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November • December 2020

PCH Celebrates 50th Anniversary

In 1965, Princeton was served by Princeton MemorialHospital, an aging medical facility that suffered froma poor location and continuous overcrowding. That

same year, after a study confirmed the need for anew medical facility in Princeton, the PrincetonCommunity Hospital Association (PCHA) was formed.

D e c e m b e r 2 0 , 1 9 7 0 – D e c e m b e r 2 0 , 2 0 2 0

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Under the direction of James E. Morrison, NorthAmerican Rockwell’s Princeton plant manager andpresident of the PCHA, the drive to make PrincetonCommunity Hospital a reality began. An appropriatesite was chosen, government funding and grantswere sought, and most importantly, a communityfundraising effort was initiated.

Of the $4.2 million needed to construct the hospital,nearly 20 percent or $800,000 was donated by arearesidents and businesses over a five-year period.The community’s contribution was key in completingthe hospital that bears its name, since much of thehospital’s other funding was contingent on the PCHAcollecting sufficient community contributions.

When area residents were asked to help fundconstruction of the hospital, the campaign sloganreferred to their contributions as “the best investment

in your life.” Today, the return on that investment isquite evident – in addition to serving Princeton andthe surrounding areas with first-rate medical care,PCH is a major consumer of local goods, is civicallysupportive of its community, and is Mercer County’slargest employer.

On December 20, 1970, Princeton CommunityHospital opened its doors with 13 physicians and astaff of 125. Today, we serve our community withover 100 physicians and more than 1,200employees.

Amid the wonders of modern technology andincreasingly efficient medical procedures, ourgreatest asset remains our people. Without qualityphysicians, we could not offer progressive medicalservices. And without our dedicated, caringemployees, we would have nothing.

PCHA President James E. Morrison (right) with construction foremanduring the early stages of construction.

Hospital construction site (former airport location). Aerial photograph byMelvin Grubb.

Princeton Community Hospital facade – 1970.

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From Our First AdministratorWhen I arrived in Princeton in the Spring of 1970, I was a 27-year-old, fouryears out of graduate school, with a spouse and young daughter. I knewthat I would be challenged by the situation, and I was awed by what I found.I was to run the Princeton Memorial Hospital and help prepare the PrincetonCommunity Hospital for opening later that year. The board members of bothhospitals were impressive people with a great spirit. I reported to bothboards. Andy Clark was chair of the Memorial board, and Jim Morrisonchaired the Community board. Some members sat on both boards. Mr.Clark was a very successful automobile dealer in Princeton and Mr.Morrison was CEO of the local Rockwell plant. Both men were capablemanagers with different management styles. The employees of the hospitalswere the same people. So, our challenge was to run the old hospital whilepreparing to staff and operate the new hospital when it opened later thatyear. My initial assessment was that operations and image for the oldhospital needed attention, and the challenge of getting the new hospitalcompleted, staffed, and equipped would require a lot of attention and time.Mr. Morrison and Mr. Clark provided vision and leadership for themanagement staff.

The boards had done a wonderful job in developing the new hospitalfundraising, design, and construction. The staff of the old hospital, who wereto be the staff of the new hospital, had great attitudes and eagerness to getthe new hospital opened. Cash flow was a major challenge both forcontinued operations of the old hospital and preparations for opening thenew hospital.

A major element of the situation I found was the quality of the managementstaff. Marliese Mooney was the director of nursing and was serving as co-administrator when I arrived. Bill Reasor was the other co-administrator andchief financial officer. Both were committed to the hospitals and were quitebusy with the two jobs. I would describe Ms. Mooney as an angel of mercy.She was a tough manager and was extremely sensitive to patient needs andthe needs of her staff. She was respected by all components of the hospitalstaff. She was particularly effective in dealings with the medical staff.

Pat Skeens (Brown) served as operating room and recovery supervisor. Shedealt with many challenges in the old hospital and served as a greatresource in moving to the new hospital.

The medical staff numbered fifteen with several of them approachingretirement age. We needed to recruit some specialists and primary carephysicians. Physicians who were particularly helpful to management were JimPowers, Joe McCary, Frank Holroyd, and Drs. Cardenas, Duremdes, Hale,Pace, and later recruits Drs. Wells, Piracha, Koh, Kim and Raub.

Mary Alice Houghton (Parrish) was head of communications and mediarelations for the PCH board. She became an invaluable member of our team.She was sensitive to the needs of the community and did much to enlighten

James E. Dalton, Jr.

Mr. Dalton served as PCH’s firstadministrator from May 1970 toApril 1972, when he accepted a jobin Texas.

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the audiences about the excitement of the newhospital. She also helped with our volunteers. Ourwonderful volunteers were organized on October 29,1970. I will always recall the date because our seconddaughter was born at 11:50 that same night, followingthe organization meeting for the volunteers.

The old hospital had many financial challenges. Weneeded to improve operating cash flow, meet payroll,and begin building our financial base for the costs ofoperating in the new hospital. Bill Reasor and histeam worked long hours to improve cash flow. Hewas constantly negotiating with payers and vendorson behalf of both hospitals. There were several timeswhen Mr. Reasor, Ms. Mooney and I agreed to notcash our payroll checks for several days to ensure theemployee checks cashed. Our vendors of suppliesand equipment were patient and supportive, as wereinsurance companies.

Ms. Mooney was our leader in the plans to move tothe new hospital. She had each manager prepare awritten plan, and those plans were incorporated intoa master plan for the move. We did not know whenthe new hospital would be completed and certifiedfor operational license, so the plans were basedupon assumptions of several dates. Ms. Mooneyplanned everything related to the actual transfer ofpatients. Patients would be discharged fromPrinceton Memorial and directly, seamlessly admittedto Princeton Community hospital in a short period oftime. Dr. Wells had some experiences with criticalpath planning, which were very helpful for all of us.

