Auxiliary commits $400,000 to campaign
At its annual awards luncheon in June, CMH Auxiliary President Mary Anne Schercinger presented a check for $85,000 to Calvert Memorial Hospital President and CEO Jim Xinis. The funds will be used to purchase digital radiography for the newly expanded Emergency Department.

The contribution represents the first step toward their commitment to raise $400,000 over the next five years for the CMH Capital Campaign. At the ceremony, Xinis praised the volunteers for their “legacy of generosity.”

“The fundraising that you do is critical to the hospital,” he said. “It is through your efforts that CMH is able to offer the latest advances in healthcare technology to the residents of Southern Maryland.”

In 2004, the CMH Auxiliary celebrated its 82nd year of supporting Calvert Memorial Hospital. Through the gift shop operation and other fundraisers, the all-volunteer organization helps purchase vital medical equipment.

The digital radiography, which will replace conventional X-rays in the new ED, represents a major timesaver. The new equipment will eliminate X-ray film and allow ED physicians to see images instantly and start treatment.

This technology offers many advantages, said Bobbie Vess, director of radiology at CMH. “Patients will not have to be wheeled to another area for diagnostic imaging,” she said. “The ability to reprocess images (without repeat X-rays) greatly reduces cost, time and inconvenience or painful movement to the patients.”