Pullman hospital awards 22 internal grants

PULLMAN — The Pullman Regional Hospital Auxiliary announced it has funded thousands of dollars to its departments and clinics.

The hospital’s auxiliary funded 22 internal grant awards totaling $57,433, according to a news release by the hospital Monday.

Each year, the auxiliary makes financial contributions internally to purchase patient comfort items, according to the news release.

It raises funds through sales at Diane’s Gift Garden, at the hospital, as well as membership fees, donations and several fundraisers during Valentine’s Day and Christmas, according to the news release.

The auxiliary is a membership-based group managed by a volunteer board of directors, according to the news release. Director of External Relations Alison Weigley said the organization is mainly composed of community members.

Funds were used to purchase patient gowns, labor mirrors, breastfeeding educational materials, supplies for knitted newborn baby hats and rice bags for laboring mothers at the hospital’s BirthPlace.

An echocardiogram table and patient education materials were purchased for the cardiology department. Winter coats and shoes for patients in need, as well as grief support books and resources for patients and families were supplied for care coordination at the hospital, according to the news release.

Religious literature at the request of patients was provided in its chaplain program. Pediatric intubation medical equipment was given to the emergency department. Stickers for pediatric patients were bought for its laboratory, according to the news release.

A specialized breast biopsy chair was provided for mammography services. Light-blocking eye masks for patients were purchased for medical surgical/intensive care units. Food replica kits to help patients with feeding challenges were supplied for nutrition therapy, according to the release.

Fabric for handmade blankets were gifted for palliative care. A sensory wall for the Palouse Pediatrics Moscow office was purchased. Stuffed animals were provided for pediatric patients, according to the news release.

Educational games for distraction during procedures were provided for pediatric therapy. Diagnostic and patient communication software was upgraded for pelvic health therapy. Lastly, a patient percussion vest was purchased for therapy services, according to the news release.

The auxiliary has donated more than $1 million to the hospital since its inception in 1968, according to the news release.

Pearce can be reached at epearce@dnews.com.