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NATIONAL EMERGENCY MEDICINE ASSOCIATION
AWARDS GRANT FUNDING FOR
PRESTON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL’S WEIGHT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
KINGWOOD-Preston Memorial Hospital (PMH) announces the receipt of a $5,000 grant from the National Emergency Medicine Association (NEMA). NEMA awards grants in accordance with its mission of preventing injury and illness by addressing health and social issues through education, applied research, and equipment. NEMA is concerned with emergency at every stage of trauma, with particular attention paid to the excellence of first response at the time and place of emergency. Through their special programs, the National Heart Council and the National Stroke Council, grants provide essential funding to hospitals, health clinics, trauma centers, fire departments, and physicians. Support for a wide variety of trauma prevention and emergency medical services for individuals of all ages is provided each year to deserving organizations throughout the U.S.
According to PMH Grant Writer Jennifer Funk, “grant funds will be used to purchase three Automated External Defibrillators to assist with its Saving Lives One Heartbeat at a Time - Weight Management Project. In Preston County, one of the leading causes of death is Major Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Regular physical activity throughout life is important for combating diseases like CVD. PMH is working to make it easier for our community to live a healthier lifestyle by developing weight management programs at its physical fitness centers around the county. This project will include:
· Nutritional counseling services provided by registered dieticians licensed in West Virginia;
· Fitness services provided by exercise physiologists and personal trainers; and
· Physician/nurse practitioner counseling services.
In order for PMH to initiate such a program of monitored weight management, portable AEDs must be present at each fitness site to assist with any coronary problems. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmias in a patient and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to re-establish an effective rhythm.”
PMH Chief Executive Officer Michael Thompson said that, “We would like to thank NEMA for this award and for making it possible for PMH to continue and expand its service to our community.” # # # If you would like more information about this topic, please call Jennifer Funk at
304-329-1400 Ext. 742 or email Jennifer at jfunk@prestonmemorial.org
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