Some historical items and vintage medical

equipment from the

River Valley Health System building may make their way to the Lawrence County Historical Museum.

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital Vice President for External Affairs Michael Stautberg said OLBH may donate the pieces to the museum after the hospital takes ownership of the Ironton campus this month.

"It makes sense to preserve those items and the strong history of that

hospital," Stautberg said. "Our Lady of Hospital and Bon Secours Health System is very committed to being a part of Lawrence County."

Historical Society member Lou Anne Blagg said a table that was used by the original Board of Directors of the Lawrence County General Hospital may be donated, as well as medical equipment that was used in the 1930s, about the time the hospital was created.

"It depends on what we have room for. We hope to have a permanent medical exhibit," Blagg said. "We'd like to make a room like a family physician would have had for an office."

Blagg said the discussion on the donation began about two weeks ago when she was contacted by an OLBH nurse who once worked at River Valley. After that, she spoke with OLBH Chief Executive Officer Robert Maher about it.

Blagg said doctors who have practiced in the area have already donated some pieces for an exhibit, such as an exam table.

She said she hopes she and other society members can meet with OLBH officials in the near future and find out what items may be available to them. Teresa Moore/The Ironton Tribune