Some old equipment from the closed River Valley Health System is getting new use.

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital has donated exercise equipment, medical equipment, a salad bar, small refrigerators and storage shelving to the Ironton City Schools.

"It is unfortunate that the hospital closed," Ironton School Superintendent Dean Nance said. "However, local people will benefit from some of these items."

The list of exercise equipment includes a treadmill, a Nordic Track and some rehabilitation whirlpools. The hospital may also donate a medical stimulation machine. This equipment will be used in the high school's physical education department.

School officials estimated that if they had to purchase these items, it would have cost approximately $15,000.

The list of medical equipment includes wheelchairs that have been dispersed to the district's different buildings, as well as hospital furniture, hospital beds, thermometers, blood pressure monitors, room curtains and other supplies that will be used at the school's health tech prep building to train students seeking careers in the medical field.

The salad bar was in use Monday at the high school.

"I'm tickled to death to get it," Nance said. "We will use this to provide a nutritious, low-carb

lunch option to students."

The shelving will be used in the treasurer's office, by the maintenance department and by the transportation department. In addition, 30 computers were donated.

"I sincerely thank the hospital for donating these items," Nance said. "They will be put to good use."