IVCH Auxiliary president Allison Rooney, left, and immediate past president Jan Vogelgesang present Tommy Hobbs, the hospital’s CEO, with a large check. (Photo contributed)

PERU - The Illinois Valley Community Hospital Auxiliary wrapped up its 2017-18 organization year by announcing that it had purchased more than $34,192 worth of medical equipment for IVCH in the past 12 months. The report was presented at the auxiliary’s closing meeting on May 1.

During the past year, items obtained by the hospital that were purchased with auxiliary funds include:

* A Lucas chest compression device kept in the emergency department to use on cardiac arrest patients who need extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

* A new ultrasound table for the diagnostic imaging department.

* A recumbent stepper machine and pulley weights for use by patients enrolled in the IVCH pulmonary rehabilitation program.

* Three new wheelchairs specially made to transport heavier-than-average patients.

* Medication bags for a trial program underway at IVCH’s Peru Medical Clinic to see if patients will remember to bring their medications to doctors’ appointments if they are provided with a reusable bag in which to bring them.

The IVCH Auxiliary raises the money it contributes to the hospital through regularly-scheduled bake and vendor sales in addition to annual plant and book sales. Profits from sales in the auxiliary-managed hospital gift shop also help fund the group’s hospital grants.

At the closing meeting, Tommy Hobbs, IVCH’s chief executive officer, complimented the auxiliary members for their fundraising skills and for volunteering their time and efforts to help the hospital.