WALTON - United Health Services Delaware Valley Hospital (DVH) is proud to join communities across America in celebration of National Rural Health Day Nov. 16. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health and rural-focused organizations throughout the United States set aside the third Thursday of November to recognize the day. This annual event is an opportunity to celebrate the “Power of Rural” and honor the individuals and organizations dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of nearly 61 million people living in rural America.
“It is of vital importance that we ensure all rural Delaware and Sullivan county residents have the opportunity to be healthy and have access to affordable, quality health care regardless of where they call home,” said President/CEO Rolland “Boomer” Bojo. UHS Delaware Valley is proud to recognize the incredible work of our own and other health professionals and volunteers in our community on National Rural Health Day and throughout the year.”
Delaware Valley Hospital employs approximately 150 employees and contracts for another 50 workers. Being a relatively small facility, many of the staff are very flexible, knowledgeable, and willing to cross train and learn other additional job responsibilities so that they can best assist each other and the patients. These dedicated individuals are the lifeblood of the organization, and they are what drives the successes UHS Delaware Valley has enjoyed.
The hospital’s loyal volunteers (about 25) operate a small gift shop and hold several fundraisers throughout the year: donating approximately $10,000 annually to the hospital. Their most recent donation will be used to build a pavilion on the hospital property for patient and staff use.
“This group may be small but the work they do for the hospital is immense,” said Bojo.
DVH does not forget our local volunteer and paid EMS workers and police officers. Each May the hospital hosts a week-long appreciation event in recognition of their importance in helping to care for our patients and in keeping our communities safe.
However, when a facility is small and located in a rural area, large challenges can be inherent. The hospital’s affiliation with UHS helps it address many of those challenges successfully.
“We are proud to be working closely with our UHS colleagues to bring many of the most often needed services here, so we can help eliminate the travel and time it takes to go out of the area,” said Bojo.
Additional information about National Rural Health Day, including resources and tools, can be found at PowerofRural.org. To learn more about UHS Delaware Valley Hospital, visit www.nyuhs.org