Several months before the big move-in day, Mr.Seaver, a local funeral director, came to see me withan offer I could not refuse. He assumed responsibilityfor transportation of the patients between hospitals,using his ambulances and other resources he wouldrecruit from area rescue squads and ambulancecompanies. His teams would pick up the patientsand their belongings at Princeton Memorial anddeliver them to their new rooms in PrincetonCommunity—a wonderful service to the hospitals andcommunity.

Another heroic team was our maintenance staff leadby Tom Evans. They coordinated the start of ourinitial maintenance of our mechanized and electricsystems and medical systems.

When at last we identified a probable date for themove, our schedules accelerated and the excitementgrew. December 20, 1970, would be the day. We all hoped for decent weather.

Early on the morning of December 20, a majorlogistics event began. Transportation vehicles lined upat Princeton Memorial to transfer one patient pervehicle. We had requested physicians to help holddown the census by delaying elective admissions, andwe had asked family members to bring only necessarypersonal items to the hospital to reduce thetransportation challenges. Simultaneously, supplyitems needed in the new hospital were transferred byhospital staff. Very few, if any, employees had the dayoff. Many worked long or double shifts. Mr. Reasor’sstaff were responsible for documentation of patientservices in the transfer. Employee time records werealso involved in the transfers.

I think I recall that we transferred over 30 patientswithin a two-hour timeframe. Princeton policeassisted in traffic control and helped keep thetransfer vehicles moving on schedule.

By late morning, Ms. Mooney announced that allpatients had settled into their new rooms at PrincetonCommunity Hospital, thanks to the efforts and caringof many people.

I confess that we had operational challenges in thefirst few weeks in the new building, but I am proud toreport that we moved a good hospital operation andsome very cooperative patients thanks to the effortsand commitment of many people.

Mary Alice sent letters of appreciation to all of ourhelpers. If we missed anyone, I apologize and offer abelated “thank you.”

I left Princeton in April of 1972 to accept a job inTexas. I am proud of my association with PrincetonCommunity Hospital and its many supporters.

Respectfully yours,James E. Dalton, Jr.

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We Owe Our Success to the Quality of Our Workforce –

The Following Employees Have Spent40 to 50+ Years with PCH

Pat Riggs, OR Coordinator • 1968 Madelene Howard, OB Tech • 1966 Sandy Hager, Pharmacy Administrative Assistant • 1970

Leona Hendricks, Patient SupportService Manager • 1972

Brenda Stratton, ManagerPatient Access/Central Scheduling • 1972

Debbie Meadows, OutpatientTesting Coordinator • 1974

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Nina Criss, Senior Surgical Tech • 1975

Ann Hazelwood,Accounts Payable Clerk • 1975

Larry Perdue, RN, BSN, Director Surgical/Diagnostic Services • 1976

Nancy Frankenfield, U.S.C.Recovery Room • 1976

Linda Prescott, RN, BSN, Assistant DirectorSurgical/Diagnostic Services • 1976

Diane Himes, RN,Nursing Supervisor • 1976

Judy Spangler,Cashier/Posting Specialist • 1976

Robert Burton, Receiving Clerk/Hazardous Material • 1975

Debbie Pack, RN, ICUCharge Nurse • 1975

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Sandy Counts, RN, BSN, The Women’s Center • 1976

Kathy Anderson, LPN, Day Surgery Department • 1977

Anita Bowling, RN, 2-WestCharge Nurse • 1977

Allen Pendleton, DirectorMaterials Management • 1978

Carol Lynn Stowers, RN, BSN,Day Surgery Department • 1978

Anita Wells, RN, BSN, CLC,The Women’s Center • 1979

Tamara Clark, RN,PACU Charge Nurse • 1980

Kathryn Dooley, RN, 3-SouthOrthopedic Center Charge Nurse • 1978

Marlene Martin, RN, BSN, Director 3-South, 3-West, and Central Telemetry • 1977

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Generoso Duremdes, MD, FACS, FICSGeneral Surgery • 1969

Kim Farley, Business OfficeWorkers Comp/Government Claims

Specialist • 1980

Lisa Grogan, MHT,Behavioral Health • 1980

Not pictured:

Kim Poe • 1976Patricia Roach • 1977Debra Myers • 1977Delores Jones • 1977Martha Johnston • 1977Linda Uhl • 1978Regina Hazlewood • 1979Pamela Cardwell • 1980Debra Jennelle • 1980Deborah Lucas • 1980

Our Longest Serving Physician –Generoso Duremdes, MD, FACS, FICS

Dr. Generoso Duremdes joined Princeton Memorial Hospitalas a general surgeon in 1969.

In the early years when Princeton Community Hospital wasshort staffed, Dr. Duremdes recalled spending many nightsat the hospital, and going home only to shower.

His feelings toward the community and his devotion to hispatients have not wavered during his 50 years of service.

“Everything we do is for the best care of the patient. I alwaystreat patients the way I would like to be treated. I treatpatients like family,” Dr. Duremdes said.

Dr. Duremdes became the first surgeon in southern WestVirginia to perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery whenhe began using the new technology at PCH in 1989.

In 1992, Dr. Duremdes’ son Dr. Gene B. Duremdes joinedhim at PCH as a general surgeon. With two Dr. Duremdesworking so closely, they soon became known as “Dr. Dad”and “Dr. Gene.” By the time his son came onboard, Dr. Dadhad already performed over 3,000 laparoscopic gallbladdersurgeries at the hospital.

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Our Long Term Physicians –

Gopal Pardasani, MD Anatomic and Clinical Pathology • 1974

Gordon Prescott, MDCardiovascular DiseaseInternal Medicine • 1974

Naeem Pervaiz, MDUrology • 1978

Naeem Qazi, MD, FACCCardiology

Cardiovascular Disease • 1980

Not pictured:

E. Lynn Veneri, DDS • 1970D. Thomas St. Clair, DDS • 1975

James Morrison • 1965 – 1973Andy Clark • 1973 – 1978Walter Burton • 1978 – 1979Andy Clark • 1979 – 1981Earl Muse • 1981 – 1986Edward Horton • 1986 – 1994

You may download the full 50th anniversary brochurefrom the homepage of the hospital’s website.

