• OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital earned the ACC’s highest four-star Quality of Care Composite rating, placing them among just 11 hospitals statewide.
• Based on OhioHealth’s analysis of publicly reported ACC data, Riverside Methodist ranked first in Ohio and 14th nationally for PCI volume and was the only hospital among the 20 highest-volume hospitals to earn four stars.
• OhioHealth’s cardiac care connects EMS, emergency departments and hospital teams to support patients from early recognition through recovery, keeping coordinated care close to home.

OhioHealth's Interventional Cardiology Program has earned top honors in the American College of Cardiology's (ACC) latest Quality of Care Composite data. OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital are among just 11 hospitals in the state to achieve this four-star designation, placing both hospitals among a select group of Ohio hospitals earning the ACC’s highest Quality of Care Composite rating.

Based on an OhioHealth analysis of ACC’s publicly reported data, Riverside Methodist had the highest PCI volume among publicly reporting hospitals in Ohio and ranked 14th in volume nationally. Among the 20 highest-volume hospitals in the publicly reported ACC data, Riverside Methodist was the only hospital to earn a four-star Quality of Care Composite rating.

This distinction demonstrates the ability to maintain exceptional quality outcomes while operating one of the busiest PCI programs in the country.

Across the seven OhioHealth hospitals, the average Quality of Care Composite score was 87.97, compared with 86.15 among other reporting Ohio hospitals.

“This recognizes quality of an institution for its ability to provide care to patients with heart disease specifically those who need interventions for heart attacks or coronary artery disease,” Arash Arshi, MD, OhioHealth interventional cardiologist said. “This is not a popularity contest, this is not something that’s based on an institution’s reputation, it’s completely an objective score that takes into account important things to patients.”

Those important factors include the risk of death, major bleeding or kidney complications associated with a procedure, as well as whether patients are prescribed the appropriate medications.

The Quality-of-Care Composite measures a range of clinical outcomes and processes tied to interventional cardiology, giving patients and providers a trusted benchmark for evaluating cardiac care quality nationwide. Achieving a top rating while also maintaining high patient volume underscores OhioHealth's ability to deliver both accessible and exceptional heart care to the communities it serves.

“This is really a global team effort,” Dr. Arshi said. “The care that we provide doesn’t just begin with us in the Cath Lab taking care of a patient with a heart attack; it really starts with early recognition. The first responders, EMS, are right there on the scene. They recognized and make the diagnosis, and we work in a great partnership with multiple EMS teams. We review cases together; we have education seminars together, so we really work as a partnership.”

Emergency department teams across the system are also on the front lines, providing excellent care before patients transition to other hospital care teams that support them throughout their recovery.

“It’s kind of a linear progression of their care, and it has to be done as a partnership,” Dr. Arshi said.

For patients across central Ohio, this milestone means added confidence that when timely, high-quality cardiac intervention is needed, OhioHealth teams are prepared to deliver care that meets the highest national standards. As heart disease remains a leading health concern across the state, this achievement reinforces the organization’s commitment to keeping expert, compassionate cardiac care close to home.

“This specific recognition is important for those who have symptomatic heart disease. We focus so much on preventative care. We really emphasize taking care of risk factors: managing your blood pressure, your blood sugar, cholesterol, not smoking, developing good healthy habits. But even with the best preventative care, patients still suffer from heart disease. It’s such a common medical problem,” Dr. Arshi said.

He said patients can take comfort in knowing they will receive high-quality, efficient care close to home as OhioHealth continues investing in its cardiovascular services and experts to meet the needs of patients across the state.

For more information about the ACC data report, click here.

• OhioHealth breast cancer surgeon and survivor Dr. Deepa Halaharvi shares her personal journey to raise breast cancer awareness.
• Early detection and regular mammograms are essential for breast health, even for women without a family history of breast cancer.
• Advances in breast cancer treatment and genomic testing offer patients more personalized care options and improved outcomes.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, serving as a reminder of the importance of early detection and understanding breast health. For an OhioHealth breast surgeon, the month holds a deeper personal significance.

Deepa Halaharvi, DO, breast cancer surgeon, survivor and the OhioHealth Foundation Endowed Chair for Breast Health, recently joined Spectrum News to share her experience with breast cancer and encourage women to take an active role in their health. Just eight months into her career as a breast surgeon, Halaharvi was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.

Despite her medical knowledge, Halaharvi found herself experiencing many of the same emotions that her patients face when receiving a diagnosis.

"I had all those feelings that people go through when they get told that they have breast cancer," Halaharvi told Spectrum News. "I'm no different, even though I'm a breast cancer surgeon. I still had to go through those emotions when I was diagnosed."

Since her diagnosis, Halaharvi launched “The Breast Cancer Podcast” to educate others on the misconceptions about breast cancer and connect patients with trusted medical experts all around the world. Today, the podcast reaches listeners in 147 different countries.

Through the podcast and her social media, Halaharvi hopes to correct one of the biggest misconceptions that women without a family history of breast cancer are not at risk.

"85 to 90% of the people who get diagnosed with breast cancer do not have family history. I'm one of them," Halaharvi said. "But family history or not, you still should be getting checked and getting screened."

Halaharvi encourages women to begin screenings as early as possible and have conversations with their healthcare providers about preventive care for breast health. Mammograms generally begin at the age of 40 for women at average risk, while those with a family history or other risk factors may need to screen earlier. She also stresses the importance of noticing breast changes and contacting a doctor if a lump or other concern develops.

Advancements in breast cancer treatment have provided patients with more personalized care options. Halaharvi explained that genomic testing can help determine whether chemotherapy is absolutely necessary or if there are other treatment options.

"If you get diagnosed at early stage, the prognosis is really good," Halaharvi said. "You may need lesser treatments in terms of surgery and medications and chemotherapy."

Halaharvi continues to use her experience as both a breast cancer surgeon and survivor to make a difference beyond the medical office. Throughout the rest of October, she is sharing daily breast health tips on social media and using her podcast and community involvement to encourage women to prioritize their health and recognize early signs of breast cancer.

If it’s time for your mammogram, click here to schedule.

• New emergency department leadership: Matthew White, MD, will serve as medical director, and Evan Springer, DO, as associate medical director at OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital.
• Strong local connections: Both physicians have deep roots in neighboring Marion County and are committed to keeping care close to home.
• Coordinated access to care: The leaders aim to strengthen connections with OhioHealth specialists and care teams, helping patients receive care locally whenever possible.
• Investment in emergency services: Emergency department renovations are underway as part of OhioHealth’s commitment to invest at least $6 million in capital improvements at Morrow County Hospital before 2030.

OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital is strengthening its emergency care by appointing two new leaders to the hospital’s emergency department. The duo bring vast experience, system knowledge, and strong ties to the communities they serve. Matthew White, MD, will serve as medical director, and Evan Springer, DO, as associate medical director of Morrow County Hospital’s emergency department.

Both Dr. Matthew White and Dr. Evan Springer have deep roots in neighboring Marion County, located less than 20 minutes from Morrow County Hospital. Having grown up in the region and built their careers caring for local patients, the physicians understand the importance of providing high-quality care close to home and helping patients remain in their communities whenever possible. Even as a critical access hospital, Morrow County Hospital’s transfer rate to a different hospital is just 9%.

"Keeping care local has always been a priority for me," said Dr. White. "Not every hospital has every specialty service available, but our goal is to help patients receive the right care in the right place and keep them close to home whenever possible. By working closely with specialists and care teams throughout OhioHealth, we can create pathways that make care more coordinated and accessible for the people of Morrow County." 

The appointment builds on Dr. White's nearly 20 years of emergency medicine experience at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, including the last decade as medical director of its emergency department. Dr. Springer joined Marion General Hospital after completing medical school at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and his emergency medicine residency at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital.

 "The emergency department in Marion has grown tremendously over the years, and I've seen firsthand the positive impact strong leadership can have on patient care," said Dr. Springer. "I'm excited to work alongside Dr. White and help bring that same focus on quality, consistency and patient-centered care to Morrow County Hospital."

Both physicians say patients can expect the same high standard of care available throughout the OhioHealth system while benefiting from ongoing investments in the hospital's emergency department, including renovations currently underway. This is part of OhioHealth’s commitment to spending at least $6 million on capital improvement dollars at Morrow County Hospital before 2030.

