BELMONT COUNTY, OH — Oftentimes, grants can seem transactional, instead of transformational. A recent grant to WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital has transformed a certification program to ultimately save lives in Belmont County.
The Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV) is proud to highlight the impact of the River Valley Health Fund (RVHF) grants, including a $5,962 award to WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital. This funding enabled the hospital to acquire advanced emergency medical training equipment that will enhance lifesaving training for healthcare providers and community members alike.
The RVHF, which CFOV administers, continues the legacy of the former River Valley Health Foundation by supporting nonprofit organizations across Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, and Belmont, Jefferson, Monroe, Guernsey, and Harrison counties in Ohio. This year, $150,239.33 was awarded to 21 organizations dedicated to addressing healthcare vulnerabilities, emerging health issues, and access to quality care.
With the grant, WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital purchased a new “Stop the Bleed” training device and multiple AHA-compliant adult and baby CPR manikins equipped with responsive technology. These new dummies provide instant feedback on compression rate and depth, allowing trainees to fine-tune their technique and instructors to better gauge their participants effectiveness. The manikins’ design ensures that users apply the correct force, aligning with American Heart Association (AHA) standards for ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and BLS (Basic Life Support) certifications.
Sierra Yoho, House Supervisor of Nursing Services, shared how this new equipment is making a big difference in training, saying “These new dummies are super important because they give instant feedback, so people know right away if they’re doing CPR the right way,” she said. “It makes me feel better as an instructor knowing the people I train are practicing correctly and will be ready to help in an emergency. It’s a great feeling to know we’re helping the community as well with the “Stop the Bleed” device by being able to get into schools and teach them how to be better prepared in an emergency, too.”
The River Valley Health Fund empowers organizations like WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital to address the pressing healthcare needs of our region. Whether through enhanced training, improved access to care, or innovative health solutions, these grants reflect CFOV’s commitment to strengthening communities across the Ohio Valley.
For more information about the River Valley Health Fund visit https://cfov.org/river-valley-health-fund/.