Please visit www.pchonline.org to access the PDF file.

Princeton Community Hospital Board Presidents

Charles Mathena • 1994 – 2003Thomas Lilly • 2003 – 2008Abdul Piracha, MD • 2008 – 2009W. Fred St. John • 2009 – 2017James “Rusty” Sarver III • 2017 – Current

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Dr. David Mullins Reappointed toWest Virginia Board of Medicine

David Mullins, MD, MBA, FACS

Congratulations to David Mullins MD,MBA, FACS, on his recentreappointment by Governor JimJustice to the West Virginia Board ofMedicine for another five-year term,ending September 30, 2025.

Dr. Mullins specializes in general andvascular surgery at Mercer MedicalGroup General Surgery.

201 12th Street ExtensionPrinceton, WV 24740Phone: 304.425.1852

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National Nurse Practitioner WeekNovember 8-14, 2020

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National Nurse Practitioner Weekis held annually to celebratethese exceptional health careproviders and to remindlawmakers of the importance ofremoving outdated barriers topractice so that nursepractitioners (NPs) will be allowedto practice to the full extent oftheir experience and education.

Meet our Nurse Practitioners

Thank you for the exceptionalcare you provide every day.

Mercer Medical GroupPrimary CareAmanda Neal, FNP-BCApril Christ, FNP-BC118 Twelfth StreetPrinceton, WV 24740Phone: 304.487.7936

Mercer Medical Group ENTMelissa Shrewsbury, APRN, FNP-BCPrinceton Community Hospital’sParkview Center Entrance – Third Floor Suite A122 Twelfth StreetPrinceton, WV 24740Phone: 304.487.3407

Mercer Medical GroupUrologyShannon Hilling, ARPN, FNP-CNew Hope Professional ParkBuilding 2, Suite 2296 New Hope RoadPrinceton, WV 24740Phone: 304.425.6525

The Behavioral HealthPavilion Outpatient ProgramsHolly Disibbio, PMHNP-BCNathan Rowe, PMHNP-BC1333 Southview DriveBluefield, WV 24701Phone: 304.327.9205

Bluewell Family ClinicJessica Compton, FNP-BCAngie Collins, FNP-BC154 Majestic PlaceBluefield, WV 24701Phone: 304.589.4377

Bluefield Family MedicineCathy Bryson, FNP-BCJessica Compton, FNP-BC106 Huffard DriveBluefield, VA 24605Phone: 276.322.3427

Bluefield Cardiology ClinicEmilee Huffman, NP-C510 Cherry StreetBuilding A, Suite 101Bluefield, WV 24701Phone: 304.325.1982

Additional NPs employed by PCHand/or with privileges at thehospital:

Melissa Baker, FNP-BCMountain View Obstetrics andGynecology

Heath Clevinger, NP-CPCH Emergency Department

Kara Conley, NP-CPCH Hospitalist Program

Kaitlyn Douglas, NP-CPCH Hospitalist Program

Bobby Gentry, NP-CAzzo Orthopedics

Pennie Goins, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Heather Green, NP-COrthopaedic Center of theVirginias

Cathy Hamblin, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Joe Hendrick, FNP-BCPCH Emergency Department

Trena Hodges, FNP-BCBluefield Emergency Department

Adam Hodovan, FNP-BCPCH Emergency Department

Angela Hutchinson, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Amench Lambert, FNP-BCBluefield Emergency Department

P. Sean McKenzie, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Megan Meadows, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Linda Mooney, NP-CBluefield Gastroenterology

Amy Oxley, NP-CBluefield Emergency Department

Melody Ponce, NP-CBluefield Gastroenterology

Shannon Powe, NP-CBluefield Gastroenterology

Jessica Sheets, FNP-BCBlue Ridge Internal Medicine

Darrell Shrewsbury, FNP-BCPCH Emergency Department

Edmond Smith, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Matthew Terry, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Shawn Vest, FNP-BCPCH Hospitalist Program

Kimberly Weatherly, FNP-BCBluefield Gastroenterology

Beverly Whitt, FNP-BCBlue Ridge Internal Medicine

Sherri Williams, FNP-BCPCH Emergency Department

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Employees Honored with AnnualService Awards Presentation

Hospital employees were recognized for their yearsof loyal service (five to 50 years) at the annualservice awards presentation held October 19 - 23,2020, in the Parkview Center atrium and TheBehavioral Health Pavilion’s cafeteria.

This year’s celebration was much different fromyears past. Rather than an elegant evening at theChuck Mathena Center with a gourmet banquet andentertainment in the auditorium, the COVID-19pandemic dictated the 2020 event be low-key,socially distanced, and spread out over five days.

All the same, Administration expressed the greatestappreciation for employees and their years ofservice. All employees being honored received amonetary gift and a certificate.

Service

Awa

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hotos b

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ggess.

Right: Sandy Hager receiving her 50-year certificate from formerCEO Jeffrey Lilley. Sandy joined PCH in 1970 as a clerk typist forthen Director of Nursing Marlise Mooney and CEO Jim Dalton, threemonths prior to the official opening of the new hospital.

Former CEO Jeffrey Lilley presenting 45-year certificate to Robert“Bob” Burton.

Deborah Pack receiving 45-year certificate from Vice President of PatientCare Services Rose Morgan.