"The renovation demonstrates OhioHealth's commitment to the region and its willingness to invest in the future of healthcare in Morrow County," said Dr. Springer. "That should be encouraging for the community and for the patients we serve."

As Morrow County Hospital continues to grow as part of the OhioHealth system, Drs. White and Springer say their focus will remain on delivering high-quality, compassionate emergency care while ensuring patients have access to the resources they need close to home.

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, Hardin Memorial Hospital and Executive Imaging will offer lung cancer screenings on Saturday, Nov. 14.
• Screenings are recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 with a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years who currently smoke or formerly smoked.
• Appointments are required by Oct. 31. A physician’s order is needed, and most insurance plans and Medicare cover screenings.

OhioHealth Marion General Hospital and OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, along with Executive Imaging, LLC, will offer special hours for lung cancer screenings on Saturday, Nov. 14, National Lung Cancer Screening Day, to help people at increased risk access early detection.

Screenings will be available at the following locations:

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital: 8 a.m. to noon at 1000 McKinley Park Dr., Marion. Enter through the East Entrance.
• Executive Imaging, LLC: 8:30 a.m. to noon at 1069 Delaware Ave., Suite 104, Marion.
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital: 9 a.m. to noon at 921 E. Franklin St., Kenton. Enter through the main entrance.

“Lung cancer screening has rewritten the book on lung cancer survivability,” said Joel Provenzano, MD, pulmonary and critical care specialist at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “The earlier lung cancer is found, the better the chances of treating it successfully."

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among men and women. Screening is recommended for adults ages 50 to 80 who currently smoke or formerly smoked and have a smoking history of at least 20 pack-years. A pack-year is the equivalent of smoking one pack of cigarettes daily for one year.

“Screening can help detect lung cancer before symptoms appear,” said Abhishake Kaapuraala, MD, family medicine hospitalist at OhioHealth Primary and Walk-In Care Kenton. "If you qualify, I encourage you to get screened. It’s a simple test that could make a big difference."

A physician’s order is required. Individuals who need help obtaining an order can contact their preferred screening location for assistance. Lung cancer screenings are covered by most insurance plans and Medicare.

Appointments are required, and registration closes Saturday, Oct. 31.

To schedule a screening, contact:

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital: 740-383-8600
• Executive Imaging, LLC: 740-751-6828
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital: 419-675-8181

• CenteringPregnancy at OhioHealth Grant Family Medicine is celebrating 10 years of providing group prenatal care, education and connection for expectant parents.
•  Approximately 319 patients and families have participated in the program, building supportive relationships while discussing topics from delivery preparation to mental health.
• The program’s impact extends beyond pregnancy, with many families staying connected through visits, updates and events as their children grow.

For the past decade, CenteringPregnancy at OhioHealth Grant Family Medicine has brought expectant parents together to receive prenatal care, learn and build connections. Recently, patients, families and staff reunited to celebrate the program’s 10-year anniversary and the milestones they shared along the way.

Instead of a traditional prenatal appointment with one physician, CenteringPregnancy brings together patients who are at similar stages in their pregnancies. This program creates a supportive and safe space for patients to have conversations about different topics ranging from delivery preparation to mental health.

“What I love about Centering is that it gives our patients a chance to learn, ask questions, and connect with other families who are going through some of the same things,” said Bre’Shawn Williams, Centering Program Patient Navigator at Grant Family Medicine. “Sometimes the best conversations come from one patient asking a question and another person saying, ‘I was wondering the same thing!’”

Over the past 10 years, approximately 319 patients and families have participated in CenteringPregnancy. The reunion brought many of those families and staff members back together to celebrate the program's growth and reflect on its impact over the years.

“For me, one of the biggest things is watching the relationships develop. You may have patients come into that first group who are really quiet, nervous, or don’t know what to expect,” Bre’Shawn said. “Then, as the sessions continue, you see them start opening up, asking questions, laughing, sharing their experiences, and becoming more comfortable with each other and with us.”

Reaching the 10-year milestone also gave the team an opportunity to reflect on the hundreds of families they have supported throughout their pregnancy journeys.

“Celebrating 10 years of CenteringPregnancy is really special to me because Centering is so much more than prenatal care,” Bre’Shawn said. “We get the opportunity to build real relationships with our patients and their families and be part of such an important chapter in their lives.”

For many families, those relationships can continue long after families complete the program. Whether they stop by to visit, send updates or return for events, the CenteringPrenancy team gets to see the families grow beyond their time in the program.

“My hope is that every family who comes through our program leaves knowing that they were heard, supported, cared for, and that they always had someone in their corner,” Bre’Shawn said. “Seeing some of those babies come back years later as big kids is probably one of the best reminders of why we do what we do.”

• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital will host “It’s a Girl Thing” for girls ages 9-13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at LifeHouse Church in Van Wert.
• The educational event will cover puberty, healthy habits, personal safety and the physical and emotional changes of growing up.
• Girls and their families can learn from health care professionals in a supportive environment. Registration is available online.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital will host “It’s a Girl Thing,” an educational event for girls ages 9-13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at LifeHouse Church, 719 Fox Road in Van Wert.

The event will help girls and their families navigate the physical and emotional changes that come with growing up. Topics will include puberty, developing healthy habits and attitudes, personal safety and understanding the journey to womanhood.

The class will be taught by Shane Gerber, OB-GYN CNP; Trisha Clum, MD, Pediatrics; and Abbie Evans, Pediatric CNP, providing participants with an opportunity to learn from trusted health care professionals and ask questions in a supportive environment.

“We are committed to providing resources that empower women and girls in our community to take charge of their health,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Events like this offer a wonderful opportunity for open conversation and learning, and we are proud to bring these important resources to Van Wert.”

Mothers and other trusted adults are encouraged to attend with their daughters. Participants will receive a feminine product care bag and a copy of The Care and Keeping of You by American Girl. Pizza, prizes and other activities also will be provided.

Click here to register or scan the QR code below. Families interested in attending are encouraged to register in advance.

• OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank opened a new milk drop site at the Delaware Public Health District.
• The location gives approved donors in Delaware County a convenient place to donate human milk at no cost.
• The new site brings the total number of OhioHealth milk drop locations across Ohio to 36.
• Donated milk is screened, pasteurized and distributed by prescription to babies in need throughout North America.
• In 2026, the milk bank distributed nearly 491,289 ounces, or 3,838 gallons, of donor milk.

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank celebrated the grand opening of a new milk drop location at Delaware Public Health District on Oct. 15, 2026. The new milk drop site, located at 470 South Sandusky Street, houses a freezer to store donated human milk, which will then be transferred to the milk bank in Columbus at no cost to the donor.  

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to those infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk to nourish their babies. It is one of just 28 milk banks in North America – 25 in the United States and three in Canada. 

“We are thrilled to be opening this new milk drop to make donating even easier,” said Denise Chears, Milk Bank Clinical Nurse at the OhioHealth Mothers Milk Bank. "With this new milk drop, approved donors in and around Delaware can conveniently donate their milk. Pasteurized donor milk is liquid gold for babies who need it. In 2026, we distributed nearly 491,289 ounces of milk all over the country – that’s 3,838 gallons! Just one ounce can feed a premature infant for three days, so every little bit helps.” 

The Milk Bank has opened several new milk drops, bringing a total of 36 milk drops in Ohio. The donated milk is distributed throughout North America to babies in need.

"We are thrilled to offer this service to families in our community. Human milk plays an important role in giving infants the healthiest possible start in life. Supporting mothers and ensuring infants have the best start is a priority for the Health District, and we are proud to partner in expanding access to donor milk drop locations for families throughout Delaware County." Lauren Robinson, breastfeeding coordinator for Delaware Public Health District, said. 

The Milk Bank, which is located in the OhioHealth Eastside Health Center in Columbus, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies. Interested donors are encouraged to visit the website at Mothers' Milk Bank Donation in Ohio | OhioHealth and complete the donation form to start the process. To become a human milk donor, mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk.  This process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review, a signed medical release from the donor and physician and consent to receive a blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis.  The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen, and distributed by physician prescription. 

Benefits of Breast Milk 

Infants benefit greatly from human milk, especially those who are premature, ill, or have life-threatening conditions. Human milk is the ultimate source of nutrients and immune protection for infants. Babies benefit from the active growth hormones, developmental enzymes, infection fighting and immunological factors found in human milk. 

