Preston Memorial Hosts Dedication Ceremony for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center

Guests gathered at Preston Memorial Hospital on Thursday, April 11 for the dedication of its new Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center. The Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Preston Memorial offers specialized programs consisting of exercise, education and support for patients suffering from pulmonary diseases.

Attendees celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony, along with the donors and distinguished guests contributing to the project.

Funding totaling $179, 200 was obtained from a grant for the pulmonary rehabilitation center from donors including the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the Dorney Koppel Foundation and the WVU School of Public Health’s Caroline Haase Trust. The Caroline Haase Trust supports organizations in Preston County that provide services to senior citizens and is administered by the WVU Foundation.

Preston Memorial President and CEO, Melissa Lockwood, opened the program with welcoming remarks and thanked donors for their contributions to the center. Lockwood recognized Dr. Allison Cihla, Medical Director of Pulmonary Rehabilitation at Preston Memorial, and her vision to offer local rehab services to patients suffering from chronic pulmonary diseases.

“Dr. Cihla’s dedication to restoring and extending the lives of patients suffering from pulmonary disorders led us to where we are today: with a generous group of donors helping us to dedicate the Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Preston Memorial Hospital,” Lockwood said.

Cihla delivered remarks recognizing Preston Memorial Pulmonary Rehabilitation staff, PMH administration and project donors. “Because of the funds from our generous donors, Preston Memorial Hospital is able to provide this invaluable service to our community,” Cihla said. “In rural communities, the impact of bringing life-restoring programs like pulmonary rehabilitation is immeasurable.”

Grant funds will be used for educational training of staff, supplies, travel for trainings, patient monitoring software and other program needs.

“We recognized a great need for pulmonary rehabilitation in our community, and the opening of the Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center is another testament to our mission: To enhance the health of the communities we serve – one person at a time,” Cihla said.

Additionally, Cihla welcomed guest speakers Kim Tieman, from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and Grace Anne Dorney, of the Dorney Koppel Foundation.

The center was named in honor of Grace Anne Dorney Koppel, advocate for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) awareness. Dorney serves as the president of the Dorney Koppel Foundation, an organization committed to providing funds for the establishment of pulmonary rehabilitation facilities. 

“People with this disease should not be forgotten, shouldn’t be isolated and should be part of the community,” Dorney said.

The ceremony concluded with a reception and facility tours.

To learn more about the Grace Anne Dorney Pulmonary Rehabilitation Center at Preston Memorial Hospital, call 304-329-3429 or visit prestonmemorial.org.