50 Years

45 Years 45 Years

50 Years

Sandra Hager

45 Years

Robert Burton

Nina Criss

Ann Hazelwood

Deborah Pack

40 Years

Pamela Cardwell

Tamara Clark

Kimberly Farley

Lisa Grogan

Debra Jennelle

Deborah Lucas

35 Years

Terry Blankenship

Gayle Easter

Patricia Neal

30 Years

Lesia Bowling

Glen Davis

Vicki Miller

Charles Morris

Barbara Pugh

Janice Rice

Tammy Rose

Debra Shrader

Deborah Templeton

Dora Via

Lisa Wood

25 Years

Michelle Haynes

Vickie LaRue

Darrell Orr

Angela Pendleton

Alice Shrewsbury

Scarlett Small

20 Years

Fredrick Browning

Teresa Cheeks

Donna Courtney

Montessa Esters

Jamaal Holliday

Melissa Morris

Sabrina Pettrey

Kimberly Richardson

Tina Richardson

Billie Riddle

Melinda Severt

15 Years

Sheri Akers

Judy Bailey

Lisa Beavers

Krista Branham

Joshua Christ

Jill Conley

Dolores Constantino

Tina Dodson

America Dunn

Lisa Goins

Gerald Holmes

Tina Lewis

Julie Lilly

Tammy McPherson

Shirley Patton

Gregory Yost

10 Years

Carmen Bailey

Jill Bell

Rhonda Brown

Darlene Colbird

Senora Cosby

Rhonda Davenport

Delphia Eplin

Sherry Fannin

Jeff Gee

Reginald Grier

Kevin Hager

Thelma Hicks

Maryann Lijoi

Crystal Mabe

Sherri McGuire

Tonya Mustard

Matthew Mustard

Valerie Phillips

Yolanda Saunders

Connie Sawyers

Ramona Scott

Charles Truitt

Angela Walker

5 Years

Anthony Akers

Tammy Bailey

Sandra Bales

James Bauer

April Beggs

Courtney Black

Kim Bowman

Kristan Byrd

Catherine Clark

Lindsey Doss

Kaitlin Douglas

Heather Dunagan

Melissa Ellison

Johanna Foley

Deborah Gardner

Aneshia Goforth

Renee Green

Danielle Halsey

Whitney Hancock

Brad Hearld

Kimberly Hurst

Gloria Kanode

Melissa Kosinar

Leonard Kosinar

Donna Lawson

Amanda Lewis

Christa Lilly

Ashly Long

Rebecca Mann

Bethany Martin

Thomas Martin Jr.

Sherry McGuire

Teresa Moore

Teona Music

Amanda Nichols

Julie Overbaugh

Brian Owen

Jessica Owens

Gordon Prescott

Angela Rasi

Jesse Renwick

Matilda Richards

Jason Salyers

Kimberly Scott

Melissa Shrewsbury

Rita Southern

Julie Sprouse

Heather Vest

Ira Webb Jr.

Brittany Weeks

Kathy Wimmer

Taylor Wood

Jewel Woodson

Branden Yost

Jessica Young

2020 Service Award RecipientsPRINCETON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

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Former CEO Jeffrey Lilley presenting 40-yearcertificate to Tamara Clark.

Kimberly Farley receiving 40-year certificatefrom former CEO Jeffrey Lilley.

40 Years 40 Years

2019 & 2020 RetireesPRINCETON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

Vice President of Patient Care Services RoseMorgan presenting 40-year certificate toPamela Cardwell.

40 Years

Ralph Atkins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1983–2020

Renia Brizendine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2005–2019

Sheree Coppola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1987–2019

Theresa Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1978–2020

Pamela Dillow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1979–2020

Libby Dye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2002–2019

Janet Ealy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2016–2019

Diana Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007–2020

Victoria Howerton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1995–2020

Deborah Johns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2006–2020

Donna Johnston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2009–2020

Virginia Kish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2001–2020

Connie McCall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2008–2020

Patricia Mullins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2007–2019

Christy Puckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1977–2019

Rebecca Sowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2010–2020

Lisa Sulit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1979–2020

Wanda Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1987–2020

Pamela Van Blaricom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2001–2020

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Brenda Stratton is originally from Flat Top, West Virginia,home of the well known Lilly Reunion (she is a Lillydescendent).

She was raised on a self-sufficient farm where the familycanned, butchered, and even produced their owncornmeal and flour. Brenda attended Flat Top Elementaryand Spanishburg High School. She and her brothers had towalk over two miles each way to catch the school bus, andthey were paid 10 cents each per day by the Board ofEducation. Brenda’s family used the money to purchaseschool clothes. That was at a time when it was rare forschool to be cancelled due to weather.

Brenda and her brothers are grateful for the role theirparents played in instilling good moral values and apositive work ethic.

After graduating high school in 1972, Brenda’s first jobwas working at a poultry farm in Shady Springs, WestVirginia, for one month. She earned $1.75 per hour forvery strenuous work.

After leaving the poultry farm, Brenda submitted numerous applications to Princeton CommunityHospital. Fortunately, her high school shorthand instructor was the wife of the hospital’s HR director.She recognized Brenda’s work ethic and reliability, and she referred Brenda for the admissions clerkposition in 1972. After four years on the job, Brenda was promoted to chief admitting clerk. Later, shewas promoted to supervisor, then to manager of registration. Brenda said, “I feel very blessed to havebeen given the opportunities provided by PCH.”

In the late 1980s, Brenda and her cousin formed a duet called “Country Cream” and recorded acountry music CD in Nashville. The CD consisted of all original tunes written by her cousin, with theexception of two songs. They performed at various fairs, festivals, and music halls in the area. Theyhad an opportunity to move to Nashville to work as a full-time musician. (continued)

Celebrating Brenda Stratton’s48th Anniversary With PCH,

& Her Recent Retirement!

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Brenda decided to remain in West Virginia and get married. She actually met her future husbandat a photo shoot for the CD cover. Art was the project photographer.

