IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 30, 2008
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724.738.4854

gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Sisters in Healthcare History Project hits airwaves Monday

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. -- Slippery Rock University’s Sisters in Healthcare History Project will be profiled Monday on WDUQ.90.5 FM radio as part of the Pittsburgh 250 celebration. The project honors the pioneering health care contributions of western Pennsylvania women in religious orders working between 1847-1969.

            The Public Broadcasting Service station produced two-minute and four-minute stories. The shorter version will air at 6:33 a.m. and 5:33 p.m., the longer at 8:35 a.m. and 12:35 p.m.

            Kevin Gavin, WDUQ news director, interviewed John Bavaro, SRU associate professor of professional studies and project coordinator, and Sister Rhoda Kay Glunk of Vincentian Sisters of Charity in Pittsburgh, for the broadcast.

            “They are NPR-style [National Public Radio] reports looking back at the health-care industry in the region and the contributions of the sisters,” Gavin said. “All the details are just amazing. I knew the sisters worked as professional nurses and therefore provided care for Pittsburghers for decades. I didn’t realize all their innovations in everything from medical equipment to helping people.”

            “I am very pleased,” Bavaro said. “It makes me feel that not only is the history project one of importance and substance that we’re trying to preserve, but it’s something that other people are starting to recognize as important.”

            The project consists of 16 historical display panels, one for each of the 16 Roman Catholic orders that provided sisters for nursing and other health-care positions. A display is set up at the Regional Learning Alliance. Bavaro, with help from SRU students, is organizing the other displays for regional exhibitions. The collection features more than 100 items, including historical clothing, medical equipment and photographs.

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