Direct access testing now available
in Commerce
June 30, 2010 - Improving health begins with improving the health
care in our communities. Effective and efficient health care
requires a willingness to find solutions through new approaches.
Hunt Regional Healthcare proudly provides quality care in a
changing landscape by offering “Direct Access Testing”.
Direct Access Testing provides a comprehensive menu of laboratory
tests and does not require a physician’s order. Testing
includes Cholesterol, Glucose, Lipid Screen, Chlamydia, Drug
Screen, Pregnancy Testing, Prostate Screening, Thyroid Stimulating
Hormone, Hemoglobin A1C, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit (Anemia Screening),
Rapid Plasmin Reagin (Syphilis Screening) and Urinalysis.
Direct Access Testing services are available at Hunt Regional
Community Hospital in Commerce from 8am to 4:30pm and at Hunt
Regional Minor Care in Greenville from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday
through Friday with no appointment necessary.
Hunt Regional Community Hospital is located at 2900 Sterling
Hart Drive in Commerce and Hunt Regional Minor Care is located
at 8110 Wesley Street in the Traders Crossing Shopping Center,
across from WalMart, in Greenville.
These tests are performed on a fee for service basis and no
insurance claims will be filed.
A complete list of available laboratory tests and the fees
for each can be found here.
Simply print the Direct Access Testing form, complete the information,
including which tests you’d like performed, and bring
with you to either Hunt Regional Community Hospital or Hunt
Regional Minor Care.
Direct Access
Testing Form
Test results will be mailed directly to you in 3 or 4 days.
The information can also be mailed to your physician.
Stay
safe in summer heat
June 24, 2010 - The staff in the Emergency Department at Hunt
Regional Medical Center is well aware that as the temperatures
climb, so will the number of heat-related illnesses coming through
the Emergency room doors.
“We haven’t seen a lot of people with heat-related
stress, yet,” said Dr. Lynn Rea, chairman of the ED. But,
with the early heat wave that began even before the start of
summer, citizens are being cautioned against “over doing
it.”
“In Texas every year it gets hot in the summer, but we
see more and more people suffering from heat fatigue. Their
energy just gets zapped,” says Rea who also is chief-of-staff-elect
of Hunt Regional Healthcare. “That condition can become
very dangerous if ignored. The key is to stay hydrated and take
breaks if you are working outdoors.”
He continued, “Start drinking water or Gatorade. I say
Gatorade because kids in particular drink more of it. They drink
twice as much Gatorade as water. Any sports drink will help.
Just keep lots of liquids in you.”
Ideally, the “heavy drinking” should come before
doing any work in the heat, and, those drinks should be caffeine
free. “Don’t wait until you are thirsty,”
advises the National Center for Environmental Health. Sports
drinks can also replace salts and minerals lost through perspiration.
Cramping from heat is another sign of overheating. “That’s
the second phase of heat exhaustion, says Rea. Heat stroke follows
and puts the person in jeopardy.”
“In this climate we sweat because the humidity is so
high. If you suddenly stop sweating while you are out in the
heat you know something is wrong,” Rea said.
He said that people should be aware that dehydration should
be taken very seriously and while it seems simple enough to
reverse by drinking lots of liquids, can result in serious injury
to the kidneys and muscle breakdown.
The National Safe Kids Campaign and the National Center for
Environmental Health offer the following information:
Never leave a child or elderly person unattended in a motor
vehicle, even with a window slightly open. This applies to pets
as well. On a typically sunny day, the temperature inside a
vehicle can reach potentially deadly levels within a few minutes.
When restraining children in a car that has been parked in
the heat, check to make sure seating surfaces and equipment
(car seats and seat belt buckles) are not overly hot.
What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?
• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°)
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness
Who is at greatest risk for heat-related illness?
• Infants
• Children up to 4 years old
• Adults age 65 and older
• People who are overweight
• People who are ill
• Those on certain medications
What to do if you see someone with the warning signs of a heat
stroke:
• Call 9-1-1 for immediate medical assistance
• Move the victim to a shady area
• Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods you
can
o Immerse the person in a cool but not cold shower or bath
o Spray with cool water from a garden hose
o Sponge the person with cool water
• If the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a wet sheet
and fan him/her vigorously.
• Monitor body temperature and continue cooling efforts
until the body temperature drops to 101-102° F.