Brenda and Art were married in 1992, and moved to Athens, West Virginia. Brenda said, “I hadan instant family as my husband had a 5-year-old son who lived with us during the school year.What a blessing he was. In 1994 Art and I had a son, and what a double blessing he was. He wasmy life. Cody was taken away at 20 years of age in an auto accident. I know God had otherplans for all of us.”

Several years ago, Brenda joined a local country-rock band, playing local venues for almost ayear. “That was such a wonderful experience,” she said.

Although she no longer sews, Brenda is a gifted seamstress who once made most of her ownclothing.

Regarding her years at PCH, Brenda said, “Although it was stressful at times, I really enjoyedworking at PCH. I have made lots of friends and acquaintances through the years. Things havechanged tremendously in the 48 years, and my office has moved to several different locations.When I first came to PCH my office was a ‘little’ hole in the wall, and my current office is a ‘little’hole in the wall – a full circle.”

Brenda currently resides with her mother in the country near where she grew up at Flat Top,surrounded by two of her brothers, a niece, and other family members.

Brenda said, “My three great-nephews keep me well entertained. Thank God I am healthy and Icome from a family with very good genes. I’ve had many good years at PCH and I am hopingfor many more in retirement.”

Congratulations, Brenda,and thank you for 48 years of dedicated service to PCH!

You are greatly appreciated, and you will be missed!

Brenda retired at the end of December 2020.

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PCH Receives First Shipmentof COVID-19 Vaccine

On December 15, 2020 at 5:30 p.m., PrincetonCommunity Hospital welcomed its first shipment of thePfizer COVID-19 vaccine. It was the first of the vaccineto arrive in Mercer County.

Director of Pharmacy Daniel Morrison received anemail at 1:00 p.m. on December 15, advising him thatthe vaccine was ready for pickup at the West VirginiaSchool of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, one offour hubs in West Virginia where hospitals wereinstructed to collect the vaccine.

Daniel and staff pharmacist Nathaniel Toler left shortlyafter 1:00 p.m. to retrieve the shipment.

Left to right: Unloadingthe first vaccine shipmentat the Parkview Centerentrance are StaffPharmacist NathanielToler, Director ofPharmacy DanielMorrison, and StaffPharmacist David Choate.

Left to right: Vice President of Patient Care Services Rose Morgan,Nathaniel Toler, Daniel Morrison, and David Choate.

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Vice President of Patient Care Services Rose Morganand Director of Emergency Services/Critical Care KimPoe, welcomed the delivery.

Rose said, “When the vaccine left the manufacturingarea and arrived at one of the hubs in West Virginia, ithad to be fully accounted for. It must be maintainedunder ultra-cold storage with continual temperaturemonitoring. Daniel Morrison took responsibility for thechain of custody of the vaccine and he personallytransported it here. The vaccine was immediately takento the pharmacy where it was registered into thegovernmental database and monitored to assure properstorage and temperature.”

Rose continued, “We are following the CDC and thestate guidelines in terms of prioritizing who receivesvaccines initially for the first tier. They are individualswho have frequent and prolonged exposure to COVIDpatients and patients undergoing COVID testing; sothey are emergency room personnel, critical carepersonnel, etc. We’re very pleased and excited toadminister the vaccine to our employees and physicianswho are at the greatest risk for potentially contractingCOVID-19. It’s essential that we keep our healthcareworkforce healthy to care for our community.”

Director of PharmacyDaniel Morrison.

Director of Emergency Services/Critical Care Kim Poe met the vaccine shipment as it made its way to the pharmacy.

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PCH Administers First Dose ofPfizer COVID-19 Vaccine.

At 7:30 a.m. on the icy morning of December 16, 2020, the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine wasadministered at PCH. Sara Hill, RN, charge nurse in the ER, was the first PCH employee to receive the vaccine.The dose was administered by Assistant Director of Emergency Services/Critical Care Jessica Young, RN.

The first vial of thevaccine wasdelivered from thepharmacy to theParkview Centeratrium by StaffPharmacist DavidChoate (left). It wasscanned into thesystem by Directorof Pharmacy DanielMorrison (center)and Director of CathLab David Rumley,RN (right).

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Thank you to everyone involved with thesuccessful administration of the COVID-19

vaccine!

They include:

Daniel Morrison and the entire pharmacy staff.

Heather Poff, Winnie Newberry, and the entire staffin HR.

Aaron Aliff

Josh Christ

Tonya Mills

Kendra Murphy

Angela Pendleton

Cathy Perry

Mark Pickett

Kim Poe

David Rumley

Kathy Shaffer

Jessica Weiss

Jessica Young

– Letters of Appreciation –Dear PCH,

I so appreciated the loving care you all gave me while I was in PCH on 3-South. In awhile you may not remember me, but I will remember your loving kindness for a verylong time!

Thanks so much!Retha Wilkerson

Joquita Harris called to complement CCU for the care of her mother, Mary J.Alexander. The daughter is an only child who lives in Ohio. It meant the world to herthat the nurses were so wonderful. She wanted to especially thank Debbie H (not sureof name) for keeping her and her daughters well informed, and for being socompassionate, soft spoken, and calm. It meant the world to her.

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December 14, 2020

Open Letter to West Virginians from WV Healthcare Leaders:

We Trust the COVID-19 Vaccine.

West Virginia has experienced landmark days in the pandemic response this past week as the U.S. Food andDrug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine. As we write this,thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses are being loaded and shipped to states across our nation, includingours. As healthcare and public health leaders in the Mountain State, we are breathing sighs of relief becausewe are confident that this vaccine is safe, effective, and is our best hope for ending the current pandemic.You might be wondering whether you should trust a COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine developmentprocess has been the fastest we have seen to date because the entire medical, scientific, and public healthcommunities building upon prior research technology mobilized like never before to end this pandemic.

