New Device Enhances Infant Respiratory Care for SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Emergency Department

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary donates infant specific medical equipment to Centralia’s Emergency Department.

August 26, 2025 01:14 PM -

Centralia, IL - SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital has added an infant resuscitator to its emergency department—a device designed to deliver controlled, consistent, and precise respiratory support for newborns and infants. This technology will greatly enhance the health ministry’s ability to respond to pediatric respiratory emergencies, ensuring safer and more effective care for the hospital’s youngest patients.

Aimee Nix, Manager of Respiratory Therapy at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the generous contribution, stating that the new equipment will be instrumental in providing safe and effective care for the hospital’s youngest patients. In a gesture of appreciation, Nix presented the Auxiliary with a thank-you note, and a handcrafted wooden ink pen engraved with the message: “INK-credible,” celebrating the Auxiliary’s continued support and generosity.

“This gift from the Auxiliary marks another meaningful step in our commitment to excellence in patient care, and highlights the important role our Auxiliary plays in helping carry out our mission to reveal the healing spirit of God,” said Kay Zibby-Damron, Foundation Director at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital.

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation in Centralia, Illinois, is dedicated to raising funds to support our hospital through equipment purchases, capital projects, and educational programs. Your contributions help us continue our mission of providing exceptional health care services in Centralia and its surrounding communities for more than 100 years. Visit www.givetossmhealth.org to learn more about ways to give.

About SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia

SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia, operating in partnership with the Felician Sisters, is a 113-bed hospital specializing in behavioral health, bariatric surgery, wound/hyperbaric care, and minimally invasive general surgical care along with pediatric emergency and NICU telemedicine in conjunction with the physicians at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital of St. Louis, Mo.

As part of the SSM Health system, the hospital system is nationally recognized for quality and innovation. SSM Health is a Catholic, not-for-profit, fully integrated health system working to advance health equity and empower all people to achieve their full potential.

For more information, visit us at ssmhealth.com or find us on Facebook.

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