Research shows that human milk helps pre-term infants: 

• Reach full feeds sooner and need fewer IVs 
• Mature their intestines faster 
• Spend fewer days in the hospital  
• Reduce risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a potentially fatal bowel infection) 
• Reduce risk of sepsis (blood infection) and fewer infections 
• Experience long-term IQ advantages over formula-fed infants 
• Be healthier as older children and adults 

More information about the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, including a video, may be found at https://www.ohiohealth.com/locations/womens-health/mothers-milk-bank/

• OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital earned the ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation.
• The recognition highlights a supportive, empowering nursing environment.
• Nurses reported strong alignment with national Pathway standards.
• The Designation reflects a commitment to excellence patient care. 

OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital has earned the American Nurses Credentialing Center Pathway to Excellence designation, recognizing its positive nursing practice environment and commitment to supporting the nurses who care for patients, families and the Dublin community.

“Earning the ANCC Pathway to Excellence designation is an important milestone in our ongoing work to elevate health care delivery for the communities we serve,” Cherie Smith, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, president of OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, said. “It reflects the dedication of our nurses, leaders and interdisciplinary partners who embraced this journey and brought the Pathway standards to life across our hospital. We’re proud to celebrate this achievement and grateful to everyone who helped make it possible. Their commitment has strengthened our culture and helps us continue providing exceptional care to every patient and family who turns to us.”

The international designation recognizes health care organizations where frontline nurses are supported, involved in decision-making, encouraged to grow professionally and empowered to provide high-quality patient care. The Pathway framework centers on six standards: Shared Decision-Making, Leadership, Safety, Quality, Well-Being and Professional Development.

Together, these standards give nurses a voice in patient care and policies, promote supportive leadership, prioritize safety and quality, and create opportunities for well-being and professional growth.

For Dublin Methodist, this recognition reflects our deep commitment to our frontline nurses, while advancing nursing leadership and sustaining a workplace culture where nurses feel respected, supported, and valued,” said Abby Evans, manager of Nursing Excellence at OhioHealth. “This designation matters because it is more than an award. It is a visible marker of the environment we are building for the people who care for our patients, families, and community every day.”

“This designation recognition is a meaningful reflection of the culture our nurses create every day at Dublin Methodist Hospital, one where their voices shape decisions, leaders are present and supportive, safety and quality guide our work, well-being matters, and professional growth is encouraged,” Jodie Wegmiller, Chief Nursing Officer & Vice President of Patient Care Services at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital said. “Most importantly, it affirms our commitment to creating an environment where nurses can thrive and, in turn, provide exceptional care to our patients, families, and community.”

Earning the designation required an extensive evaluation by the ANCC. Dublin Methodist first assessed its nursing environment against national eligibility standards, then submitted a detailed 600-page document showing how the six Pathway standards are embedded in daily nursing operations.

The process concluded with a confidential survey open to all 553 Dublin Methodist nurses. The hospital achieved 78% participation, with nurses expressing strong agreement that they experience the Pathway standards in practice.

“That response was not only a requirement of designation; it was a powerful affirmation from our nurses that this culture is real, lived, and meaningful,” Evans said.

Dublin Methodist nurses and associates were at the heart of achieving this designation. Nurses helped assess the care environment, prepare the 600-page submission and encourage survey participation, reflecting their daily commitment to patients and one another. Their work in shared decision-making, quality and safety showed how Dublin Methodist puts the Pathway standards into practice.

“This achievement belongs to our nurses, our leaders, our interdisciplinary partners, and to everyone who believes that excellent patient care begins with an excellent environment for caregivers,” Evans said.

The designation reflects a nursing culture grounded in empowerment, collaboration, professional growth and a commitment to doing what is best for patients. That culture translates directly to the patient experience. “When nurses feel valued, supported and empowered, they are better positioned to advocate for patients, communicate effectively with patients and families, collaborate across disciplines and identify opportunities to improve care,” Evans said.

Patients experience that culture through compassionate interactions, strong communication, attention to safety and a team that genuinely invested in their well-being.

“For our community members, this designation is a promise that Dublin Methodist is committed to excellence not only in outcomes, but in the experience of care,” Evans said.

The Pathway to Excellence designation follows a four-year cycle, requiring continued assessment, implementation of nursing practice improvements and evaluation of the hospital’s positive practice environment. Dublin Methodist will continue listening to nurses and associates, learning from patients and families, and seeking opportunities to improve the care experience.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we also recognize that Pathway to Excellence is not a finish line; it is a foundation,” Evans said. “It challenges us to keep listening to our nurses, keep investing in their growth, and keep building the kind of hospital our community deserves.”

• 23 Marion-area agencies are collaborating to improve access to behavioral health, addiction and developmental disability resources.
• Organizations are focusing on better communication, resource navigation, crisis response and targeted outreach.
• A free community town hall on Oct. 20 will bring together professionals, families and community members to continue the conversation.

Marion-area organizations are continuing to work together to strengthen how individuals and families connect with behavioral health, addiction and developmental disability resources.

Representatives from 23 Marion-area agencies first came together Sept. 9 for a summit focused on improving coordination and identifying opportunities to work more effectively across organizations. The group met again Oct. 7 to build on that conversation and identify priorities for continued collaboration.

The events are presented in collaboration with OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Community Foundation, Marion County Courts, ADAMH and the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

The Oct. 7 work session focused on four areas: communication and resources, system navigation, crisis response and targeted outreach. Across the groups, participants discussed ways to better connect existing resources and make it easier for people to find support.

“We all have some small part of it that we do,” said Judge Larry Heiser of the Marion County Family Court. “If we become aware of the other parts, the resources that are available and the people behind them, then we have the ability to pick up the phone and make those connections.”

Heiser said the initiative is helping organizations better coordinate services for individuals and families they often serve in common. The needs he sees often extend beyond the court system, making connections to resources for housing, medication management, appointments and social support especially important.

Dallas Erdmann, MD, OhioHealth system chief, Behavioral Health, said the challenge is not necessarily a lack of resources, but making sure people know how to find and navigate those resources when they need them.

“There are a lot of touch points where people can enter the behavioral health and substance use system,” Dr. Erdmann said. “It can be difficult for an individual or a family to know where to go. Those of us that work in the system understand the resources that are there, but I think it’s very challenging if you’re the average citizen out there that finds themself in need.”

He said Marion's organizations are well positioned to make progress with this.

“What has most impressed me is the degree of collaboration,” Dr. Erdmann said. “All of these organizations coming together so that we can unify in the message that’s being sent and achieve some common goals.”

Judge Teresa Ballinger of Marion Municipal Court said the effort reflects Marion's willingness to come together around complex needs affecting local families.

“We are a community of action,” Ballinger said. “As with poverty and addiction and now with behavioral health and developmental disabilities, our community is coming together to better address issues of family needs, agency navigation and collaboration with all involved.”

The collaboration will continue with a community event from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Marion First Church of the Nazarene, 233 W. Church St., Marion. The event is free and open to the public. Those who serve, support or care for adults and families affected by behavioral health, addiction or developmental disabilities are encouraged to attend.

“It is critical to our community’s success that we create opportunities for open dialogue with the professionals, families and individuals who work with and rely on services for developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges every day,” said Cheryl Plaster, superintendent of the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. “We are proud to be part of this collaborative effort and look forward to continuing the conversation and learning directly from those we serve at the town hall meeting on Oct. 20.”

For more information on the upcoming community event, call 740-383-8626.

• OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital’s Structural Heart Team has completed its 100th Amulet™ left atrial appendage occlusion procedure.
• The minimally invasive procedure helps reduce stroke risk for patients with AFib who cannot safely take blood-thinning medications.
• Mansfield Hospital has performed more than 650 left atrial appendage closure procedures using both Amulet™ and Watchman™ devices.
• Advanced cardiac imaging helps the team select the best device for each patient’s anatomy and guide placement during the procedure.
• The program gives patients across north central Ohio access to advanced cardiovascular care closer to home.

OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital’s Structural Heart Program has reached another significant milestone, successfully completing its 100th Amulet™ left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) procedure. The achievement highlights the program’s continued growth in providing advanced stroke prevention options for patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib).