Clinical trials with tens of thousands of people showed that vaccination is highly effective in preventingCOVID-19 and caused no serious adverse effects. We watched Thursday as the FDA’s advisory committeelivestreamed their discussion of the evidence leading to their decision to authorize its use. We tuned in againon Friday and Saturday as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met to review the dataand provide recommendations for use of the vaccine. These expert committees agree that this vaccine hasmet rigorous, scientific standards of safety and quality, and should be made available for use by the public.We want to be clear: We will get vaccinated as soon as it is our turn, and we will recommend it as soon aspossible to our family members and patients based on guidance from the ACIP. We trust the process, and wethink you should, too.

We have wept with the families we care for and serve, watching them struggle with severe illness and evendeath. Some have only had the opportunity to say final goodbyes on the phone. These images and memorieswill stay with us for our lifetimes. But today we are hopeful, because the COVID-19 vaccine can help end thispandemic, protect the health and wellbeing of our communities, and get our economy moving again.We will each personally receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon it becomes available to us. We will do thisbecause getting vaccinated not only protects us, but the people around us—particularly those at risk ofsevere COVID-19 illness. When large numbers of people in a community are vaccinated, fewer people getsick, saving lives, ensuring that the healthcare system can continue to meet the needs of those it is intendedto serve, and getting us back to normal lives as soon as possible.

Each of us must continue to do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. Stopping a pandemic requiresusing all the public health tools we have available, and vaccination is likely our strongest tool yet. As medicaland public health experts, we take our duty to protect our patients and our communities very seriously. Wewill continue to do our part to end the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated ourselves and encouragingour patients, friends, and neighbors to do the same when the vaccine is available to them.

Sincerely (listed alphabetically),Joanna Bailey, MDPresident, West Virginia Academy of Family PhysiciansAnne Banfield, MD, FACOGYoung Physician-At-Large American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Director, Women's HealthServices, Davis Medical CenterLisa M. Costello, MD, MPH, FAAPPresident, West Virginia Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics Scott Davis, PT, MS, EDD, OCSPresident, West Virginia Physical Therapy Association

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V.J. Davis, RS, MSPresident, West Virginia Association of Local Health DepartmentsLaura Davisson, MD, MPH, FACPGovernor, American College of Physicians, WV Chapter Associate Professor of Medicine, WVU School of MedicineMatthew Delph, MDPresident, West Virginia State Society of AnesthesiologistsBen Deuell, DO, FACEPPresident, West Virginia College of Emergency PhysiciansShawn EddyPresident, West Virginia Health Care AssociationSherri P. FerrellCEO, WV Primary Care AssociationElie Gharib, MD, FACCPresident, WV Chapter of the American College of CardiologySuzanne Gharib, MDPresident, WV Rheumatology State SocietyP. Bradley Hall, MDPresident, West Virginia State Medical AssociationMelissa Jensen, MSPA, PA-CPresident, West Virginia Association of Physician AssistantsRobert Johnstone, MD, FASADirector, American Society of Anesthesiologists Anesthesiology, Chairman, West Virginia UniversityKatie Kacmarik, PharmDPresident, West Virginia Pharmacists Association, President, Ohio-Marshall County Pharmacists Association Jim KaufmanPresident and CEO, West Virginia Hospital AssociationSharon L. Lansdale, RPh, MSPresident/CEO, Center for Rural Health Development, Inc.PS Martin, MD, FACEP, FAEMSPresident, National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians West Virginia ChapterKara Piechowski, PharmD, BCPS, BC-ADM, CTTSPresident, West Virginia Society of Health System PharmacistsMatthew Rafa, PharmDVice President, West Virginia Pharmacists AssociationMichael Robie, DOPresident, West Virginia Osteopathic Medical AssociationAngie Settle, DNP, APRN, BC, FNPCEO/Executive Director, West Virginia Health Right, Inc.Jason Turner, PharmDOwner/Pharmacist Moundsville Pharmacy, New Martinsville Pharmacy, Pine Grove Pharmacy, Sistersville PharmacyMatt WalkerExecutive Director, West Virginia Independent Pharmacy AssociationJoyce Wilson, APRN, MSN, BSN, RN FNP-CPresident, West Virginia Nurses Association

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PCHA Board of Directors Voteon Major Decisions in DecemberDuring the December meeting held at the Chuck Mathena Center on Thursday, December 17, 2020, thePCHA Board of Directors approved and executed an agreement with WVU Medicine for managementservices and a master clinical affiliation.

In addition, the board agreed to finalize the sale and transfer of the former Bluefield Regional Medical Centerto Bluefield State College.

Below are the press releases with additional details.

WVU Hospitals, Princeton Community Hospital enterinto management agreement and clinical affiliation

MORGANTOWN, West Virginia • Friday, December 18,2020 – Princeton Community Hospital (PCH) has enteredinto a management agreement and clinical affiliation withWVU Hospitals effective Friday, Dec. 18.

“We have worked diligently to reach people in all parts ofour state – from Camden Clark Medical Center on our

westernmost border to Reynolds Memorial Hospital and Wheeling Hospital in the Northern Panhandle toBerkeley and Jefferson Medical Centers in the Eastern Panhandle. Now, with this agreement, we will be ableto bolster our efforts in the southernmost part of the state,” Albert L. Wright, Jr., president and CEO of theWest Virginia University Health System, said. “We look forward to bringing the expertise of WVU Medicine tothe people of Mercer County and the surrounding region.”

PCH, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Dec. 20, is a fully accredited 203-bed acute caremultispecialty medical facility serving a 10-county region in southern West Virginia and southwestern Virginia.It offers advanced medical technologies and procedures, from state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging tominimally invasive surgery. In addition, PCH provides behavior health services at The Behavioral HealthcarePavilion of the Virginias, a 64-bed psychiatric hospital in Bluefield.

