DUBOIS – The Gray Family Foundation of DuBois is helping some Penn State DuBois students obtain the best possible training for a career in health care. Through a generous $10,000 gift from the foundation, Penn State DuBois is purchasing new equipment for its Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy Programs.
“The Gray Foundation has pledged $2,000 annually for five years,” explained Penn State DuBois Director of Development Bob Wetzel. “It’s an important contribution to two popular programs.”
Wetzel noted that demand for health services and the cost of providing quality healthcare education have both been rising rapidly. “This type of philanthropic support helps ensure that students in these programs get the best possible training for successful careers. It’s a contribution that will help these students and our region, since most of these students will be working locally after graduation,” said Wetzel.
The equipment the OT and PT programs have acquired or will be acquiring with these funds range from wheelchairs to blood pressure cuffs. Amputee simulators are another item on their list. Students will use the models to learn how to dress wounds on an amputated limb. A committee has been formed to choose the right equipment, and outline the best way to use these funds.
“Getting new equipment for our program will benefit current and future students immensely,” said OTA Program Coordinator LuAnn Demi. “It will give students hands-on, practical experience with therapeutic equipment before they go into clinical settings and use the equipment with actual patients.”
This is not the first time the Gray Family has made generous contributions to Penn State. In the past, they have supported programs such as Kids in College and Penn State Public Broadcasting.