because heart disease is not only the No. 1 cause of death for both men and women in the United States, it’s the No. 1 killer right here at home. Each year more than 900 people in Solano County die from heart disease.

NorthBay first started offering catheterization services in 1992. The equipment was upgraded in 2009, when the NorthBay Heart & Vascular Center opened, bringing together highly skilled surgeons and clinical staff, equipment and advanced procedures such as open heart surgery.

A second lab was added in 2013, to keep up with the volume of cases. In the years that followed, the Heart & Vascular team has added myriad complex procedures focused on helping patients not only survive cardiac events but regain quality of life.

“Our team and our procedures have gotten more and more advanced,” explained Kim Williamson, R.N., Senior Director of Cardiovascular Service, “but the equipment we’re using is still the same. Imagine using the same smart phone that you purchased in 2009. Sure, you can make a call, but very few people would be willing to use a 13-year-old phone. The new equipment will be much more precise, efficient and reliable.”

Interventional cardiologist Mark Villalon, M.D., agreed. He has joined the Foundation’s newly formed nine-member board to lend his expertise and support.

“Just like hearts, medical equipment has a lifespan, and our first cath lab’s equipment is about to expire,” he said. “At the same time, the communities we serve have continued to grow. That translates into more and more patients in need of life-saving procedures.”

NorthBay Health has set aside $18 million for the project, but it needs another $12 million philanthropic boost to make the project a reality.

So far, the Foundation’s “Start with Heart” campaign has raised more than $712,000 in cash and pledges.

“We’re eager to connect with individuals, families and community groups that can help us make this happen,” said Paul. “We have a fabulous opportunity for them to make their mark by helping drive this project forward. We invite them to donate to honor a loved one, or leave their own legacy and make a difference in the lives of hundreds people — their friends and neighbors.”

The Foundation has a wealth of information and resources, including a video, a brochure and a white-paper on the project. Visit NorthBay.org/Foundation or call (707) 646-3138 for more information.