WALLINGFORD, CONNECTICUT, July 16, 2020 – Gaylord Specialty Healthcare, a rehabilitation-focused nonprofit healthcare system, recently received a $5,000 donation from the NewAlliance Foundation to fund the purchase of medical training manikins. Gaylord Nurse Educator Caitlin Handley, RN, said that the generous donation will be used to purchase an airway management manikin and a catheterization manikin for the continuous training of staff.

She explained that the airway management manikin was a high-priority acquisition for staff as the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly increased the number of patients on ventilators throughout the state.

“Gaylord also has a large patient population with tracheostomies, as well,” she said. “Having the airway management trainer will be invaluable in helping our front-line caregivers practice intubation and ventilation, tracheostomy care and their suctioning skills during such a critical time,” she said.

The grant will also purchase an updated catheterization manikin to help new and current nursing assistants practice the aseptic insertion and maintenance of urinary catheters.

“We are so grateful to the NewAlliance Foundation for enabling us to continue to provide high quality patient care by giving our front-line caregivers the tools they need to learn new skills and sharpen their competencies at all stages of their careers.” About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare: Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system located in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey, from illness or injury to maximum recovery.   Gaylord Specialty Healthcare includes three components. Gaylord Hospital offers medical rehabilitation for acute illnesses, accidents, or complex medical conditions. Gaylord Outpatient Services offers nearly 40 programs for a wide range of conditions. Gaylord Physical Therapy provides orthopedic rehabilitation for recovery from surgery or injury. For more information please call (203) 284-2800 or go to Gaylord.org.   About Philanthropy at the NewAlliance Foundation: As an independent charitable foundation, the mission of NewAlliance Foundation is to provide financial support to charitable organizations addressing diverse community needs in the arts, community development, health & human services, and youth & education.