Volunteer Martha Weber awards scholarships to Providence employees | | PROVIDENCE HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERS FUND
LOCAL HEALTH CARE NEEDS
May 29, 2008
HOOD RIVER, Ore - The hard working volunteers at Providence Hood River Memorial hospital raised, then awarded $25,250 in grants and employee scholarships to support local health care needs recently. Volunteer Association grant funds were raised through local events and proceeds from sales at the hospital gift shop.
The volunteer program granted almost $19,000 to a seven Providence Hood River departments to purchase medical equipment and supplies to enhance patient care and comfort: • Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital's acute care and intensive care units received grants to fund a specialized patient bed and a lap top computer and console for Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital's care services.
• The hospital's emergency department received a grant to purchase new clothing to be worn by victims of sexual assault.
• The hospital's family birth center was awarded a TV, DVD and VCR cart to help staff teach families about breast feeding and infant care before taking a new baby home for the first time. Birthing center staff also received a grant to purchase a much-needed computer charting system which holds vital information on mom and baby's care at the hospital. The department's two existing systems are over taxed due to volume of babies born - more babies are born at Providence Hood River each year than at any other gorge hospital.
• Providence Brookside Manor, Hood River's assisted care facility, received funds to purchase a portable digital wheelchair scale.
• The hospital's Education Department received a grant for a camera and tripod to develop training videos; additionally, the diabetes education unit was granted funds to purchase a glucose monitoring device to help with patient training.
• Providence Home Health received a new portable hand held oximeter, used to measure patient blood oxygen level and heart rate. "Volunteers give of their time and talent due to the great love they have for our hospital and community," said Diana Harlan, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital's volunteer services manager. "We are so lucky to have these amazing volunteers represent us in the community - and I am so privileged to work with them."
Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital volunteers also awarded $6,250 in employee scholarships to support those pursuing a career in health care or advancing their current skills. "This year, nine employees were the recipients of the funds," said Cheryl Cornett, Providence Hood River's Volunteer Association President. "It's thrilling for us to give employees an opportunity to grow with our community."
Providence Hood River employees that received scholarships to further develop their health care training: Debra King, certified nursing assistant; Kathy Wingfield, radiology technician; Stefanie Bushnell, medication aide; Bonnie Lebrenton- Smith, safety officer; Jan Loomis, registered nurse; Myra Judd, certified nursing assistant; Shari Jenkins, radiology technician; Wendy McNair, certified nursing assistant and Becky Rawson, registered nurse.
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Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital is part of the not-for-profit Providence Health & Services, Oregon's largest health system and largest private employer. Providence Hood River is a full service critical access hospital with a 24-hour Emergency Department. Providence offers a wide range of health care services in the communities of the Columbia River Gorge through its clinics, programs and senior living facilities. |
