Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center celebrates opening of Caring Cottages with ribbon-cutting ceremony

Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center leaders and community members celebrated the completion of the hospital’s first two Caring Cottages with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center Caring Cottages in Morgantown. Held during the holiday season, the dedication highlighted the importance of home, comfort and togetherness for patients and families traveling for medical care.

Located on the edge of the Mon Medical Center campus, the Caring Cottages provide a comfortable, home-like place to stay for patients and families who must travel for medical care, offering a supportive environment during what can be a stressful time. The Caring Cottages help ease the burden of travel and lodging for those receiving treatment or supporting loved ones.

The ceremony included remarks from Vandalia Health leaders, as well as a testimonial from one of the Caring Cottages’ first guests, Debbie Twigg, who shared how the cottages provided comfort and peace of mind during a critical time.

“The staff at Mon Health offered a Caring Cottage to use during [my husband’s] stay,” Twigg said. “I was amazed with the close proximity and the cozy atmosphere of the cottage. The cottage had all the accommodations needed, and the washer/dryer was definitely an added bonus.”

“Across Vandalia Health, we’ve made significant investments to expand services, adopt advanced technology and increase access to telehealth so more patients can receive quality care close to home,” said David Goldberg, President and CEO, Mon Health System and Davis Health System-Vandalia Health Northern Region, and Executive Vice President of Vandalia Health. “At the same time, we know some patients require specialized care that is best delivered at Mon Medical Center. The Caring Cottages ensure that when patients and their families do need to travel for that level of care, they have a comfortable, supportive place to stay so they can focus on healing rather than logistics. We thank our Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center Auxiliary for leading efforts to secure our home-like environment for patients and families to stay while receiving care or treatment. Safe, warm and relaxing environments help with care outcomes, and we are so pleased we have facilities to offer families as needed — a true testament to our community supporting its preferred community health care provider.”

“The Caring Cottages reflect our commitment to caring for our patients and their families throughout the entire care journey,” said Krystal Atkinson, DNP, RN, CNOR, Chief Administrative Officer of Mon Medical Center and Chief Nursing Executive of Vandalia Health-Northern Region. “By offering a welcoming place to stay close to care, we are removing barriers and helping families focus on what matters most.”

The Caring Cottages initiative was made possible through the generous support of community partners, donors and volunteers, including the Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary, whose long-standing commitment to patient-centered care helped bring the project to life. The Mon Health Ball of the Year events in 2023 and 2024, under the leadership of the Auxiliary, were instrumental in raising funds to support the construction of the Caring Cottages, helping transform the vision for patient and family lodging into a meaningful resource for those traveling to Morgantown for specialized care.

“Projects like the Caring Cottages demonstrate what’s possible when a community comes together to support patients and families,” said Bethann Gamponia, President, Mon Health Medical Center Auxiliary. “These cottages will make a meaningful difference for so many people in our region.”

Following the ceremony, guests toured the Caring Cottages to see firsthand how the spaces will serve patients and families in the months and years ahead.

For more information about the Vandalia Health Caring Cottages, call Tracy Franks, Guest Services Coordinator, Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center, at 304-285-5196.