There’s some new equipment in the obstetric unit and it’s all thanks to a dedicated organization and the Tyrone community.
The Tyrone Hospital Development Council’s Third Annual Tree of Light fund raiser, generated $3,386.04 to benefit Tyrone Hospital this year, opening the door for the hospital to add a much needed service for newborns.
Typically, the Development Council raises funds to help purchase one piece of capital equipment each year. According to Miles, this year was an exception.
“We became aware of a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “We were able to purchase a variety of “like new” obstetrics equipment from Bon Secour Holy Family Hospital since they closed their maternity unit.
“We discussed this option with hospital administration and clinical personnel and decided to make the purchase from Bon Secour,” he continued. “They were very ‘community conscious’ and were able to bundle some equipment and make it available at a great price. We couldn’t pass it up.”
Items purchased include three infant resuscitation beds, maternity beds, tables, and fetal monitors. The total cost for the items purchased was $5,000.
“This was the third year for the Tree of Light fund raising event. It has quickly become a community tradition,” said Randy Miles, Development Council chairman.
The fund raiser involves the sale and display of angels bearing the names of loved ones being honored or remembered or to recognize a business or organization. This year, the Tyrone Area High School Key Club helped in the effort by selling special candles.
Miles said the Development Council is grateful for the support from the community and hospital family and for the donations that made this year’s event possible.
“We received contributions from a variety of individuals and organizations,” he said.
In addition, JB Tree Farm in Alexandria provided a tree for the exterior of the hospital. Peter Hedberg provided vocal selections for the lighting ceremony. Sunda Baney, provided additional exterior lights. Richard and Ann Searer donated an interior tree for the hospital lobby.
“We were pleased to acquire an additional tree,” said Miles. “We now have four trees all of which were donated by people in the community. As the program grows we need additional trees to display the angels.”
All funds raised via the Tree of Light project were used to buy an infant resuscitation bed for the hospital’s maternity unit. The infant resuscitation bed is specially equipped to provide the very first care a newborn receives. The bed is equipped with technology to provide routine care for non-problematic births as well as care that may be needed in infant emergency resuscitation situations.
Mr. Miles said the Development Council wants its contributors to know how much purchasing power their donated dollars had this year. In the current fiscal year the Development Council has raised $17,804.85 to benefit Tyrone Hospital.
“This year we have been able to exceed our goal,” said Miles. “We will continue our fund raising and discuss how to put the remaining dollars to work to benefit the community and the hospital.”
For more information about the Tyrone Hospital Development Council call Randy Miles, Sr., Council Chairman at 684-0736.
