POTSDAM -- The E. J. Noble Guild of Canton and the Potsdam Hospital Guild have merged to become the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Guild and will continue their significant support of Canton-Potsdam Hospital

Although the merger came through in January, the new guild’s official name change was approved recently, according to officials of the new guild’s board of directors..

The former E.J. Noble Guild of Canton was formed in 1951 and the former Potsdam Hospital Guild was formed in 1933. To date, the combined total raised by the guilds is nearly $2 million. Funds have been used to purchase equipment such as Broselow Pediatric Emergency Carts, fetal monitors, and a rapid infusion system used with trauma patients in the Emergency Department, as well as a multitude of other healthcare-related equipment, in addition to significant support of the Center for Cancer Care at CPH. The guilds have also supported healthcare education scholarships.

Demands on members’ time have changed over the years and the Guilds were facing declining membership, members of guild board said.

“The merger combines the guilds’ memberships resulting in ‘many hands make light work,’” said Laurie Cappello, president of the new guild.

Judy Chase, vice president of the merged guild, agrees. In a letter written to the members of the former E. J. Noble Guild of Canton, Chase thanked the community and those who donated to the guild’s efforts over the many years of its existence.

“Both guilds raised money to support patients of the same organization,” said Chase. “Both guilds worked together on joint fundraisers in the past, and it makes sense to merge at this time in our history. A merger is in the best interests of all,” she said.

Cappello said the new guild’s focus remains essentially unchanged: to raise funds for items or services that benefit patients of CPH. She expressed confidence in the new guild, its members, and in the community to support the hospital.

“The medical staff and employees of CPH reduce suffering and improve the health of our community,” she said, “yet we know reimbursement doesn’t cover the full cost of providing care. In combination with the CPH Foundation, our work is essential in filling that gap,” said Cappello.

The Canton-Potsdam Hospital Guild seeks new members who are interested in supporting excellent healthcare in the communities CPH serves.

To learn more about the guild or to become a member, interested individuals may contact Laurie Cappello at 315-244-1443.

To learn more about the CPH Foundation, visit www.cphospital.org/giving.