The Amulet device is implanted in patients who are at high risk for stroke but cannot safely take blood-thinning medications due to bleeding risks or other complications. The minimally invasive procedure involves placing a device in the heart to seal off the left atrial appendage, where blood clots can form in patients with AFib. By preventing clots from entering the bloodstream, the device helps reduce the risk of stroke.

Mansfield Hospital has performed more than 650 left atrial appendage closure procedures overall, including both Watchman™ and Amulet™ devices. While Watchman was the first device of its kind available, the Structural Heart Team has continued expanding its expertise with the Amulet device, reaching 100 procedures despite the need for careful patient selection based on individual anatomy.

“The left atrial appendage is unique in every patient, much like a fingerprint,” said Atish Mathur, MD, interventional cardiologist at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. “Having access to multiple device options allows us to select the treatment that best fits each patient’s anatomy and gives us the greatest opportunity for a successful outcome. Advanced imaging allows our team to understand that anatomy before we begin and helps guide us during the procedure.”

According to Dr. Mathur, the structural heart team heavily relies on cardiovascular imaging to better understand a patient’s anatomy. Cardiovascular imaging physicians provide sophisticated cardiac imaging, including cardiac CT and echocardiographic imaging, that helps the heart team understand a patient's anatomy before treatment. This information can help physicians plan the procedure and select an appropriate treatment strategy for the patient. Imaging expertise continues into the procedure itself. Working alongside the interventional cardiology team, physicians use specialized cardiac imaging to help guide treatment in real time, assess device positioning, and evaluate the result before the procedure is completed.

Mansfield Hospital’s Structural Heart Team serves patients not only from Richland County, but also from surrounding communities throughout north central Ohio. Through outreach and education efforts, the program has helped increase awareness among providers and patients about advanced structural heart procedures available close to home.

“What makes our program unique is that we offer both Watchman™ and Amulet™ devices and have extensive experience with each,” said Dr. Mathur. “Through detailed imaging and planning, we can often determine which device will be the best fit before the procedure, helping patients avoid unnecessary delays and giving them confidence that they are receiving the right treatment for their condition.”

The milestone reinforces Mansfield Hospital’s commitment to providing advanced cardiovascular care locally, allowing patients to receive specialized treatment closer to home rather than traveling to larger metropolitan areas.

Patients interested in learning whether they may be candidates for a left atrial appendage occlusion procedure should speak with their primary care provider or cardiologist. Referrals can be made directly to Mansfield Hospital’s Structural Heart Program.

• OhioHealth received the Ohio Hospital Association's 2026 Chapman Sustainability Leadership Award for its environmental leadership and measurable results.
• The organization has reduced energy use intensity by 18/1% since establishing its Board sustainability goals.
• OhioHealth has expanded recycling, eliminated kitchen food waste going to landfills and incorporate sustainability into purchasing, construction and transportation.
• These efforts support operational efficiency, resilience, patient care and healthier communities.

_{Left to Right: Dain Sykes, OhioHealth Director, Facilities Management, Lisa Majchrzak, OhioHealth Advisor of Sustainability, Adam Brown, OhioHealth Controls Technician}

OhioHealth has received the 2026 Chapman Sustainability Leadership Award from the Ohio Hospital Association’s Environmental Leadership Council, recognizing the health system’s sustainability leadership and measurable results across the organization.

The award honors health care organizations for exceptional leadership and achievement in sustainability and environmental stewardship. Recipients are selected through a nomination and review process led by hospital sustainability professionals from across the state.

“OhioHealth has demonstrated what sustainability leadership can look like when it is integrated across an organization,” said Theo Sergakis, director, strategic programs and energy & sustainability for the Ohio Hospital Association. “The Chapman Award recognizes not only measurable progress, but the collaboration and practical approaches that can help advance sustainability across Ohio’s health care community.”

That measurable progress includes an 18.1% reduction in Energy Use Intensity since OhioHealth established its Board sustainability goals. New OhioHealth hospitals also are being designed to perform in the top quartile nationally for energy efficiency.

Sustainability is increasingly built into how OhioHealth plans and builds facilities, chooses products, runs its hospitals and delivers care. The health system has eliminated food waste from its kitchens going to landfills, expanded operating room and blue wrap recycling, and incorporated sustainability into purchasing, construction and transportation.

These efforts are designed to improve operational efficiency, reduce environmental impact and strengthen resilience while supporting OhioHealth’s mission to improve the health of those it serves.

“This recognition is especially meaningful because of the depth of expertise within the Ohio Hospital Association and its Environmental Leadership Council,” said OhioHealth principal advisor of sustainability, Terri Scannell. “OHA has created a strong community where health systems can learn from one another, share what works and continue raising the bar for sustainable health care across Ohio.”

The Chapman Award reflects more than a single project. It recognizes OhioHealth’s broader commitment to making sustainability part of everyday operations and advancing practical approaches that support patient care, operational excellence and healthier communities.

• OhioHealth is now the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics.
• The expanded partnership supports 450 student-athletes across all 16 varsity sports.
• The multi-year agreement builds on nearly 15 years of partnership and strengthens OhioHealth’s commitment to Athens and southeastern Ohio.

ATHENS, Ohio – Through its partnership with Ohio Athletics, Learfield's Ohio Sports Properties announced the expansion of its agreement, establishing OhioHealth as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics.

"We are excited to extend our alliance with OhioHealth as a transformational partner in supporting our 450 student-athletes," Director of Athletics Slade Larscheid said. "This agreement aligns first-class healthcare and sports medicine to all 16 sports – the health and wellness of our teams is paramount. Special thank you to LeeAnn Lucas-Helber and Jess Hennessy for their collaboration and partnership with OhioHealth."

The multi-year agreement strengthens a longstanding relationship, while upholding OhioHealth's role as a foundational partner of Ohio Athletics with a shared commitment to furthering student-athlete wellness, health and community impact.

"For nearly 15 years, OhioHealth has been proud to partner with Ohio University Athletics, supporting student-athletes with the clinical expertise and care they need to compete at their highest level," LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, President, OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital said. "As we take this relationship into its next chapter, as the Official Healthcare Provider of Ohio Athletics, we're building on a much broader commitment to Ohio University, Athens County and communities across southeastern Ohio."

The partnership will emphasize OhioHealth's connection and educational initiatives with Ohio Athletics and Ohio University, continuing the strong investment in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Health Sciences and Professions and branding signage across Ohio Athletics' facilities.

"We are incredibly grateful for OhioHealth's continued support of Ohio Athletics and for the trust they place in our Ohio Sports Properties team to steward the partnership," General Manager of Ohio Sports Properties Matt Molde said. "We're excited about what we can accomplish together over the next five years and beyond."

Ohio Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Ohio Athletics and manages all sponsorships, in-venue signage and advertising on behalf of the university.

Looking forward, Ohio Athletics, Ohio Sports Properties and OhioHealth will continue working together by connecting OhioHealth's broader commitment to the University community with its leadership and presence of OhioHealth O'Bleness in Athens.

About OhioHealth
Based in Columbus, Ohio, OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church. Serving its communities since 1891, OhioHealth is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers and a network of 16 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area.

About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness and fan engagement for brands, sports and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield's presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors' Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.

#OUohyeah

• OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital was named a 2026 Birnbaum Quality Leadership Top Performer by Vizient.
• The ranking measures six areas of care, including safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care.
• Van Wert Hospital was one of 24 hospitals in the Small Community Hospital cohort recognized for excellence in quality.

OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital has been recognized as a top performer in the 2026 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Ranking by Vizient®. Van Wert Hospital was one of 24 Vizient provider clients in the Small Community Hospital cohort recognized for demonstrating excellence in delivering high-quality care based on the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study.

“We’re proud to see the dedication of our teams recognized in this way,” said Paula Stabler, president, OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “Their commitment to providing safe, high-quality care makes a difference for our patients and our community every day.”

This year, 1,346 participating hospitals were segmented into seven cohorts for the Vizient Quality and Accountability Study. The study measures performance on the quality of patient care in six domains: safety, mortality, effectiveness, efficiency, patient centeredness and variation in care. The study factors in measures from the Vizient Clinical Data Base and includes performance data from the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey and the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network.

