COVID clinics provided wheelchairs by Mon Health Equipment & Supplies

Feb. 16—MORGANTOWN — Like helping family.

That's how Jeanette Lancaster, executive director of Mon Health Equipment & Supplies, described providing wheelchairs for the Preston County Health Department COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

"We were delighted to help our Preston County neighbors with our wheelchair donation, " Lancaster said, adding, "The donation is even more important because we are helping disabled and elderly people receive their vaccinations."

Mon Health Preston Memorial Hospital is in the Mon Health System network and was the original point of contact for the health department's request.

PCHD Administrator VJ Davis said the wheelchairs are critical for an older population, many of which have mobility issues.

"The distance from the car to the civic center and then all around the civic center where the vaccine lanes are located can be a long distance for someone that has trouble walking. The wheelchairs allow us to safely and efficiently transport those patients in and out of the clinic site, " Davis said, adding, "It is greatly appreciated."

A similar request by the Monongalia County Health Department was filled by Mon Health Medical Center, in Morgantown. Preston Memorial Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Nestor said the PCHD was using a number of the hospital's wheelchairs, but getting the chairs to the clinics and back to the hospital each time became difficult.

"Involving our sister company — Mon Health Equipment and Supplies was the perfect solution to help the health department and deliver this needed service, " Nestor said. "Mon Health Equipment and Supplies jumped at the chance to help."

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