Penn Highlands Mon Valley Dedicates Plaque to Honor Former Auxiliary President

In 2020, when COVID-19 began to spread throughout the Mon Valley region, the Auxiliary of Mon Vale Health Resources, Inc. suspended its services. For more than a year, the dedicated volunteers were on hiatus; and during that time, Monongahela Valley Hospital began its affiliation with Penn Highlands Healthcare. When the pandemic began to wane, the Auxiliary's future was uncertain. Arlene Haney, who was a member of the organization, stepped up and provided unwavering leadership to the group. She recruited new officers and members; helped create the vending lounge near the lobby of the hospital; re-introduced annual festivals; forged new partnerships with vendors; and raised thousands of dollars for hospital programs and renovations. Under Arlene's leadership, the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary emerged stronger than ever.

Arlene passed away very suddenly on June 2, 2024 which was her 77^th birthday. Her passing left the employees, physicians and volunteers at Penn Highlands Mon Valley shocked and saddened. On September 9, 2024, the hospital dedicated a plaque in the vending lounge, which Arlene always referred to as "The Hub" to honor her memory.

In remarks, Peter J. Adamo, Southwestern Region Market President, Penn Highlands Healthcare, shared stories of Arlene's passion for the hospital and the Auxiliary. "Arlene embodied the spirit of optimism, open-mindedness and tenacity," he said. "Let's continue to think like she did and live in her honor."

Judy DeBerardinis, who was the secretary of the Auxiliary under Arlene's leadership and is now the president of the organization, echoed Adamo's words. "It was an adventure volunteering with Arlene. She was always very enthusiastic. She motivated everyone."

Fighting back tears, Bob Haney, Arlene's husband of 58 years, said, "She would want to share this honor with the entire Auxiliary. She approached every Auxiliary activity as a group effort and not the work of just one or two people."

For more information about joining the Penn Highlands Mon Valley Auxiliary, call 724-258-1234.