• Never give anything to drink to anyone who is less
than fully alert. Even if the victim is fully alert, do not
give him alcohol to drink.
What is the best clothing for hot weather or a heat wave? Wear
as little clothing as possible while at home. Choose lightweight,
light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. An umbrella, parasol
or loose-weave hat will provide some shade.
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and continue
to reapply periodically. Sunburn affects your body’s ability
to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.
Hunt Regional Medical Center Participates
in Relay for Life
by Amanda Johnson
June
15, 2010 - At the Hunt County Relay for Life this past Friday,
the Hunt Regional Medical Center team surpassed its own fundraising
goal by more than 100% while winning the title of “The
Most Spirited Team”.
The total money raised Friday came to $67,010.72 plus additional
donations made at a fundraiser held the next day. The HRMC team
was the largest contributor with a total gift of $10,325.21.
HRMC exceeded all expectations for 2010 and plans to set higher
goals for 2011.
As team captain for the Hunt Regional Medical Center team,
“ALL FOR ONE”, John Ervin expressed his excitement
about the team’s hard work and accomplishments.
“I am very proud of the team and their enthusiastic
response to the challenge of raising funds for a cause and an
event that most of us knew virtually nothing about,” Ervin
said. “Their desire to be the best team at the event was
evident in the total amount raised and their selection as The
Most Spirited Team of the 2010 Relay for Life.”
HMHD’s vision is “to be the preferred healthcare
provider in the communities and surrounding areas we serve.”
As a healthcare team, the employees at HRMC want to provide
all the care possible for everyone in the area and work daily
towards achieving that goal. That vision statement is what prompted
the team name “ALL FOR ONE.”
"Since I have worked with most of the people involved,
it did not surprise me that they were the biggest fundraisers,”
PRN Staff Writer Melva Geyer said. “They really get involved
110 percent and take a lot of pride in representing the hospital
and what they do in general."
Each team of the 40 set up tents with games and activities
to entertain throughout the evening. HRMC had food, water guns
and games for children and adults. When the night slowed down,
team members sang songs to keep momentum and spirits up.
“I have participated in a number of Relay for Life events,
but it seems this one really generated energy and enthusiasm,”
Geyer said. “I know there were a lot of people behind
the scenes who helped make this happen."
“I’ve already signed us up for next year and I
would not hesitate to be the team captain again,” Ervin
added. “We knew that we were capable of putting a game
plan together and coordinating our individual efforts to meet
our common goal. Having a winning attitude is by far the most
important attribute for a successful team.”
Junior volunteer program
by Amanda Johnson
June 7, 2010 - Teens began another summer of volunteer service
to Hunt Regional Medical Center on June 7.
Students
from junior high through high school are stepping up to help
any way they can. Volunteer Coordinator Jeanye Roberts described
what their duties will include.
“Some volunteers will be at the information desks helping
to provide information, there will be some in the storage room
helping to stock and deliver and in the surgery center helping
with anything they may need and basically providing assistance
to staff and patients,” Roberts said.
To become a junior volunteer, students are required to fill
out an application at the hospital, provide a parent’s
signature, attend the orientation and follow the dress code.
There are benefits to participating in the program each summer.
“Each year we give out two scholarships to Hunt County
high school seniors who are anticipating going into the medical
field,” Roberts said. “The scholarships are $2500
each, and if the student was a junior volunteer, they earn points
as well as being able to put it on their resume for the future.”
Students must be at least 13 years old and volunteer four
hours each week until school begins in August. Roberts said
that volunteering provides the students with responsibility,
work ethic and a sense of accomplishment.
HRMC Prepares to Participate in Relay
for Life
by Amanda Johnson
June 1, 2010 - Once again members of Hunt Regional Medical
Center (HRMC) are stepping up to help fund a cure for cancer
by participating in this years Hunt County Relay for Life.
Relay for Life is a community event held all around the world
that celebrates survivors and commemorates those who have lost
their battle with cancer. Hunt County Relay for Life is being
held at Philips Field, from 7p.m June 11 through 7 a.m June
12. John Ervin, Director, Imaging Services, is captain of the
HRMC team named “ALL FOR ONE”.
