Published: November 05, 2009 11:52 pm      

Jackie Withrow Hospital

A legacy of mercy, justice and strength will live on

The newest sign at Beckley’s oldest hospital structure is a welcome one.

Now Jackie Withrow Hospital, the Pinecrest facility’s new name brings with it the same pioneer spirit Mrs. Withrow brought to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1960. Beyond that, it conveys the dedication she had to caring for others.

As a member of the House of Delegates, Withrow worked tirelessly to see that coal miners suffering from black lung were fairly compensated. She saw to it that West Virginia’s children were screened early for potentially life-threatening conditions. She helped make public meetings public.

As Delegate Bill Wooton put it: “She was a tireless representative voice for our most fragile citizens. ... She was truly an advocate of mercy and of justice and of law. Jackie Withrow Hospital will have a daunting task of living up to her name.”

Perhaps most notably, Withrow proved herself a worthy peer among a group of male lawmakers who not only grew to respect her, but also to appreciate her at a time when female lawmakers were a rarity.

Even after her legislative career, Withrow continued helping those in need. She volunteered almost daily at the VA Medical Center, going as far as returning after her weekday service to escort wheelchair-bound patients to worship services on Sundays.

Jackie Withrow changed things for the better. It’s far time we did, too.

Charging the name of Pinecrest Hospital to Jackie Withrow Hospital is a change for the better.

Originally known as Rutherford Sanitarium, it became Pinecrest Sanitarium in 1934 when tuberculosis was a major threat.

In 1965, it became Pinecrest Hospital. And today, it is a 199-bed, long-term care facility. The hospital has entered a new era of patient care.

Naming it after a pioneer who championed issues regarding health care is highly appropriate.

But name changes don’t come easily to southern West Virginians. After all, how many among us still refer to Robert C. Byrd Drive as Valley Drive or the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center as the armory?

It may be some time before most people freely substitute the name Jackie Withrow for Pinecrest, but we can rest assured the next generation of Beckley area residents won’t have any difficulty using the new name.

And with that comes the knowledge that Withrow’s legacy of mercy, justice and strength will live on in our community for generations to come.