The Vizient Quality and Accountability Study helps participating hospitals and health systems understand their performance against their peers and identifies structures and processes associated with high performance in quality and safety across a broad spectrum of patient care activity. The recognition period is for work spanning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

“Delivering consistently high-quality care requires organizations to align clinical expertise, operational discipline and a continuous focus on improvement,” said David Levine, MD, chief medical officer, Vizient. “The hospitals recognized this year demonstrate what is possible when that commitment is embedded across the organization, resulting in better performance and, most importantly, better care for patients.”

To view the full list of 2026 Top Performers, click here.

• OhioHealth Van Wert's Teddy Bear Clinic helps children become more comfortable with healthcare through hands-on activities.
• Kids explore stations including vitals, lab, X-ray, vaccines, casting, exercise, hand hygiene and nutrition.
• The event gives children a chance to meet healthcare professionals and learn what to expect if they need care.

A trip to the doctor or hospital can feel unfamiliar or even scary for children. OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital is helping make those experiences more comfortable by giving kids the chance to practice caring for a little patient of their own.

At the hospital’s Teddy Bear Clinic, children bring their favorite stuffed animals and guide them through a series of healthcare stations.

This year’s Clinic was held Tuesday, Sept. 22. The free event gave kids an opportunity to interact with healthcare professionals and equipment while learning what happens during different types of care.

Stations included vitals, lab, X-ray, vaccines, casting, exercise, hand hygiene and nutrition. At each stop, children took part in age-appropriate activities designed to make healthcare more approachable and engaging.

For parent, Aaron Caskey, the Teddy Bear Clinic is a familiar experience for his family.

“It was neat. We’ve done it a couple years ago with the other kids,” he said. “And so now we brought the little one. It’s a good experience for them, really helpful for the little kids.”

Abigail Stump, whose nieces and nephews attended, also appreciated the opportunity to introduce them to the hospital in a setting centered on learning and fun.

“It was just a nice little, informative thing to get them a little bit used to coming to the hospital if they ever have to,” Stump said. “It’s more of the fun side. It gets them ready for when it’s more serious and they actually have to have their blood drawn or anything like that.”

Madi Korte, financial analyst at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital, helps organize the event.

“It’s an experience for the children, in the perspective of their stuffed animal,” she said. “Everybody’s going to come to the doctor at one point, and it’s just making the children familiar with the space. It doesn’t always have to be scary.”

• OhioHealth earned Clean Harbors’ Best-in-Class Designation for exceptional hazardous waste management and is currently the only healthcare organization in North America to hold the title.
• The designation required six consecutive, in-depth audits with scores of 95% or higher, covering training, documentation, waste practices, emergency preparedness, compliance processes and an on-site walkthrough.
• Over the past two years, OhioHealth’s Environmental Health and Safety team has strengthened and standardized hazardous, non-hazardous, pharmaceutical and universal waste programs to support regulatory compliance.
• OhioHealth is preparing for a six-month follow-up audit while expanding its focus on universal waste, e-waste, recycling and other sustainability initiatives. 

OhioHealth has earned a Best-in-Class Designation through Clean Harbors, recognizing the OhioHealth Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) team’s work in hazardous waste management.

The designation honors organizations that demonstrate exceptional performance in hazardous waste management. OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital was selected as the audit site because it is OhioHealth’s only large quantity generator, providing auditors with an opportunity to evaluate the system’s hazardous waste management processes and standards as part of the certification review.

Clean Harbors, OhioHealth’s contracted hazardous waste management vendor, partnered with the organization throughout the certification process. Over the past two years, the EHS team has developed and enhanced programs for hazardous, non-hazardous, pharmaceutical, and universal waste, establishing consistent standards and processes that support regulatory compliance across OhioHealth. Mike Davison, Senior Environmental Health and Safety Consultant, supports these efforts through environmental compliance and hazardous waste management activities across the system.

“We are honored to receive this recognition, which reflects the commitment and collaboration of many departments across OhioHealth,” Davison said. “We are currently the only healthcare organization in North America that hold this title from Clean Harbors.”

To receive the award, OhioHealth had to pass six consecutive, in-depth audits with scores of 95% or higher, Davison explained. The audits go beyond typical EPA, compliance and regulatory requirements. “It’s basically doing all of that plus best management practices on top of a couple of items that they see.”

The audits assess OhioHealth’s Hazardous Waste Management Program, reviewing training, documentation, waste management practices, emergency preparedness, and compliance processes. Auditors also conduct a facility walkthrough to verify that required protocols are in place and operating effectively.

“Every square inch of this program they go over, so to achieve the 95% or higher is absolutely remarkable,” Davison said. “The grading is very strict with minimal room for error, so there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to achieve this metric.”

“This recognition reflects OhioHealth’s commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence,” said Lindsey O’Keefe, Manager of Environmental Health and Safety. “Mike and our partners at Clean Harbors have played a critical role in strengthening and standardizing our waste management programs. Through a shared focus on continuous improvement, including support from a dedicated Clean Harbors auditor on our team, we have enhanced compliance, improved performance, and established consistent standards across the health system.”

The designation reflects a commitment to continuous improvement, not a one-time achievement. Clean Harbors will return in December for a six-month follow-up assessment, and OhioHealth has already begun preparing to maintain the designation while continuing to strengthen the system-wide standards that support safe, compliant, and responsible waste management practices.

“After we pass that audit, the process moves to an annual review, but Clean Harbors can conduct an audit at any time,” Davison said. “That’s why we stay ready every day.”

Davison said the safe management of hazardous waste is a critical responsibility across OhioHealth. Working closely with Clean Harbors, the EHS team has developed robust processes and controls to ensure hazardous materials are handled responsibly and in compliance with environmental regulations.

“For the community, patients and associates, knowing that we are handling these materials safely, following every rule set by our regulatory bodies and exceeding the standards can provide peace of mind,” Davison said. “It shows we are working to make the workplace, the hospital and the organization better and more compliant, with the resources from OhioHealth to support that work.”

This work extends beyond Riverside Methodist to all 16 OhioHealth hospitals, freestanding emergency departments and OhioHealth Physician Group locations. The EHS team is leveraging the improvements implemented at Riverside Methodist, along with lessons learned through the audit process, to support the adoption of consistent system-wide standards across all OhioHealth locations.

“There’s a lot of things that aren’t required for a site that’s registered as a very small quantity generator or small quantity generator, but every location is held to consistent system-wide standards for hazardous waste management. Regardless of size, every site is expected to meet the same expectations for training, documentation, storage, and handling,” Davison said.

The EHS team’s work extends beyond hazardous waste management and includes collaboration with OhioHealth’s sustainability team on broader environmental sustainability initiatives across the health system.

“Sustainability is an important part of how we care for our communities today and into the future,” Terri Scannell, OhioHealth principal advisor of sustainability said. “By partnering with the Environmental Health and Safety team, we can build on this work and find new ways to reduce waste, improve recycling efforts and strengthen practices that support the health of our patients, associates and the environment.”

“We’ve made significant progress in strengthening OhioHealth’s hazardous waste management program, and our focus is now shifting toward opportunities to enhance our universal waste and e-waste programs,” Davison said. “As those efforts evolve, we look forward to partnering with the sustainability team to identify solutions that support OhioHealth’s long-term goals.”

Through these efforts, OhioHealth continues to advance a culture of safety, sustainability, and accountability, ensuring consistent practices that benefit patients, associates, and communities across the system.

• The Emergency Department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has earned Pediatric Ready Facility Recognition from the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program.
• The recognition reflects pediatric-focused preparation involving policies, equipment, staff training, patient-safety practices, disaster planning and continuous quality improvement.
• Pediatric Ready recognition is valid for three years and represents an ongoing commitment to maintaining readiness for children who need emergency care.

The emergency department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has been recognized as a Pediatric Ready Facility by the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, also known as Ohio EMSC. The recognition reflects the hospital’s alignment with national pediatric emergency care standards and its commitment to providing timely, safe and appropriate care for children and families. Riverside Methodist officially received the recognition in July 2026.