“As a healthcare team we at HRMC want to provide all the
care possible for everyone in the area. We work daily towards
achieving that goal. I paraphrased it as 'All for One',”
Ervin said. “It is really a community campout but with
a special message for those with cancer. As with any community
event having a large number of attendees, it is a great way
to show support for your organization.”
The team’s goal is to raise $5,000 and the first $1,000
will be matched by Hunt Regional Healthcare. There are about
40 teams from the local community committed for the event. During
the evening, there will be entertainment, activities and food
for everyone to enjoy.
“This year the main theme is birthdays, with the message
that we are here to help you have more birthdays,” Ervin
said.
For two years, Melody Pierce has served as Survivorship Chair.
Pierce stated that last year the event had 32 teams and 194
registered survivors, raising over $101,000. This year Pierce
was excited to report that there are already more than 250 survivors
and 37 teams registered with two weeks to go.
Someone you know is counting on us to help find a cure for cancer.
Help by participating, donating or sponsoring Hunt County Relay
for Life. Relay for Life is a nationwide effort of the American
Cancer Society (ACS).
Hunt Regional Healthcare Expanding Imaging
Services
June 1, 2010 - Hunt Regional Healthcare (HRH) is significantly
expanding its imaging services by acquiring Wesley Imaging Services
of Greenville, according to Richard Carter, Hunt Regional CEO.
Wesley Imaging Services has been owned and operated by Wesley
MRI Associates.
"Wesley Imaging is a great complement to our existing out-patient
imaging services and will now allow us to provide state-of-the-art
imaging technology at four locations," Carter said.
In addition to the Wesley site, imaging locations include Hunt
Regional Medical Center at Greenville along with sites at Hunt
Regional Community Hospital at Commerce and Hunt Regional Medical
Plaza at Quinlan.
The acquisition of the service was approved at the meeting of
the Hunt Memorial Hospital District Board of Directors on April
27. Carter anticipates that the transition of the Wesley facility
to HRH should be completed on or about September 1.
HRH is purchasing the imaging equipment currently owned by Wesley
and will lease the space that the imaging center occupies at
4101 Wesley St.
"We will continue providing the same services that Wesley
was offering at that location," Carter said. He said that
all members of the Wesley staff will be retained and will become
employees of Hunt Regional Healthcare.
Imaging services available at Wesley include open MRI, CT scan,
ultrasound, radiography and bone densitometry. More than 9,000
procedures were performed at the Wesley location last year.
"We are excited to have this new opportunity to serve the
people of Hunt County," Carter said.
Board votes to upgrade HVAC at Commerce
Hospital
May
26, 2010 – The Hunt Memorial Hospital District Board of
Directors voted to purchase new heating and air conditioning
equipment for Hunt Regional Community Hospital in Commerce.
The HVAC system currently in use at the hospital is approximately
25 years old and "essentially worn out," according
to Assistant Administrator John Heatherly.
Replacement of the entire system, including ductwork, was priced
at more than $700,000. The proposal approved by the Board will
replace a portion of the system at an estimated cost of $120,000.
The upgrade is expected to be completed in early July.
Cut Out Sugar Drinks to Lower Blood
Pressure
May 25, 2010 - If you've got high blood pressure, you might
want to cut out those sugary sodas. Drinking fewer sugar-sweetened
beverages - a leading source of added sugar in the U.S. diet
- may lower blood pressure, according to research published
in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association.
Increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has
been associated with an elevated risk of obesity, metabolic
syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, according to previous research.
However, the effect of sugar-sweetened beverages on blood pressure
is uncertain, said lead author Liwei Chen, M.D., Ph.D.
"Our findings suggest that reducing sugar-sweetened beverages
and sugar consumption may be an important dietary strategy to
lower blood pressure and further reduce other blood pressure-related
diseases," Chen said. "It has been estimated that
a 3-millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) reduction in systolic blood
pressure should reduce stroke mortality by 8 percent and coronary
heart disease mortality by 5 percent. Such reductions in systolic
blood pressure would be anticipated by reducing sugar-sweetened
beverages consumption by an average of 2 servings per day."
Researchers used data on 810 adults, ages 25 to 79, with prehypertension
(between 120/80 and 139/89 mm Hg) and stage I hypertension (between
140/90 and 159/99 mm Hg ). At the start of the study, the participants
drank an average 10.5 fluid ounces of SSB/day, equivalent to
just under one serving. At the study's conclusion, average consumption
had fallen by half a serving/day and both systolic blood pressure
(the pressure when the heart beats), and diastolic blood pressure,
(the pressure between beats), had declined significantly.
