Courtesy photo From left, Jenny McClendon, R.N., and Vendla Esler, M.B.A. nurse supervisor, are seen standing with the new blanket-warming unit funded by the MyMichigan Health Foundation for the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

ALPENA — According to a MyMichigan Health press release on Thursday, the MyMichigan Health Foundation recently funded a new blanket‒warming unit for the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena.

MyMichigan Health explained that since its installation, nurses have shared that the warm blankets not only help patients maintain normal body temperature during procedures but also calm and soothe them before and after procedures.

“Many of our patients are genuinely overjoyed when we give them one of the warmed blankets,” Jenny McClendon, R.N. of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said in the release. “Before a procedure, they’re often sitting for a while in lightweight gowns. It’s cold and can feel foreign, which increases stress. Before we had our own warmer, we were running to the Infusion Center to borrow blankets. Now everything is easier. It’s an absolute game changer, and it makes us feel like rock stars when something so simple makes such a big difference!”

According to the release, the program’s new Skytron single‒chamber warming unit holds up to nine blankets and is made with durable stainless steel. The warmer also features an LED display with keyed lockout, data‒logging capabilities, and a touch‒screen interface that allows staff to easily manage temperature settings.

“As care providers, it means a lot that we can now offer warm blankets to every patient undergoing a procedure,” Niki Centala, R.N. of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said in the release. “It’s like a little hug, saying everything’s going to be okay.”

MyMichigan Health explained in the release that maintaining normal body temperature is an important part of patient safety. Warm blankets help regulate temperature, support faster recovery, and reduce the risk of surgical site infections.

“Surgical areas are typically kept colder than waiting or patient rooms to discourage microbial growth,” Vendla Esler, M.B.A. nurse supervisor of the Spine and Pain Program at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, said in the release. “But that can leave patients feeling chilled. For those already anxious about a procedure, a warm blanket eases the discomfort and helps soothe anxiety. Anything we can do to help our patients–especially those living with chronic pain–is important.”

Ann Diamond, director of the MyMichigan Health Foundation, said that donors helped procure the blanket warmer.

“We are grateful to our generous donors who made it possible to provide this important piece of equipment,” Diamond said in the release. “As we look at equipment needs, we always look at the impact it has on our patients. This unit enhances both the quality of care and the healing environment we strive to maintain. What a wonderful gift, both to and from our community.”

Those interested in supporting MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena may contact Diamond at (989) 356‒7738.