BARNESVILLE — The WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital Auxiliary helped purchase more than $13,000 of new medical and marketing equipment to improve care for the community and the patients the hospital serves.

The new equipment includes:

∫ A urinalysis machine for the laboratory

∫ Portable pulse oximeter for cardiopulmonary

∫ CT Pediatric Hugger and replacement mattress for Gendron Stretcher for imaging

∫ Vaccine storage freezer, Leadcare Analyzer and some waiting room chairs for the family medicine clinics

∫ TVs and mounts for the emergency room and inpatient floor

∫ Marketing equipment

“We truly appreciate the generosity of the Barnesville Hospital Auxiliary,” Donna White, manager of Grants and Community Development, said. “They have provided a tremendous amount of support over the years and continue to help the hospital provide high-quality care with the most up-to-date equipment.

“Every time you graciously support their various fundraisers at the hospital, you are in turn helping our staff provide patients with exceptional service.”

The Barnesville Hospital Auxiliary has been a part of the organization since its inception in 1941. twigs, the working units of the auxiliary, began their work in March 1941. By 1954, the twigs had grown to more than 1,000 women. They were instrumental in obtaining funds for the 1954 addition to Barnesville Hospital. The first twig donation was 25 jelly glasses from a 4-H Club in 1941. In total, the twigs raised $36,585 for the new building fund. This building is the portion visible from West Main Street, excluding the solarium.

Today’s Barnesville Hospital Auxiliary is composed of two twigs and individual leaf members who provide financial support to the hospital. Officers include Linda Perkins, co-president; Delores Wells, co-president; Carol Crooks, vice president and corresponding secretary; Paulette Sawvel, treasurer; and Cindy Ferguson, secretary.

For more information about joining an existing twig, forming a new twig, or becoming a leaf member, call Lindsay Dowdle at 740-425-5789.