Children have distinct medical and emotional needs during an emergency. Being Pediatric Ready means an emergency department has prepared in advance with pediatric-focused policies and procedures, appropriately sized equipment and supplies, staff training and competencies specific to children, patient-safety practices, disaster plans that address pediatric needs and ongoing quality-improvement efforts.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire emergency department team and the intentional work that goes into being ready for children,” said Cyndole Messer, BSN, RN, ED Clinical Nurse Manager, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses and support teams worked together to strengthen our pediatric processes, participate in simulations and evaluate how we respond to the unique needs of children and their families. Pediatric Readiness is something we will continue to build upon every day.”

“Providing high-quality emergency care for children requires preparation long before a child arrives in the emergency department,” said Brad Raetzke, MD, Assistant Medical Director, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department. “This recognition reflects our commitment to maintaining the training, resources and clinical expertise needed to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively whenever they need us.”

Achieving Pediatric Ready Recognition is the result of coordinated work among emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, support staff and Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators. Eligible hospitals participate voluntarily by submitting required materials, completing a structured review and taking part in an onsite or virtual verification visit. Ohio EMSC provides guidance and technical assistance throughout the process.

Most children who require emergency treatment receive that care in community hospital emergency departments. Pediatric Readiness standards are intended to help those departments maintain the people, processes and equipment needed to care for children safely and effectively.

“Families should feel confident that when they come to Riverside during an emergency, our teams have taken purposeful steps to prepare for pediatric patients,” said Rob Cercek, president, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. “This recognition speaks to our associates’ commitment to safety, teamwork and continuous improvement. It also reinforces our responsibility to provide children and families with compassionate care during moments when they need us most.”

The standards supporting the recognition draw on national initiatives, including the National Pediatric Readiness Project and the Joint Policy Statement on Pediatric Readiness in the emergency department. They address pediatric-specific policies, appropriately sized supplies and equipment, staff competencies, patient safety, disaster preparedness and quality-improvement processes.

Pediatric Ready Recognition remains valid for three years. During that period, Riverside Methodist will continue its focus on pediatric training, evaluation, equipment, policies and quality improvement.

About OhioHealth

OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based health system serving patients across Ohio through hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory locations and other health services. Guided by its mission to improve the health of those it serves, OhioHealth provides compassionate care while supporting medical innovation, education and community health.

About Ohio EMSC and Pediatric Readiness

Ohio EMSC is Ohio’s Emergency Medical Services for Children state partnership program. It advances Pediatric Readiness among hospitals and EMS agencies through education, technical assistance, resources and statewide coordination involving pediatric emergency care standards. The program is supported by a federal EMSC grant and is housed administratively at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The program is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Maternal and Child Health Bureau Emergency Medical Services for Children grant number H33MC48997, with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, or an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

• 23 Marion-area agencies including OhioHealth Marion General Hospital gathered for the first Mental Health, Addiction and Developmental Disabilities Summit.
• Community leaders are working together to improve coordination and access to mental health, addiction and developmental disability services.
• The summit is the start of an ongoing collaboration, with additional meetings planned to identify solutions and share them with the community.

A broad cross section of Marion area community healthcare, education and governmental agencies gathered at The Ohio State University at Marion’s Guthery Community Room in Maynard Hall, Wednesday, Sept. 9, for the first in a series of discussions to take place over the coming months as part of the area’s first Mental Health, Addiction and Developmental Disabilities Summit.

The event was presented in collaboration with community partners, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, The Ohio State University at Marion, Marion Community Foundation, Marion County Courts, ADAMH and the Marion County Board of Developmental Disabilities. According to Marion General Hospital President, Jim Parobek, twenty-three different agencies attended the first meeting of the summit.

“We have a big crisis in mental health in the community,” said Parobek. “Not just here, but it's nationwide. We have a lot of agencies that are working hard, but I don't think we're working as closely together as we can. Because resources are so scarce, I wanted to try to get all the agencies together, so we can lean on each other and use our services better. If we can gain some efficiencies, we can spread the resources around better.”

Parobek explained, the first meeting of the summit was about getting the agencies together to talk about issues and get feedback from all the agencies involved, looking first at mental health, developmental disabilities and addiction challenges for just adults as a first step. Summit organizers plan to take the information from an agency questionnaire and meet again on Oct. 7 to share results and solutions to potential open-ended problems that still need solved, with the goal of presenting those solutions to the community on Oct. 20 at Marion First Church of the Nazarene.

The group hopes to present collaborative solutions to the community, said Parobek. “Here's how we're going to work better together,” he said. “Here's how they can get information to better care for those who are navigating mental health issues, addiction or developmental disabilities.”

Ohio State Marion Dean & Director, Dr. Jennifer Schlueter shared the importance of what the campus brings to the region in terms of preparing students for careers in counseling, mental health, addiction services and developmental disabilities. “First and foremost, the academic pipeline. We offer psychology, social work, sociology and criminology, and education right here in Marion,” Dr. Schlueter said.

She also emphasized the importance of involving Ohio State Marion students as active participants in the summit. “Several of our students served as scribes and observers, but because the people in that room know things our students need to learn, and the fastest way to learn them is to sit still and listen to professionals do their work.”

Schlueter noted that the summit marks the beginning of sustained collaboration. “This is the first of three gatherings, probably more. What we’re hosting isn’t an event. It’s the start of a working relationship among agencies that serve the same people and don’t always have a table to sit at together,” she said.

Dr. Schlueter described partnerships like the summit as essential to Ohio State Marion’s identity and responsibility. “Because a campus that only serves the people who walk onto it isn’t doing the job a land‑grant university signed up for,” she said.

According to President and CEO of the Marion Community Foundation, Julie Prettyman, the issue of behavioral health and addiction is essential to work on for our community.

“Marion is really collaborating around that issue. The Community Foundation is thrilled to be a part, to be one of the partners that is looking for and working towards solutions,” said Prettyman.

“It’s not going be just the foundation that does that,” she added. “It's going to be numerous agencies that come together and work towards the betterment of our community.”

When looking at the overarching message that came out of meeting one, Prettyman felt it was specifically the act of so many agencies sharing and collaborating toward a common goal.

“Today was really wonderful,” she said. “We got to hear from the agencies, the organizations that meet the needs of individuals in our community. It wasn't one nugget that I heard. It was the opportunity to hear from the people, the businesses, the organizations that are out there working with individuals who are in crisis, who need those mental health services.”

Organizers all echoed the same sentiment, that the best thing to come out of the opening round of the Mental Health, Addiction and Developmental Disabilities Summit at Ohio State Marion was the ability to collaborate and share, with the opportunity to continue this discussion in the future and with the community at large.

• An intrathecal pain pump gave Marcia Alvarez immediate relief after years of debilitating arthritis-related back pain.
• The implanted device delivers targeted medication through a catheter to nerve endings near the spine.
• Alvarez’s morphine dose decreased dramatically, from 40 mg to one-tenth of a milligram, reducing concerns about opioid dependence.
• The procedure typically takes one to two hours, allows patients to return home the same day and may help eligible patients regain their quality of life.

Marcia Alvarez is no stranger to pain.

She developed arthritis in her spine 20 years ago. After building up an immunity to morphine, she took disability from her job. It was at that point she decided to quit taking her medication to avoid addiction, and stayed home in debilitating pain.  

“Every step I took felt like somebody had taken a sword and shoved it through my hip down my leg," Alvarez told Mansfield News Journal.

Nearly six years later, she learned of a treatment option for her pain that could change her life. Intrathecal pain pumps deliver a small dose of pain medicine to the nerve endings near the spine. According to Carter Battista, DO, a pain management specialist at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, pain pumps have become popular among patients who want targeted relief.

The pumps are implanted under the patient’s skin, where the medication is refilled every three months. A catheter carries the medicine to nerve endings near the spine.

"The pump itself is good for seven years," Battista said. "The catheter will hopefully stay in for the lifetime."

“Helps patients get off opioids”

A huge benefit to the intrathecal pain pumps is the low doses of medication that achieve relief.

"We're able to program the pump to each patient," Battista said. "We set it at a rate, a low rate, and then we can increase that rate over time if the patient needs higher doses or they're not getting pain relief."

The limited doses of medication were important for Alvarez.

"I wanted relief, but not at the cost of risking addiction to something," she said.

Alvarez’s new morphine dose dropped from 40 mg to only one-tenth of a milligram.

"It really helps patients get off opioids," Battista said. "Everyone develops a tolerance and a lot of times become dependent on them."

