Conemaugh Health Foundation (CHF) is celebrating the National Doctor’s Day on March 30 by once again giving the community an opportunity to make donations in honor or memory of an outstanding physician.
Over the past three years, the Conemaugh Health Foundation has received donations honoring more than 170 physicians, approximately $18,500, which benefits the Greatest Patient Needs Fund.
The Greatest Patient Needs Fund provides patients who are underinsured or uninsured with things such as diabetic test strips, transportation and wigs for cancer patients. This fund also supports much needed technology and patient education.
Physicians are notified when a donation is made in their honor, however the amount is not disclosed.
Donations can be made in honor of your doctor online at www.conemaugh.org/foundation. Checks may be made payable to the Conemaugh Health Foundation and mailed to 1086 Franklin Street, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 15905, or contact the CHF at 814-534-3133.
The Origin of National Doctor’s Day
It was started by Eudora Brown Almond (wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond) of Winder, Georgia, to mark the anniversary of the first use of general anesthesia in surgery. This took place on March 30, 1842, when Crawford W. Long, MD, of Jefferson, Georgia, administered the first ether anesthesia to James Venable and then operated to remove a tumor from the man's neck.
When Eudora Brown Almond and the Barrow County Medical Society Auxiliary were inspired to recognize this accomplishment, the result was a local community celebration on March 30, 1933, which was the first Doctors' Day. The occasion was celebrated by mailing cards to physicians and their wives, and by placing flowers on the graves of deceased doctors, including Dr. Long. His history-making achievement on that day, and the continuous efforts by physicians to alleviate human suffering in the 168 years since then, have become the basis for celebrating Doctors' Day each year.