After controlling for known risk factors of blood pressure,
the analysis found that a reduction of one serving/day of SSB
was associated with a 1.8 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) drop
in systolic pressure and a 1.1 mm Hg decline in diastolic pressure
over 18 months. Researchers noted that this association was
partially because of weight loss, but even after controlling
for weight loss, the change in blood pressure was statistically
significant.
Chen noted that American adults consume an average of 2.3 servings
(28 ounces) of sugar-sweetened beverages per day.
In this study, sugar-sweetened beverages were defined as drinks
sweetened with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup including regular
soft drinks, fruit drinks, lemonade and fruit punch. Diet drinks
were excluded.
"Although this study was conducted among mostly overweight
adults and many with hypertension, we believe that others will
benefit by reducing the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages,"
she said.
Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published
here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily
reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes
no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability.
Taking the Fear out of Mammograms
May 18, 2010 - It’s well-known that all women 40 and
over should get an annual mammogram.
Many women, however, will put off-or even refrain from-having
one altogether. This is a result of the anxiety and fears associated
with mammograms. Overcoming those fears is vital and could end
up saving your life.
Women generally have two main fears of having mammograms: That
the procedure will be painful, and that the test will provide
bad results.
Contrary to popular belief, a mammogram does not have to hurt.
A short period of discomfort may be experienced while the breast
is flattened during the procedure. Taking an over-the-counter
pain reliever prior to the procedure will help.
Also, to add comfort, the Imaging Center at Hunt Regional Medical
Center uses the Woman’s Touch™ MammoPad™.
This is a disposable foam cushion that has a soft, warm surface.
The fear of being diagnosed with cancer can lead a woman to
stay clear of the mammography suite. Be reassured that most
breast disorders are not cancer, and even in the remaining number
of cancer cases, more than 90% are curable, if they are found
early and promptly treated.
more information about mammograms
Parish named Nurse of the Year
by Melva Geyer
May 14, 2010 - Janie Parish, a registered nurse at Hunt Regional
Medical Center for three decades, was named the 2010 Nurse of
the Year on Wednesday as part of National Hospital Week.
National Nurses Day is part of the weeklong celebration, coming
on May 12, the birthday of nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale.
Parish, an RN in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), was cited by
fellow RNs for her dedication to the patients and mentoring
of new nurses who join the hospital staff.
Prior to serving in the ICU, Parish had served as a charge
nurse and completed several other “tours of duty”
on the nursing staff.
“Janie is very professional with the physicians and is
a team player,” said Reese Hurley, director of the ICU.
“She takes time to explain to the patients what they need
to know and makes sure they understand,” said Hurley,
who was Nurse of the Year in 2008.
When Parish began working at what is now Hunt Regional Medical
Center in 1981, it was still a 4-story building known as Citizens
General Hospital on Joe Ramsey Boulevard. That year the citizens
of Hunt County voted to expand the hospital district county-wide
so that expansion and equipment needs could be financed to provide
for the health needs of the area.
Parish received her award on her day off and was told by her
supervisor she needed to be at the hospital for the “Nurse
of the Year” ceremonies.
“I figured they wanted me to be there to give me an award
for the longest living member of the family,” Parish told
the crowd in the board of directors’ room.
Parish and her husband Chris make their home in rural Hunt
County and are the parents of two grown sons.
Prior to the announcement, HRMC Administrator Mike Klepin thanked
the nursing staff for its dedication and its commitment to improving
customer service scores through patient satisfaction.
“I ask you to remember not just your years here, but
the lives that you have touched,” Klepin told the nurses.
He also asked the nurses to thank their families for allowing
them to do the job they do – for putting up with late
nights and long days.
Also during National Hospital Week the annual Employee Appreciation
Luncheon honored dozens of employees for the years (in increments
of five years) of service to the hospital.
At left, Janie Parish poses with her Nurse of the Year plaque.
She is joined by Chief Nursing Officer Debby Clack and Hunt
Regional Healthcare Administrator Mike Klepin.
