Wayne Memorial appeals to public

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA - For the first time in 25 years, Wayne Memorial Hospital is going public for support.

“We are asking small businesses and individuals to take on an ownership role in the hospital’s future by making even small contributions to this major push of the hospital into the future,” said Rich Garman, Executive Director of the Wayne Memorial Health Foundation.

Garman highlighted the newest phase of Campaign Operation Vital Signs, the hospital’s capital campaign, at the Wayne County Commissioners meeting on November 7.

The campaign, which has been going on internally in the hospital, has already raised $2.6 million over the last year, toward its goal of $3 million.

“The hospital embarked upon its present expansion and renovation program in response to the dramatic population growth in our region,” Garman said.

At present, Wayne Memorial offers care to more than 100,000 people across 1,200 square miles in Wayne and Pike counties. Projections indicate that the population of the two counties may grow as much as 50 percent over the next decade, he said.

“This extraordinary population growth has stressed our hospital’s capabilities,” Garman said.

Garman summarized recent expansion to the facility and some of its high-tech additions. Among the most significant improvements are the new emergency wing with a five-bay clinic and 14 private examination rooms, new state-of-the-art imaging equipment, a triage room, a trauma unit, an inpatient rehabilitation unit, a sleep-study laboratory and several other facilities.

“Heretofore, individuals needing these specialized types of care and treatment had to travel to Lackawanna or Luzerne County,” Garman said.

Garman, recounting the past donations of the area’s larger businesses and foundations, emphasized the importance of current donations from segments of the hospital community, like the medical staff, the employees, the auxiliary, the board of trustees and other local groups.

“It’s now time to reach out to the public,” Garman said. “We are asking local businesses and individual residents to help us raise the remaining $400,000 to push us over the top.”

“Your efforts at modernizing the hospital make it extremely competitive with area hospitals,” said Anthony Herzog, chairman of the Wayne County Commissioners.

“We welcome visitors and encourage tours of our new facilities,” Garman said. “It is our hope that the commissioners will encourage the community to make a similar investment in our community.”

Anyone wanting to make a contribution should send a check to The Wayne Memorial Health Foundation, 601 Park Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.