“This collaboration and management agreement with WVU Hospitals will assure the community we serve acontinuation of the same high-quality care our patients expect and deserve well into the future,” FrankSinicrope, M.B.A., C.P.A., F.H.F.M.A., interim CEO and chief financial officer of PCH, said.

Princeton Mayor David Graham and James “Rusty” Sarver, III, president of the PCH Board, said theyappreciate the opportunity to work with WVU Hospitals.

“I am excited for the opportunity this agreement will bring to our area,” Sarver said. “The partnership betweenPCH and WVU Hospitals will provide stability and will enable us to expand our services and provide strongerhealthcare in the region.”

Graham added, “The City of Princeton recognizes that our future is highly dependent on the long-termstability of Princeton Community Hospital. The partnership agreement with WVU Hospitals will lend to that

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stability and further both the magnitude and quality of service to our area. We fully support this agreementand opportunity.”

About the West Virginia University Health System

The West Virginia University Health System, West Virginia’s largest health system and largest privateemployer, is comprised of 12 hospitals – its flagship hospital, J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantownand Fairmont Medical Center in Fairmont; Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg; Braxton County MemorialHospital in Gassaway; Camden Clark Medical Center in Parkersburg; Jackson General Hospital in Ripley;Jefferson Medical Center in Ranson; Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser; Reynolds Memorial Hospital in GlenDale; St. Joseph’s Hospital in Buckhannon; Summersville Regional Medical Center in Summersville; UnitedHospital Center in Bridgeport; and Wetzel County Hospital in New Martinsville. It also provides managementservices to Barnesville Hospital in Barnesville, Ohio; Garrett Regional Medical Center in Oakland, Maryland;Harrison Community Hospital in Cadiz, Ohio; Highland-Clarksburg Hospital in Clarksburg; Uniontown Hospitalin Uniontown, Pennsylvania; and Wheeling Hospital in Wheeling. The WVU Health System also includes fiveinstitutes – the WVU Cancer Institute, the WVU Critical Care and Trauma Institute, the WVU Eye Institute, theWVU Heart and Vascular Institute, and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute. For more information, visitWVUMedicine.org.

Bluefield State College to Acquire Bluefield RegionalMedical Center Property

Bluefield, West Virginia • Monday, December 21,2020 – The Board of Directors of PrincetonCommunity Hospital and the Board of Governors ofBluefield State College have agreed that BluefieldState will acquire ownership of the Bluefield RegionalMedical Center to expand its Health Scienceprograms, while Princeton Community Hospitalmaintains its Emergency Division and related medicalservices at the facility.

“This is a new day for the people of Bluefield as wellas the college,” said Bluefield State College Chairmanof the Board of Governors, Rev. Garry Moore. “Thisunderscores our commitment to the educational andeconomic well-being of Bluefield, Mercer County and the Two Virginias region.”

The agreement follows from a Memorandum of Understanding announced by the college and the hospital onSeptember 1, 2020.

Princeton Community Hospital Board of Directors President James “Rusty” Sarver said, “The decision by bothboards represents a timely convergence of interests and needs. We are delighted that Bluefield State Collegeappreciates the campus for the asset it is.”

Bluefield State President Robin Capehart said, “Acquiring this facility permits Bluefield State to expand its campus,course offerings and student housing.” The new campus is located just one mile from BSC’s main campus.

Capehart added that the college would begin its due diligence immediately with the intention of closing onthe purchase as soon as possible.

Former Bluefield Regional Medical Center.

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PCH Interim CEO Frank Sinicrope said, “The national shortage of nurses is acutely felt locally. BSC’sacquisition of the former BRMC will enable them to train many more students to help fill the demand for highlyskilled, well-paid health care professionals at Princeton Community Hospital. We are excited by theeducational and economic benefits this partnership will bring to our area.”

The college intends to lease back portions of the building for Princeton Community Hospital to maintain itsEmergency Department and related services.

The sale includes nearly 68 acres and all the existing buildings.

Congratulations toOlivia Blankenship, ThePavilion Nutrition ServicesDepartment October 2020Employee of the Month!Thank you, Olivia, for yourhard work! You areappreciated!

Congratulations toMelanie Harman, PCHNutrition ServicesDepartment October 2020Employee of the Month!Thank you, Melanie, foryour hard work, yourpositive attitude, and yourcommitment to excellencein the workplace!

Congratulations to Michelle Mitchell, TheBehavioral HealthPavilion's NutritionServices DepartmentNovember 2020 Employeeof the Month. Thank you,Michelle, for excelling inthe workplace!

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National Radiologic TechnologyWeek – November 8 - 14, 2020National Radiologic Technology Week is held every November to commemorate the anniversary of thediscovery of x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on November 8, 1895.

Medical imaging professionals work with some of the most innovative equipment in the medical field to helpidentify pathologies, plan and administer treatment, and restore patient health. Our board certified staffspecialize in mammography, computed tomography, interventional procedures, cardiac cath, magneticresonance imaging, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, diagnostic radiology, PACS/Compliance, and PET/CT.

The Medical Imaging Departments on the Princeton and Bluefield campuses and five off-site rural imagingcenters celebrate all imaging modalities.

Our radiologists, technologists, outpatient coordinators, radiology assistants, and transporters are all frontlineworkers and unsung heroes, not only in the fight against COVID-19, but each and every day.

Sherri SneadDirector of Diagnostic Imaging ServicesPrinceton Community Hospital

Left to right: Ultrasound Technologists • Tierney Quesenberry, Ashley Tredway, Jennifer Cox, Jennifer Graham, and Jessie Farren-Seldomridge. Notpictured: Bethany Ratcliffe and Rebekah Toler.

Ultrasound Technologists

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Left to right: Nuclear Medicine Technologists • Terry Beavers, Penny Wood, David Lester, and Kristy Bailey.

Director of Surgical/Diagnostic Services Larry Perdue, RN, BSN, participating inDNV’s 2020 virtual inspection.

