Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce it has received a $25,000 grant from the Logan-Holl Foundation for patio improvements of the HVCH Courtyard.
Plans for the funds include resurfacing the courtyard surface to provide easier access through the gardens for all who visit.
“Our therapeutic garden area is a respite space that aids in the mental, physical and emotional needs of our hospital patients, staff and visitors,” said Julie Stuck, HVCH CEO. “The garden passage provides an opportunity for those who enter to explore educational opportunities throughout the year, as well as escape the sometimes emotionally difficult experience of a hospital visit.”
The area also is used many times throughout the year for community classes.
“Tim McDermott, OSU Extension Educator, Hocking County Agriculture and Natural Resources, with the assistance of HVCH Board Member Rick Webb of Webb Perennials, have provided several healthy gardening classes for our community in the courtyard,” said Latricia Johnston, Chief Public Relations Officer.
“Educational classes on growing simple container gardens that provide fresh vegetables and herbs are one of the ways HVCH promotes healthy benefits to our community,” Johnston continued. “This philanthropic gift from Logan-Holl Foundation will enable us to have a beautiful terrace to continue programs such as these that keep our community well and active.”
In December, the annual Auxiliary Celebration of Lights ceremony was moved to the HVCH Courtyard as part of the 1st annual Holiday Affair.
“Bringing the ceremony to HVCH allowed us to honor community loved ones who have perhaps been a patient at one time right here in our facility,” Stuck said. “The tree and additional holiday lighting remained available for everyone to view throughout the season, making our patients’ stay just a little brighter during that special time of year.”
Framed by various department hallways and rooms, the garden has drawn visitors of all ages. More recently this area has hosted the hospital’s first ever butterfly habitat that is open to the public throughout the summer.
“We have seen both children and adults exploring the garden over the past few months learning about butterfly lifecycles, and what plants are needed to host a butterfly garden in their own backyard,” Stuck said. “The courtyard is multi-purposeful, providing a place to find peace and spiritual renewal as well as a venue for wellness opportunities and community events. We are grateful to the Logan-Holl Foundation for their overwhelming generosity through this grant.”
“Hocking Valley Community Hospital – Leading the Way to a Healthier Community.”
Hocking Valley is a community non-profit hospital with an emergency department, urgent care and a wide variety of clinical, specialty and outpatient services. For more information, contact the Community Relations office at (740) 380-8336.