Pictured are members of the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary Philanthropy Committee and members of the IU Health LaPorte Hospital Executive Team: (from left) Maria Fruth, Shirley Duerr, Lisa Pinkstaff (recipient), Marcia Morris, Jeanene Keene, and G. Thor Thordarson. (Click photo to enlarge)
The LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary has given $60,000 to Indiana University Health LaPorte Hospital to help fund clinical equipment and patient items.
The auxiliary, in conjunction with the LaPorte Hospital Foundation, distributed the funds based on a “wish list” generated by various hospital departments.
The Surgery Department received the largest gift of $45,600 for equipment used during orthopedic surgery and hysterectomies, as well as equipment to help better identify locations of blood vessels to avoid unnecessary punctures. In addition, a fiberoptic laryngoscope system was purchased, which produces magnified HD images to aid anesthesiologists preparing patients for surgery.
Director of Surgery Lisa Pinkstaff said, “On behalf of the surgeons, anesthesiologists and staff, we are so grateful to the auxiliary for their generosity. Because of them, we are able to purchase the latest clinical equipment. These gifts will not only help us do our jobs better, but will also create a safer, more positive experience for patients.”
Other funded items include:
— $7,800 to the pharmacy for a laptop to be taken to the patient’s bedside to help eliminate drug interactions;
— $6,000 to Respiratory for leading edge oximeters;
— $3,150 to the fourth floor staff for a non-invasive blood pressure machine;
— $4,000 to the Emergency Department for toys to increase children’s comfort there;
— $2,000 to the IU Health LaPorte Hospital Family Chapel for community spiritual care programs;
— Nearly $1,000 for a Nintendo Wii system to aid rehabilitation patients.
Auxiliary member and Philanthropy Committee Chairperson Marcia Morris said, “We’re really pleased to spread the wealth. These gifts help those of IU Health LaPorte Hospital who take care of our community to keep us as healthy as possible. That’s what the auxiliary is all about.”
The LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary supports IU Health LaPorte Hospital by providing volunteer services and generates its charitable revenues from a variety of sources, including the Wishing Well Gift Shop located in the hospital as well as various fundraisers. The philanthropic gifts help support the organization’s mission in making a positive difference in communities. For more information, call 219.326.2338.
