Members of the Sequoyah Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will hold an Italian-style dinner at 7 p.m. March 7 at Choctaw Blue Ribbon Downs Racino to raise money for the hospital.

Cherie Spencer, auxiliary president, said the evening will feature an Italian, family-style dinner of lasagna, salad, appetizers, cheesecake, refreshments, and wine.

Entertainment will be provided by Larry B.

A silent auction will be held throughout the evening and will feature items such as an entertainment basket including play and symphony tickets, a men’s basket including tools and Sallisaw Lumber gift certificates, and items from The Olive Tree, Lisa’s Flowers & Gifts, and Tractor Supply Company. A live auction will conclude the evening and feature large items such as a Big 12 package which includes dinner, hotel, and tickets to the Big 12 basketball tournament, Oklahoma Thunder tickets accompanied by dinner and hotel, a limo trip to the Catoosa casino which includes dinner and golfing, and a trip to Branson to be scheduled at the buyer’s convenience. In all, around 25 items total will be auctioned off.

Debbie Knoke, Sequoyah Memorial Hospital administrator, said the fundraiser proceeds will go toward obtaining telemedicine equipment for Sequoyah Memorial Hospital that will allow a live connection to specialists who are not on site but may be in major medical centers in other cities.

Knoke said, “Many times the specialty services are needed for consultation in the treatment of patients at SMH.”

The first project for telemedicine utilization is the stroke treatment program in conjunction with Margaret Tremwel, MD, PhD, a neurologist affiliated with Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith, Ark., who is said to be one of the state’s leading vascular neurological physicians. Tremwel has conducted training with the hospital staff. According to Knoke, at present, all nursing staff members are certified in American Heart NIH Stroke Certification. A stroke team has been identified and is made up of physicians, nurses, and radiology technologists. The hospital staff will continue to work with Tremwel toward complete stroke certification.

The telemedicine equipment will be acquired by the hospital in the coming months, Knoke said.

“Sequoyah Memorial is excited to continue to improve efficiency, optimize quality and safety, and improve patient care,” Knoke said. “The hospital auxiliary volunteers are dedicated to supporting services for the patients in our community. They work diligently and are passionate about the people we serve. This aligns directly with the hospital’s mission to provide local access for services that enhance the individual health and well-being of our patients.”

Spencer said, “This year the auxiliary is so excited to partner with Dr. Tremwel and for the proceeds to go toward obtaining this valuable equipment. This piece of equipment will allow Sequoyah Memorial Hospital critical medical support and access to specialists in larger hospitals. Telemedicine is one of the fastest growing technologies of the new millennium. By joining or supporting the auxiliary, you have the opportunity to focus on the local needs of the public and help find solutions with other members of our community. It’s very rewarding because you know the money we help raise will directly affect the lives of the people in this area, our friends and family.”

For more information on the telemedicine equipment and other hospital services, call (918) 774-1100 or visit www.sequoyahmemorial.com. For information on joining the auxiliary, contact Spencer at (918) 775-3224.