Children's Hospital Foundation Head Steps Down After Nearly 20 Years of Service

After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Dace Dambiņa is stepping down from her leadership role at the Children's Hospital Foundation (BSF). Her departure marks the end of an era for an organization that has become a cornerstone of support for children's healthcare in Latvia.

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For almost 20 years, I have had the honor of leading the Children's Hospital Foundation. Now, when the foundation has grown into a safe and strong organization with an excellent team, reliable donors, valuable projects, and a clear development direction, I have decided to pass on the baton of foundation leadership.

Dambiņa expressed that the foundation has achieved a significant level of stability and success under her guidance, now standing as a robust entity with a dedicated team, loyal donors, and impactful projects. This strong foundation, she believes, is the right time to entrust the leadership to new hands, ensuring a seamless transition and the continuation of vital work.

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In the coming months, I will ensure that the transition is smooth and thoughtful – so that all work continues and no child is left without help.

Her tenure has seen the BSF achieve remarkable milestones, including raising over 37 million euros in donations over 25 years. This funding has been instrumental in realizing hundreds of projects aimed at improving the health and well-being of children and their families. The foundation's impact is evident in the record 10.2 million euros raised last year alone, with substantial portions allocated to the Health Care Development Center and other critical areas.

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In the past year, thanks to the responsiveness of donors, assistance was received by 312 children with autism spectrum disorders, 68 children with mobility impairments, 46 children with oncological diseases, 39 children in palliative care, 16 children in neurosurgery, and 150 children with various other illnesses.

From the perspective of a Latvian publication, Dambiņa's nearly 20 years at the helm represent a period of immense growth and positive change for children's healthcare. The BSF's success is a testament to the generosity of the Latvian people and the effective stewardship of its leadership. The foundation's ability to fund treatments and projects not covered by state budgets highlights a critical need that private initiatives fill, demonstrating a unique aspect of how healthcare is supported in Latvia, often relying on community and charitable efforts to supplement public services.

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Over 25 years, BSF has attracted 37,189,732.31 euros in donations, which has allowed the implementation of hundreds of different projects related to children's health, helping children and their families both during treatment at the Children's Hospital and during the rehabilitation period.