HRMC staff played a starring role in
Shattered Dreams
April 23, 2010 - Shattered Dreams, the intense DrugFree Greenville
dramatization aimed at preventing drunk driving (held on February
16), would not have the same impact on local high school students
if not for the help from many area volunteers, including those
from Hunt Regional Medical Center.
Beginning with the trauma team, HRMC plays a big role in Shattered
Dreams, a program teaching about the effects of drinking and
driving. The trauma team, along with volunteers and crime scene
investigators, mapped out exactly where the cars would be placed
and where the students and teachers would be found had the crash
actually happened.
“There is a reason for everything; nothing is random when
it comes to the [simulated] crash scene,” said Sharon
Kroncke, Executive Director of DrugFree Greenville, the event
sponsor. “Even though the onlookers would not know if
the students would actually be found in a certain position or
place, the team wanted to make the accident scene look as real
and accurate as possible.”
The trauma team from the hospital was in charge of deciding
what the students’ injuries should be and how they should
look. “We made sure that the injuries matched up to how
the crash would have affected them (students),” said Brett
Freeman, trauma coordinator at HRMC. “If they were ejected
from the car on their right side, then we made sure that the
right side is where their injuries were located.”
A total of 18 people from HRMC volunteered their time to the
program. Along with the trauma team, volunteers included nurses,
ER physicians, a respiratory therapist, a lab technician, a
radiologist, emergency medical services personnel and hospital
chaplain, Melvin Ray.
The Shattered Dreams program, which was introduced in Greenville
in 1999, is an effective way to teach high school students and
the community about the effects of drinking and driving.
When Shattered Dreams was brought to the North Texas chapter
of Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC), Benny Brothers,
a local agent, said that a program such as this should to debut
in a smaller community that already has a coalition behind the
cause. The chapter then took the idea to DrugFree Greenville,
which was established in the late 1980’s.
“The program takes place every four years, so every student
will have a chance to participate once while in high school.
It takes about 18 months to plan and execute the program,”
said Kroncke.
Evan Snider, a junior from Greenville High School, was chosen
as this year's intoxicated driver. “It’s crazy how
one person’s decision to drink and then get behind the
wheel affects that person, their family, the victim's friends
and family, and the entire community,” said Snider
According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles statistics
for 2008, 12.3 percent of fatal car crashes were caused by an
under-aged DUI driver. There were152 under-aged drinkers killed
in drinking and driving crashes; 73 of the 152 were the cars’
drivers. More than 3,000 under-aged drinkers were involved in
drinking and driving related crashes.
“Alcohol causes impairment, stupor and unconsciousness,”
said Bonnie Stewart, medical technician at HRMC, as she testified
at the mock trial.
Drinking and driving is a choice that one makes, a decision
that could lead to a crash, not an “accident.” Every
15-20 minutes someone in Texas dies from an alcohol- related
crash. Another heartbreaking fact is that is the leading area
for these crashes is northeast Texas.
The lesson learned from Shattered Dreams is if you want to survive,
don’t drink and drive.
ATVs are family threat
by Joseph E. Ronaghan, MD, FACS
April 23, 2010 - At Hunt Regional Medical Center in Greenville,
I recently attended to two patients on the same day who had
been injured while riding ATVs. The first was an intoxicated
adult, and the second was a 9-year-old boy who drove an adult-sized
ATV into a parked vehicle. His passenger required helicopter
evacuation to a larger hospital. With warm weather and the end
of school, I am afraid this is going to become a more frequent
occurrence.
All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are three or four-wheeled motorized
vehicles with large, low-pressure tires, designed for a single
operator riding in off-road areas. These vehicles have engines
ranging in size from 90cc to 700cc in displacement, and can
weigh up to 600 pounds. Depending on the size of the engine,
it is not uncommon for these vehicles to attain speeds of 75
miles per hour. These vehicles have grown immensely in popularity,
and are very common in the rural areas of the U.S. and Canada.
Unfortunately, as the popularity of these vehicles increases,
so do the numbers of those injured, especially children.
Injuries associated with ATVs are due to several factors. These
factors include the lack of protective clothing (including helmets);
unsafe speed for the terrain; unauthorized passenger(s); vehicle
size too big/powerful for driver; lack of experience of the
driver; alcohol ingestion by the driver; inattention of the
driver to fences, ditches, drop-offs, large rocks and trees;
driving at night.
