ELKINS, WV – Davis Medical Center invites area residents to preview the completion of its new 82,300 square foot addition during a grand opening celebration scheduled Friday, June 20.
The event begins at 11:30 a.m. with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. West Virginia native and America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr. will attend to sing the National Anthem and then be available to meet fans and for photographs.
Immediately following, guests are invited to have lunch and enjoy other festivities including tours of the new addition, free health screenings, entertainment, giveaways, and activities for kids. These festivities are planned until 5:30 pm. Food, health screenings and all activities are free.
“We’re looking forward to the celebration and to sharing our vision for the future of regional healthcare with our communities. The best way to do that is by welcoming people to the center and showing them first-hand what Davis Medical Center is and most importantly how it will contribute to their better health,” said Mark Doak, President and CEO of Davis Health System.
Davis Medical Center constructed the new addition to accommodate increased use of outpatient services including primary and specialty care physicians, radiological testing, laboratory and outpatient surgery options.
“This is a great way to celebrate West Virginia Day. Even though the industry is challenged by change, Davis Medical Center forges new ground by investing in the technologies and patient-centered processes representative of the future of health care. We’re glad to share this exciting new time with our fellow West Virginians,” said Doak.
Free health screenings are available from 12:30 until 5:30 pm. These include sleep apnea, pulse oxygen, blood pressure, memory screenings for aging adults, bone density, body mass index (BMI), Alpha One testing, simple spirometry and hemoccult kits. Health information and demonstrations on allergies, advance directives, medication synchronization, heart healthy cooking, digital mammography, telemedicine, women’s health, aesthetic medicine, childhood immunizations, chronic pain, skin cancer, low-dose lung screening, colon cancer risks and others will also be available.
Live entertainment goes from noon until 5:30 pm and features local musicians Timmy White, Chris Woodrum, Seth and Erin Young and Stevie Johnson. The Total Training Tumblers, Sudden Impact All-Stars and Highland Dance groups will perform tumbling and dance demonstrations on stage as well. Many of the performers have direct ties to Davis Medical Center making their appearances even more momentous for the event.
“We have many talented individuals among our “extended family” of employees and we are really excited that they are part of our entertainment line-up,” said Tracy Fath, Director of Marketing for Davis Health System. “Our employees and the public will enjoy this a lot.”
Community partners who will participate include the Randolph County Emergency Squad, HealthNet, the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department, Randolph County Community Arts Center, Randolph County YMCA, Old Brick Playhouse, Davis & Elkins College, and the Davis & Elkins College Student Nurses’ Association among others.
At 1 pm the Davis Medical Center Cancer Care Center will host a special balloon launch ceremony honoring cancer patients and survivors at the new Outpatient Entrance of Davis Medical Center. Any cancer patient, survivor or friend or family member may participate by gathering at the entrance at 12:45 pm. Balloons will be signed with names of those being honored or remembered and released into the air.
Fun activities for kids include face painting, “Grow Your Own Garden” workshop, children’s art booth, Germbusters hand hygiene, a dunking booth, and “Make a Personal First Aid Kit” booth. Special appearances by the Davis & Elkins College Mascots and Nick’s Ice Cream Truck are also planned. “Healthy lifestyles begin in childhood so having educational and fun things for kids to do is important for the event,” said Doak.
“Davis Medical Center serves a large regional population and we appreciate the support we have as the primary health care provider. We welcome and encourage all to come to the celebration as we begin a new chapter in caring for families and communities,” Doak said.
For more information about the grand opening celebration visit www.davishealthsystem.org or go to the Davis Health System Facebook page.