“It was immediate relief”

Alvarez says her pain disappeared the moment doctors turned the Medtronic pain pump under her skin on.

"It was immediate relief," she said. "There was no increasing the dose or 'Maybe it'll get better in a few days.' It was instantly."

Alvarez is back to living her life and keeping up with grandchildren. She encourages others experiencing debilitating back pain to look into pain pump treatment options, too.

“It’s only about an hour or two for the procedure,” Battista said. “They go home the same day.”

Anyone who has chronic pain is a potential candidate for the devices. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctor if a pump would be the right fit for them.

“I didn’t expect that in a million years. It was just utter shock,” Ewers says, with Dyer telling NBC News, “I was shaking. I was nervous and excited, and I just could not wait to see her.”

Dyer serves in the U.S. Air Force and is stationed seven hours away at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. After learning about her grandma’s cancer returning, Dyer made arrangements with her supervisor to make it for her final appointment. The moment was captured on video as OhioHealth nurses and staff cheered them on.

“Just to know that a young person would care that much and put in that kind of an effort to come and see their grandma, I felt very loved and very special that day,” Ewers told NBC News. 

This is not the first time Ewers has battled breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2012, but went into remission after radiation. When she learned the cancer had returned in 2025, she began her second treatment journey. After fighting for the second time, she was not only able to celebrate by ringing the bell, but also experienced an unforgettable surprise from her granddaughter. 

The video was posted on TikTok and gained more than 46,000 views and thousands of heartfelt comments. The emotional moment resonated with viewers, connecting those who have shared similar experiences with loved ones battling cancer. For Dyer, the response was a reminder that even through difficult experiences, people can support each other from all over the world.

“The comments definitely made the video special because you got to see how everyone’s going through something,” Dyer said. “We can just support each other.”

A thumb implant, used more than 130,000 times in Europe, is now being performed in the United States after receiving FDA approval last year. Dr. Berling was among a select group of surgeons trained to perform the procedure and one of only a few from Ohio. In May, he was the first surgeon in Ohio to implant the TOUCH CMC 1 Prosthesis.

“If this continues to have the trajectory that it does, this will be the standard of care for thumb replacement surgery, not the way we’ve been doing it for the last 50 years which I think could be a dramatic paradigm shift in hand surgery that is going to be great for the entire system and city far and wide,” Dr. Berling said.

The first U.S. implant was performed in Aurora, Illinois. Training later expanded from a small group of surgeons in Europe to a group of U.S. surgeons in Las Vegas, where Dr. Berling was trained alongside surgeons from Cincinnati and Cleveland.

“It is a two day excursion where training surgeons get to meet with the design team and practicing surgeons to go over every aspect of the implants and the thought process behind them,” Dr. Berling said.

Dr. Berling and the other surgeons in training then met with two French surgeons who had been performing the procedure for nearly 10 years. The Swiss-designed CMC Touch 1 prosthesis was developed and manufactured by KeriMedical and distributed by Medartis Inc in the US.

“It’s one thing to watch a video of it, but it’s another thing to talk and sit with someone as they’re performing the surgery, and then you sit down with the cadaver and do as many as it takes to feel comfortable doing the implants,” Dr. Berling said.

The implant does not require any anatomy changes. Surgeons use the same approach they are already familiar with; the difference is in the mechanics of the instrumentation.

Dr. Berling describes the implant as a mini hip replacement for the thumb and performs the surgery at OhioHealth Doctors Hospital.

“The mechanics of it are a ball and socket joint to replace the saddle joint that is your thumb,” Dr. Berling said.

Traditional thumb reconstruction is used when bone-on-bone arthritis occurs where the thumb meets the wrist. The procedure involves removing the trapezium bone and then resuspending the thumb. “Essentially, you’re using your own tendonor suture anchors to then reconnect your thumb back to your index finger so that your thumb its normal motion.”   

One downside of traditional procedures is that the thumb may take time to function properly without the bone, which can lead to a lengthy recovery of six to nine months.  Patients after traditional thumb arthritis surgeries are in a splint or cast for 6 weeks, while patients who receive the TOUCH prosthesis are leaving the operating room with just an ACE bandage.

“I tell people it could take in the neighborhood of six to nine months for your thumb to feel like your thumb again,” Dr. Berling said. “You’re retraining muscles to compensate for the fact that your bone is not there, and you’re trying to use the same motion to get the same pinch.”  

With this new implant, the bone is not removed, which provides immediate stability and helps accelerate recovery. The outpatient surgery takes about 45 minutes, allows patients to go home the same day and can be performed under twilight, nerve block or general anesthesia. Stitches stay in for two weeks, and once they are removed, patients can shower and get their hand wet.

“People are coming in at two weeks or three weeks after surgery with the same motion that I would previously expect at four to six months, with almost no pain whatsoever,” Dr. Berling said. Dr. Berling recommends that patients avoid heavy lifting for six to eight weeks, but they can resume normal daily activities.

“One of Dr. Berling’s patients, Julia Brown, told NBC4, ‘It’s remarkable when you can wake up and be pain-free in a certain part of your body where you have pain in other parts. That just gives you a lot of hope.’”

The implant also helps restore pinch and grip strength while maintaining the length of the thumb without removing the bone.

To qualify for the implant, patients with thumb arthritis typically must first fail conservative treatments. The implant does not replace options such as bracing, therapy and injections, which can provide lasting relief and often help patients avoid surgery.

Like any joint replacement, the implant can wear out over time, but Dr. Berling expects for most patients that this implant will last the rest of their life. Patients whose jobs place heavy manual demands on their hands may not be ideal candidates. However, people who are active, use their hands and thumbs regularly, work out or bike or play pickleball can still be good candidates, and those activities are not expected to cause the implant to wear out quickly.

As technology and health care continue to evolve, OhioHealth and its experts remain focused on finding new ways to improve patient care. “We’re never satisfied with how things are going, there’s always room for improvement,” Dr. Berling said.

Dr. Berling explained that thumb surgeries have been done the same way for 60 years, but newer approaches may help improve outcomes using methods that have already been proven effective.

“This new generation of thumb implants are working because we have been able to use the same technology that has improved knee and hip replacements and translate them to the thumb,” Dr. Berling said.

To view the NBC4 story, click here.

Aurora was diagnosed with meningitis after her spinal fluid tested positive for E. Coli. Doctors at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital and Nationwide Children’s Hospital were concerned that the infection would spread to her brain and potentially become fatal. She needed treatment as quickly as possible.

“Menigitis for a newborn is very life-threatening when not treated quickly,” Emily Thomas, Aurora’s mom, told Spectrum News. “We were getting updates probably every 30 minutes after we found out she had a fever because a fever in a newborn is not normal. That was very concerning.”

During Aurora’s 23 days of treatment, she was cared for by a special team of physicians, including husband-and-wife doctors, Martin Hanawalt, MD, medical director of the pediatric hospitalist program at OhioHealth, and Jana Erner, MD, of Nationwide Children’s Hospital. With care from both teams, Aurora stabilized quickly and made a full recovery.

One year after Aurora’s recovery, her family reunited with the doctors that saved her life.

“It’s been so cool because it’s nice to see them outside of the environment that we saw them in for so long. Both Dr. Hanawalt and Dr. Erner. It’s nice to connect with them on a personal level,” Morgan Thomas, Aurora’s dad, told Spectrum News.

Aurora’s treatment not only affected her and her family,but also left a long-lasting impression on the doctors who cared for her. Even after more than 30 years of practicing medicine, Dr. Hanawalt shared that seeing Aurora happy and healthy is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

“It’s great seeing a child that’s done very well and is thriving and doing fantastic; it just does my heart good,” Dr. Hanawalt told Spectrum News.

The family still sends the doctors updates and photos to let them know how Aurora is doing. For her family, sharing those updates is important because it gives the physicians an opportunity to see the lasting impact their care has on patients and families.

• OhioHealth experts emphasize that many child firearm injuries are preventable through safe storage practices, including keeping firearms locked and ammunition stored separately.
• Creating multiple layers of protection, including secure storage and ongoing firearm safety conversations with children, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental shootings.
• Firearm incidents can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects on children, making prevention critical for both physical and mental well-being.

A recent accidental shooting of a young girl in Columbus, Ohio, is bringing renewed attention to firearm safety around children. While many incidents can happen in seconds, there are many preventive steps that can be taken to avoid injuries.

