Donation helps smallest rehabilitation patients at JMH

2/21/2012

ABINGDON, Va. – The Johnston Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Department recently received a donation to help its littlest patients.

The Johnston Memorial Hospital Community Foundation donated $9,868 to be used for the purchase of pediatric rehab equipment.

“We decided mid-budget year to expand our pediatric program, which now includes physical and occupational therapy and speech language pathology services for all ages and diagnoses,” said Nancy Hess, Rehab Therapy Services site manager at JMH. “We were lacking substantial equipment and testing and treatment tools as well as some minor modifications to our space. We asked for some money from the JMH Foundation and fortunately received just under $10,000 to complete our pediatric program. 

“We are currently in the process of purchasing toys, evaluation tools and testing equipment and additional treatment items. The space is completely dedicated to pediatrics with its own waiting area, evaluating and treatment areas and bathrooms. We are very thankful to the Foundation for giving us this money and to allow us to provide better services to the community.”

Bill Farthing, director, Major Gifts and Planned Giving, Mountain States Foundation, added, “With a growing number of pediatric patients in rehab, the JMH Foundation felt the grant would greatly enhance the pediatric program and provide services closer to home for Washington County, Virginia, and surrounding area youth.”

The JMH Rehabilitation Department treats children from birth to age 18 who live in Washington, Smyth and Russell counties.

William D. Carmack, chairman of the JMH Community Foundation, said, “The Foundation Board was very pleased to support the pediatric rehab department with the funds to purchase the needed equipment.”

The Foundation is considering applications for other requests that will enhance JMH and the services it provides to the region. The funds that support such requests come directly from private donations to the JMH Community Foundation. Donations can me made in memory of loved ones or as in-kind gifts.