Jennie Stuart Health Foundation Celebrates Dedication of Newborn Hearing Screener
Hopkinsville, KY – On Friday, October 27, the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation held a reception to dedicate a Newborn Hearing Screener in memory of Dr. Ron Howard. Foundation Executive Director, Tracey Clark, opened the dedication by thanking Betty Howard, wife of Dr. Howard, and family for thinking of the Jennie Stuart Health Foundation as a way for friends and family to pay tribute to Dr. Ron. “The outpouring of love and gratitude that flowed into the Foundation was beautiful, and the words of gratitude and appreciation were overwhelming”, said Clark.
All memorial contributions to the NICU and Well Baby Nursery of Jennie Stuart Medical Center received on behalf of Dr. Howard helped to provide a Newborn Hearing Screener. This new piece of equipment measures how well a baby’s hearing nerve and brain responds to sound. Soft earphones are used to transmit clicks or tones into the baby’s ears. Per Kentucky law, all babies are required to receive a hearing test before being discharged from the hospital.
Leslie Carroll, Jennie Stuart Health Board of Trustees Chair and Foundation board member shared, “Dr. Howard was a valued member of Jennie Stuart’s Medical Staff from December 1970 until December 2010. He spent many hours taking care of the precious babies born here and touched many lives through his years of service. We feel honored by the gifts in his memory that have provided this essential piece of medical equipment given in his name.” During the dedication, a plaque that is permanently displayed in the viewing area of the NICU and Well Baby Nursery was presented in his memory.
Among those assembled for the dedication were hospital administration, a member of the Jennie Stuart Health Medical Staff, Obstetrics floor staff, Foundation staff, JSMC Trustees and Foundation Board representatives, friends and members of the Howard Family. Janice Johnson, director of JSH Family Services, shared her gratitude for this special gift on behalf of her team. “We are so grateful to the Howard family and all of those who donated to make this happen. This piece of equipment will touch every baby who is born here for years to come”, Johnson said.
Jennie Stuart Health’s CEO, Eric Lee, described Dr. Howard as “He was our true friend. His legacy is a jewel. His life he committed to true service and a love of medicine. He is as much a part of the history and essence of Jennie Stuart Health today as the Brick, mortar and steel that make its structure. His spirit continues to live through the caring compassion of our providers and caregivers each and every day. We miss him, but we know that he is with us as we continue in his spirit.”
The dedication ceremony concluded with Tim Howard, son of Dr. Howard and Betty sharing a few words. “We are so excited this is being memorialized today”, said Tim. “We are so grateful to those who donated and who are in attendance this morning. Thank you for being here”, shared Betty.
If you are interested in learning how to support Jennie Stuart Health through the Foundation, please visit www.JennieStuartHealth.org/Foundation or call 270.887.0181. There are many donor options available, and JSHF would be happy to help you identify the best way to give according to your interests.
About Jennie Stuart Health Foundation: Formed in 2018, Jennie Stuart Health Foundation is a philanthropic subsidiary of Jennie Stuart Health. The Foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible. Administrative expenses for the Foundation are provided by Jennie Stuart Health, so donors can feel confident that 100% of their contributions will directly support community care and service expansion.
