MASSENA -- Massena Memorial Hospital recently received $26,000 from the MMH Foundation, which will help pay for staff education and advanced training.

“We greatly appreciate the support the MMH Foundation gives to the hospital,” said MMH CEO Robert Wolleben. “Their efforts continue to support not only purchasing medical equipment and building projects but also the hospital staff for educational opportunities.”

Of the grant, MMH will use $2,640 toward its newly reinstated staff education fund.

The foundation decided at its May meeting to kick off its first online campaign with Ithaca-based GiveGab, in support of advanced training and education for Massena Memorial Hospital’s medical and support staff.

With the line item dedicated by the hospital, staff will have access to over $7,600 in education assistance.

“The MMH Foundation board has proven over and over our dedication to education for both foundation staff as well as the employees of Massena Memorial. Our executive director discovered this New York company at the AFP International Fundraising Conference in March,” said MMH Foundation President Miriam Catapano. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our hospital employees to attend seminars, specialized conferences, and training sessions to further advance patient care. We are thrilled to do so.”

“I want to thank those that helped us exceed our initial online campaign goal,” said foundation Executive Director Julia Rose. “We realize that as a foundation we need to evolve as the world around us does. We expect to have additional campaigns in support of our community hospital.”

The MMH Foundation is a separate, non-profit entity charged with fundraising for the hospital.