Logan Healthcare Foundation awards Boone Memorial Hospital grant to expand Pulmonary Services

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Boone Memorial Hospital received a $47,000 grant from the Logan Healthcare Foundation to expand services.

Pulmonary rehabilitation helps to reduce symptoms, decrease disability, increase participation in physical and social activities, and improve the overall quality of life (QOL) for patients with chronic respiratory disease.

"Through this generous grant, we will be able to purchase new equipment and expand our hours," said Willie Carte, Director of the Boone Memorial Hospital Pulmonary Rehab Program and the Black Lung Center.

"This will allow us to better serve our surrounding communities that are affected by any pulmonary disease."

The principal goals of pulmonary rehabilitation include educating patients about the disease, including COPD medicine, the importance of staying active and reducing the feeling of dyspnea (air hunger) with movement.

"Pulmonary Rehab improves ones sense of well-being," explained Carte. "It helps a patient keep up their strength and improve their overall qualify of living."

The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Boone Memorial began five years ago. The hospital initially held classes twice a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting with four patients per class, totaling eight per week.

"Now we have three classes every Tuesday and Thursday with eight patients per class, totaling 24 a week. However, we have a waiting list to get in," said Carte. "The need is great."

"I am truly appreciative for the grant award, which will give us the ability to expand services to help more patients. It brings great joy knowing that we have helped someone get their strength and breath back so they are able to get back to being active."

"We are grateful to the Logan Healthcare Foundation for its support of Boone Memorial Hospital," said Chief Development Officer David Gresham.

"Logan Healthcare Foundation does a wonderful job in helping not-for-profit organizations improve both the quality and access to health care in the Boone, Logan, Lincoln, Wyoming and Mingo county areas."

For more information about the BMH Pulmonary Rehab program call 304-369-8825.