"In trauma care, it's probably the hardest thing when you're treating injuries that are ones that could have been completely prevented," Dr. Keshav Deshpande, a trauma surgeon at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, told NBC4.

Firearm injuries can be especially serious for children because the energy carried by a bullet can have a greater impact on smaller bodies.

Unsecured firearms can also cause harm beyond physical wounds. "That emotional trauma of an injured child can last a lifetime. It carries with them into being an adult. You can see things in children, like nightmares, anxiety, even, like, regression, like bedwetting, and for the ones that are not even involved in getting hurt, just that survivor's guilt can play a big role if there's multiple kids in the area," Deshpande said.

Creating multiple layers of protection around firearms is critical for parents/guardians at home.

Firearms should be locked in a place where children cannot access them, and ammunition should be placed in a secure location separate from the firearm. It is also important to have conversations about never touching or playing with a gun and reporting any encounter with one to a trusted adult.

Deshpande describes this approach as "triple prevention," emphasizing the importance of creating several barriers between children and firearms. Taking these extra steps can reduce the likelihood of a child gaining access to a firearm and help prevent serious injuries.

OhioHealth also continues to support "Agree to Agree," an Ad Council initiative that brings together healthcare, business and community leaders around the shared goal of preventing youth gun violence. The campaign focuses on finding common ground and providing practical steps families can take to protect children and teens from firearm injuries and death.

As part of the initiative, OhioHealth is helping bring safety education and prevention efforts to surrounding communities. By encouraging safe storage, open conversations and multiple layers of protection, Agree to Agree aims to give families tools to prevent firearm injuries before they happen.

For more information on the "Agree to Agree" effort and to access resources such as conversation guides and shareable graphics that educate and empower audiences to take individual steps to protect communities and children, visit AgreeToAgree.org

• The Fishel Foundation has committed $1.5 million to support the OhioHealth Women’s Health Navigation Hub.
• The hub will provide dedicated care coordination to help women and their families better understand care options, connect with clinicians and access resources.
• The navigation hub will be part of the new OhioHealth Women’s Center, expected to open in 2027 at Riverside Methodist Hospital.
• OhioHealth says the program reflects its commitment to compassionate, individualized and coordinated care for women at every stage of life.

OhioHealth is grateful to announce a $1.5 million gift from the Fishel Foundation. This generous commitment will support the development of the OhioHealth Women's Health Navigation Hub, a dedicated care coordination service set to launch at the OhioHealth Women's Center. The navigation hub will serve as a central point of support for patients, helping women and their families more easily understand care options, connect with the right caregivers and clinicians, and access vital women’s health resources throughout their experience at the Women’s Center.

By integrating dedicated navigators into the daily operations of the new Women’s Center, the program is designed to provide individualized, high-touch support during every step of a woman’s care journey. The generous gift from the Fishel Foundation will help bring this vision to life, ensuring the expanded services offered through the Women’s Center continue to reflect OhioHealth’s commitment to excellence, compassion and coordinated care.

The OhioHealth Women's Center is set to open in 2027 on the southeast corner of the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital campus. The standalone center will become one of the leading facilities of its type in the country and is designed to meet the complex and changing healthcare needs of women throughout the different stages of life.

"This gift will be key to our efforts to help to transform the way care is coordinated and delivered to women and their families across the communities OhioHealth serves," said Jason Melillo, MD, senior vice president of service lines for OhioHealth. "Navigating a health journey can be overwhelming, and we want to help ensure no woman has to figure it out alone."

Care navigation has become an increasingly important part of the patient experience, especially for women who often manage not only their own health, but the health of their families. By pairing patients with a dedicated navigator, the hub aims to remove common barriers to care, from scheduling confusion to a lack of clarity around next steps or specialists.

"We are deeply grateful for the Fishel Foundation's generosity and for a donor whose personal experience has inspired such a meaningful investment in women's health," said Karen Morrison, president, OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president, OhioHealth. "This commitment reflects exactly the kind of individualized, compassionate care we envision for every woman who walks through our doors.”

The OhioHealth Women's Health Navigation Hub represents one of several innovative features planned for the Women's Center, which will bring together a wide range of services designed around the needs of women and their families.  

If you would like to support exceptional care in women’s health, please click here

• A new Safe Haven Baby Box is now available at BKP Ambulance District in Kenton, offering parents in crisis a safe and anonymous option to surrender a newborn.
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital provided funding for the box, partnering with BKP Ambulance District and Safe Haven Baby Boxes.
• The climate-controlled box alerts first responders when a newborn is placed inside, who can retrieve the baby within minutes for evaluation at Hardin Memorial.

A new Safe Haven Baby Box is now available in Kenton, providing parents experiencing a crisis with a safe and anonymous option to surrender a newborn.

The community gathered Tuesday, Sept. 15, at BKP Ambulance District to celebrate the installation and blessing of the new box. Community members and first responders attended the ceremony, which included remarks from Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb and City Council President Joel Althauser. Pastor Eric Risner of Abundant Life Assembly of God Church offered a blessing prayer for the box and the families it may serve.

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital provided funding to bring the box to the community, working with BKP Ambulance District and Safe Haven Baby Boxes to make the resource available.

“Mothers have a nice anonymous, safe surrender,” said Shelly Prater with BKP Ambulance District. “We've always had a safe haven law so they could walk into any fire department or hospital and hand the baby over, but there's no anonymity when it comes to that.”

The box is installed on the exterior of the BKP facility, allowing a parent to surrender a newborn who is 30 days old or younger without entering the building or speaking directly with another person. Its climate-controlled chamber remains at 70 degrees year-round, and an alarm immediately alerts BKP first responders. Prater said staff can retrieve the baby within five minutes, after which the infant will be taken to Hardin Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

For Hardin Memorial, the project extends its commitment to supporting the community beyond the hospital and working alongside local emergency services.

“Contributing to this effort illustrates that it's a partnership with everyone in the community,” said Charity Coffman, director of nursing at Hardin Memorial. “Our commitment to care reaches beyond the walls of the hospital. It's connecting with the community.”

Coffman said the partnership will continue beyond the installation of the box, with associates already discussing future opportunities to support the effort. Ongoing operations of Safe Haven Baby Boxes are funded through donations.

“It's a shared vision,” she said. “And I think it's a wonderful illustration of all the values that we support, a safe haven for the little ones who don't have a place.”

The box is the 29th Safe Haven Baby Box in Ohio and the 471st in the nation.

“We have a lot of mothers in crisis,” said Prater. “Any kind of option that's going to help someone, that's why I do what I do.”

The Kenton Safe Haven Baby Box is located at BKP Ambulance District, 439 S. Main St., Kenton.

“This is important in every community,” said Mariah Betz, assistant project coordinator for Safe Haven. “You just never know when a crisis is going to strike. So the more the boxes that we have available, the better we are.”

• A free Community Health Resource Fair will be held Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All in a Day Childcare in Columbus.
• Attendees can access WIC sign-ups, health screenings, food assistance, baby safety supplies and more.
• The family-friendly event will also feature food trucks, gaming trucks and activities.

Community members are invited to a free Community Health Resource Fair on Saturday, Sept. 26, offering families and individuals the opportunity to connect with local organizations and access health and community resources.

The event hosted by OhioHealth SARNCO (Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio) will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at All in a Day Childcare, 4420 Refugee Rd, Columbus.

The resource fair will bring together local organizations offering a wide range of free resources and services, including food assistance, WIC sign-ups, blood pressure screenings, car seats and baby safety supplies, food and hygiene packs and information about local health and human services.

Other participating organizations and services include:

• OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels
• NSI Food Pantry
• CelebrateOne
• Here to Serve
• A Step in the Right Direction
• Columbus Public Health
• Franklin County Health and Human Services
• COTA
• CareSource

The event will also feature gaming trucks, food trucks, and family-friendly activities throughout the day.

“Resource fairs like this are important because they give people the opportunity to connect with resources and community partners all in one place,” said Deandre Criddell, program coordinator, OhioHealth SARNCO. “You never know what someone may be looking for or what support they may need, so we want to make it easy for people to come, ask questions, make connections, and leave knowing there are people and organizations in their community who are here to support them.”

For questions or to learn more about the event, contact Deandre Criddell at (614) 788-4707.