Willie Wiley bringing Christmas cheer to the SurgicalDepartment!

Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Photos of other Medical Imaging Team Members will befeatured in an upcoming issue of In the Know.

Sign of the Times!

Photo by Lind

a Prescott, RN, BSN

Photo by Lind

a Prescott, RN, BSN

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Angel Tree a Success at PCH

Subdued Holiday Events in 2020

PCH Volunteerssupported theSalvation Army AngelTree project again thisyear. The tree was setup in the main lobbyand gifts werecollected by the HRDepartment. Seventy-five employeesparticipated (50 atPCH and 25 at ThePavilion) which meant75 children receivedgifts they’d asked forChristmas.

There were no holiday banquets this year foremployees and their family members. No yuletidefeasts or visits and with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Still, the HR Department saw to it that quiet festivitieswere carried out all the same.Employee events included:• Distribution of milk & cookies, appetizers, andhot chocolate on various days.

• Two guessing games with prizes – Number of

candy canes in a container at the ParkviewCenter kiosk and the number of marshmallowsin a container located in the cafe.

• Gift cards to Grant’s Supermarket for allemployees.

• Ugly Christmas Sweater Contest. Kim Hurst inthe Business Office was the winner.

• 12 Days of Giving, in which gifts were givendaily to 10 employees in various departments.

• Departmental Christmas Tree DecoratingContest. Twenty departments participated withentries. The tree photos were posted on thehospital’s Facebook page. The tree with themost “likes” at 11:59 p.m. on December 21 wasthe winner. With 577 votes, the EnvironmentalServices Department’s tree took first place.Congratulations on the winning entry! TheBehavioral Health Pavilion Geriatric Unit'sentry was second with 525 votes and thePatient Financial Services tree came in thirdwith 438 votes. Thanks to all departments thatparticipated with beautiful and creative entries!

Photo by Megan Goff, HR

and PCH

Volu

nteer C

oordina

tor.

This photo was made after the toys were picked up by the Salvation Army on December 9. Toys donated by The Pavilion employees are not included here.

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Environmental ServicesDepartment • 577 Votes!

Patient Financial ServicesDepartment • 438 Votes!

The Behavioral Health PavilionGeriatric Unit • 525 Votes!

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3-South Bluefield Family Clinic

Bluefield Clinic Company Ambulatory Coders

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PCH Bluefield Radiology

Case Management, Quality,Infection Prevention

Cath Lab

PCH Bluefield RadiationTherapy

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Medical Records - HIM

PCH Hospitalists IT Department

Day Surgery/Post Op

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Mercer Medical Group ENT

Nursing Administration PCH Nutrition Services

Laundry Department

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Switchboard

Other Ugly Sweater Entries

Outpatient Scheduling

Kim Hurst in the Business Office was thewinner of the Ugly Sweater Contest!

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Accepting New PatientsFamily Nurse Practitioner April Christ

April Christ, APRN, FNP-BC

A native of Bluefield, Virginia, April began her career inacute care at St. Luke’s Hospital (now The BehavioralHealth Pavilion of the Virginias) in the clinical andpathology laboratory as a certified phlebotomist andAmerican Society for Clinical Pathology–certifiedHistotechnician from 1994 to 2004.

Although April enjoyed her role in the laboratory, shefelt the need to expand her education and providebroader care by obtaining a degree in nursing.

After receiving her undergraduate degree in nursingfrom Bluefield State College, she joined PrincetonCommunity Hospital in 2004 as a registered nurseworking in the ICU and CCU, and as a relief nursingsupervisor.

She completed her Master of Science in Nursingdegree with emphasis on Family Nurse Practitionerfrom Indiana State University in 2014, where she graduated with honors. Her degrees includeAssociate of Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Master ofScience in Nursing (MSN).

April began her nurse practitioner career as a cardiology NP with Dr. Javed Rana in Bluefield,Virginia, in 2014. There she provided care for adult cardiology patients, as well as practiced internalmedicine.

She joined Mercer Medical Group Primary Care in July 2016, where she treats patients of all agesthat exhibit a full range of family practice conditions. April said, “I do not take lightly the trust andconfidence placed in my abilities by Dr. Marshall Long, the other MMG providers, MMG patients,and the PCH organization. I pride myself on providing exceptional care to all patients. I look forwardto meeting the future healthcare needs of our MMG patients and our community, now and in theyears to come.”

For an appointment with April, please call 304.487.7936.

118 Twelf th Street • Pr inceton, WV 24740Phone: 304.487.7936 • www.pchonl ine.org

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– Letter of Appreciation –To all nurses who cared for my husband,

Roger Spangler was a patient in the CCU unit from September 4 throughSeptember 24, at which time he was transferred to Ruby Memorial inMorgantown.

Dr. Daniels and Dr. White took care of him and gave me updates on hiscondition. I spoke with the nurses often – Tina, Barbie, and male nursesCharles and Cody. I hope I am right on names, and there were more. Pleaseforgive me if I can’t remember all of you, but know I love all of you and prayfor you often.

My husband told me how much he admired the hard working nurses. He said,“I watch them at the desk and they must change PPEs 40 times a day.”

It was and is such a hard reality for me that he is gone and I apologize for thedelay with such a feeble “thank you.”

I can never thank you for all your kindness, hard work, and sacrifice in thetime of this evil virus. You all are truly HEROES, and I cannot thank youenough for caring for him. Don’t ever think your efforts in lifesaving goesunnoticed. I know you all gave it your all and he trusted you to care for him.

My husband never complained and he was the one who taped his glasses to hisre-breather to be able to see his texts.

Thank you again for all your love and compassion. Keep up the wonderfulwork you do each day trying to save lives.

Don’t every underestimate your impact on patients and their families.

Stay safe and love each other,Lynda Spangler, RNRetired Nurse at PCH and Clinical Nurse Manager at The Behavioral Health Pavilion