The most common combination of factors resulting in ATV injuries
is driving while inebriated on an unfamiliar trail at night.
Children are also at high risk for injury because they are often
unrestrained passengers, or they are drivers of a vehicle that
is too powerful for them.
The most common mechanisms of injury associated with ATVs involve
loss of control of the vehicle; collision with stationary or
moving objects; rollover; and falls from the vehicle.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports up to 90,000
ATV-related injuries per year and 120 deaths. Fifty percent
(50%) of the injuries and fatalities involve children under
16 years old. Approximately 35-50% of adult injuries are alcohol
related.
Skin and orthopedic (bone) injuries are the most frequently
reported. Head and facial injuries are the second most common.
Approximately 60% of fractures are classified as "open"
or "comminuted", which means the ends of the broken
bones puncture the skin and are exposed. These fractures require
immediate surgery, and can result in severe disability and possible
long-term bone infection.
Other injuries include concussions; lacerations of the face
and neck from driving into a barbed wire fence; broken neck
or back; ruptured spleen; fractured liver; rib fractures; and
punctured or collapsed lung(s). Obviously, many of these injuries
are potentially fatal.
Many states have no real restrictions on ATV use, but Texas
has some specific laws pertaining to ATVs. The Texas Transportation
Code (663.032) states that an adult at all times, whether on
public or private property must directly supervise any ATV rider
under 14 years old. Further, the Texas Transportation Code (663.036)
mandates no passengers on ATVs driven on public property unless
the vehicle is designed for one or more passengers. As we all
know, it is also against the law to operate a motor vehicle
while intoxicated.
How can ATV injuries be reduced? The answers are quite simple.
“The tea was a way to show appreciation to the volunteers
and to thank them for all of their hard work,” said Jeanye
Roberts, coordinator of Volunteer Services.
The Commerce Auxiliary awarded Peggy Hanak a five-year pin. Jean
Arnold, Betty Casselberry, Jane Cox and Nancy McFarland received
10-year pins; Ann Stahl received a 15-year pin and Dorothy Ingram
a 20-year pin.
Francis McCrummen's 11 years of service as treasurer for the
Commerce Auxiliary were acknowledged.
The Greenville Auxiliary awarded Linda Johnson and Tom Starkey
each with 50-hour pins. Marlene Miller and Beverly Bland received
100-hour pins. June Asberry, Dene Carnegy, Kathy Hill, and Lou
Davenport received 200-hour pins. Tina Fehr, Linda Cudia, Beverly
Matkins, Chris Mulanax, Luther Smith, and Thressa Young were each
awarded 500-hour pins. Nancy Brown and Dottie Thomas reached 1,000
hours; Betty Kelly and Carolyn Smith received pins for 1,500 hours
of service, and Darlene Folks received a 2,000-hour pin. Pearl
McFarland, Dorothy Keller and Janice McWhiter each received 3,000-hour
pins; Peg Lesher and Ford Molen received 3,500-hour pins, and
Joyce Johnson received a 4,000-hour pin. Nona Hatcher reached
9,500 service hours, Alice Parsons reached 21,000 hours, and Renea
Dodson was recognized for more than 25,500 hours served at Hunt
Regional Medical Center.
The auxiliary group leaders took this time to speak about what
each group has been doing over the past year. The Commerce auxiliary
includes volunteers for the hospital and those who operate the
Bargain Box, a resale shop located on the square. This past Christmas
they sent 7,000 cards to the soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Greenville group reported on the success of the gift shop
and some of the items they have hand-made to give to patients.
As a way to give back to the community, the Greenville Auxiliary
also awards scholarships to two high school students who are going
into the medical field.
“I am very excited to say that this is the tenth year
that we have presented the scholarships to high school students,”
said Roberts.
Cal Crabtree of Greenville and Courtney Whitley of Quinlan were
the lucky students to receive the scholarships this year. Crabtree
is planning to attend Austin College and hopes to become an orthopedic
surgeon. Whitley is planning to attend Trinity Valley Community
College and become a registered nurse.
“I am very honored to have been chosen as one of the winners
of this year's scholarship,” said Crabtree, “my grandmother
was once a Pink Lady, and I know she is looking over me with proud
eyes.”
Affiliated
with Baylor Health Care System