APPOINTMENTS

Nurse executive

NORMAL -- Linda S. Johnson of Chenoa has been named chief nurse executive and vice president of patient services for BroMenn Healthcare. She had been serving in that role on an interim basis since the retirement of Patricia Thornton earlier this year.

Johnson will be a member of the BroMenn executive team and will monitor all aspects of BroMenn's patient services units and nursing operations.

She began her career at Mennonite Hospital in 1972 as an operating room staff nurse.

She later served as a home health nurse, then was promoted to house supervisor at BroMenn Regional Medical Center.

In 1994, she was named director of emergency trauma services, emergency medical services and nursing operations.

She has a bachelor's degree in nursing from Mennonite College of Nursing in Bloomington, a master's degree in business administration from California Coast University in Santa Ana, Calif., and is a certified nurse administrator.

She has been recognized at BroMenn with nursing excellent awards in mentoring and leadership.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Light the Night

BLOOMINGTON -- The Eighth Annual Light the Night Walk raised about $70,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, said Stephanie Duquenne, campaign manager with the society's Central Illinois branch.

The walk, which was Sept. 15 at Miller Park in Bloomington, attracted more than 250 participants.

Purposes of the event are to honor those affected by cancer and to raise money to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, while improving the quality of life for patients and families.

The society continues to accept donations at its Central Illinois office, 112 Boeykens Place, Unit 4A, Normal IL 61761.

Ventilator

GIBSON CITY -- Gibson Area Hospital & Health Services has purchased a portable ventilator through a Regional Health Resources & Services Administration grant.

The ventilator may be used in the hospital emergency department and intensive care unit and in an ambulance. The hospital's purchase was approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health in collaboration with emergency management directors of hospitals in the region.

Eye Bank

BLOOMINGTON -- The Illinois Eye-Bank, Watson Gailey, will celebrate its 55th anniversary with a celebration at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the NV UltraLounge, 107 E. Beaufort St., Normal.

The event, dubbed Eye-55, is open to anyone who supports the eye bank's mission to restore sight, said Robert Albrecht, eye bank manager. Founded in 1952 by Dr. Watson Gailey, the eye bank is affiliated with the Illinois and Midwest eye banks. The event also marks the creation of the Dr. John Randolph Memorial Fund, established in memory of Randolph, a Bloomington-Normal corneal surgeon for many years.

Contributions to the fund will help the eye bank to provide its services free for patients who can't afford cornea transplant surgery.

Cost of the event is $55. Reservations may be made at (800) 548-4703 ext. 770.

Champaign office

NORMAL -- Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center, an independent group of orthopedic surgeons with offices in Normal and Pontiac, has opened a third location in Champaign.

The 9,000-square-foot facility, at 2110 Fox Drive, includes exam and treatment rooms, X-ray services and physical and occupational therapy.

Submit Health Digest items to Health Editor Paul Swiech at pswiech@pantagraph.com.

APPOINTMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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