TRR photo by Tracy Denman Arthur Bossert gets his blood pressure checked at the annual Grover Hermann hospital health fair on August 10 last Saturday. (Click for larger image)

Grover M. Hermann still going strong

By TRACY DENMAN

CALLICOON — Cochecton resident Arthur Bossert has been going to Grover M. Hermann Hospital for medication for several years. Much like many of the people in the area Bossert is pleased with the hospital and its services. “It’s been very helpful and I’m anxious to see it staying open,” said Bossert.

Back in 1999, however, the hospital’s story was much different. There were financial problems, and for a while it looked as if Grover M. Hermann would close.

With proximity being the hospital’s biggest asset, the community simply would not let that happen. Support of hospital fund drives, generous community donations and a very active auxiliary saved the hospital.

	TRR photo by Tracy Denman Dottie Schlegel chairman for the health fair gives Miracle the dog a little affection. (Click for larger image)

Hospital Administrator Marc Mendelsohn said, “Operating losses have been reduced by 75 percent this year. We’re primarily expanding out-patient, emergency, in-patient and ambulatory services.”

Since Grover M. Hermann opened, its auxiliary has been helping to provide what is needed to continue operation. Over the years, charter auxiliary member Mary Cade and the other 100 members of the group have helped Grover M. Hermann to purchase lab equipment, a pediatric cart, a blood pressure monitor, telemetry machines and a physical therapy bike. A current project is raising $50,000 for new radiology and x-ray equipment.

“So far we’ve raised about $31,000. We will be having that x-ray equipment shortly,” said Cade. The auxiliary sends donation requests to “the western Sullivan County area, [including] Jeffersonville and Narrowsburg as well as Callicoon,” she said.

Other annual fundraisers held are a talent show, dance and golf tournament.

	TRR photo by Tracy Denman Nurse practitioner Ethan Singer, and family physician Dr. Paul Salzberg are also spirited musicians. Javier Baez, bottom middle watches the show. (Click for larger image)

The auxiliary’s annual health fair and craft show, held on August 10, drew 20 vendors and more than 200 visitors to the hospital. “The health fair isn’t a money maker it’s just good for community relations,” said Cade.

Grover M. Hermann also celebrated its 30th anniversary at the health fair and craft show, which featured children’s toys and books, jewelry, dolls, handmade earring, wellness products and popcorn and cotton candy.

In the future the hospital is working to establish a family health care center, obtain radiology equipment and introduce mobile mammography and mobile Cat Scan services.

 “It’s imperative that we continue to grow and stay open. With a 25 minute ride you’re talking about the difference between life and death,” said auxiliary chairperson Dottie Schlegel.