Mt. Vernon, IL – SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary presented a check for $65,000 to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Foundation at its annual Installation of Officers luncheon on January 29, 2025. The funding represents proceeds from the auxiliary’s 2024 fundraisers, including proceeds from the hospital gift shop sales. $40,000 will be allocated for purchasing bariatric beds, ensuring Good Samaritan Hospital has the necessary equipment to provide compassionate, quality care. The remaining $25,000 will establish a permanent endowment for the Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships.
“The Auxiliary is truly a blessing to our hospital and our community. This generous investment will address an immediate patient care need for bariatric beds, and it also ensures the Auxiliary scholarships will support future generations of area students pursuing a health care profession,” shared Kay Zibby-Damron, Regional Foundation Director at SSM Health in Southern Illinois. “I’m very grateful for our Auxiliary members and the value they add to our ministry.”
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital President, Damon Harbison, expressed words of gratitude for the Auxiliary’s service and fundraising accomplishments. Harbison administered the oath of office for the new 2025 Auxiliary Board members which include Pat Panarese, President; Zeny Jayne, 1st Vice President; Mary Harlan, 2nd Vice President; Marietta Lamberson, Secretary; Pat Garren, Treasurer; Zella Fitts, Sharon Martinek, Barb Gajewski and Anh Stow all Members-at-Large.
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital is thankful for the volunteers who give their time and resources to bless our community. For those interested in becoming a volunteer, start the process by completing an online application at ssmhealth.com/volunteer or call 618-899-1031.
About SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon
SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 134-bed hospital and has the most advanced robotic surgical system for minimally invasive surgery, a comprehensive neurosciences program, and a pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine program operated in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.
In 2016, SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital was named a “Best Hospital” by US News and World Report for the treatment of congestive heart failure. In recent years, Healthgrades has presented SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital with the Patient Safety Excellence Award, Outstanding Patient Experience Award, and the Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence.
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