“Here’s to Your Health” with Hammond-Henry Hospital Foundation Manager Katie Orwig Talks New Hospital Outbuilding

In this episode of the Wake Up Tri-Counties Morning Show, host Tom Katz interviews Katie Orwig, Foundation Manager at Hammond Henry Hospital, about a new 40 by 48-foot outbuilding currently under construction. The project, funded by donations including memorial contributions from the late Dr. Jim Parsons and his wife Joanne, aims to address long-standing needs for expanded storage, vehicle protection, and housing for medical students and temporary healthcare providers. The building will feature two fully furnished studio apartments, offering a home-like alternative to hotels and rentals, which currently cost the hospital thousands annually. Beyond housing, the space will serve locum tenens physicians, traveling nurses, and even essential maintenance staff during emergencies. Orwig emphasizes the project’s community benefits, including honoring the Parsons’ legacy of physician recruitment and fostering strong neighborhood relations through thoughtful design and outreach. The building symbolizes both practical innovation and deep community investment. The episode highlights how thoughtful planning and donor support can transform underutilized land into a multi-functional asset that supports healthcare workforce development and operational resilience. Orwig notes the potential for future expansion as the hospital grows, while affirming the immediate impact of this project on student experience and staff retention. The tone is optimistic and appreciative, underscoring collaboration, legacy, and forward-thinking infrastructure. The episode closes with a call to action for listeners to visit hammondhenry.com to view progress photos.