• 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.

• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital nurses connected with community members while providing first aid support at the Marion Women’s Club’s ice cream social.
• Nurses heard firsthand from neighbors about their positive experiences receiving care at Marion General.
• OhioHealth and the Marion Women’s Club share a longstanding commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the Marion community.

A familiar face at the hospital can mean a lot to a patient. But sometimes, the most meaningful connections happen outside hospital walls.

OhioHealth Marion General Hospital associates found new ways to connect while volunteering at the Marion Women's Club's Olde Fashioned Ice Cream Social, where emergency department nurses Courtney Jorgensen and Haley White provided first aid support.

Held at the Marion Women’s Club property on July 19, the free event brought residents together for an afternoon of history, music and fellowship, featuring Riverside Dairy ice cream, lawn games, special displays and tours of the Club’s historic home historic home and the newly dedicated Women's History Resource Center, which houses the Club's collection of archives.

For Jorgensen and White, the afternoon offered an opportunity to serve the community in a different way, meeting neighbors, hearing their stories and learning more about the impact Marion General Hospital has had on their lives.

“It was really memorable when people came up and shared their stories,” Jorgensen said. “They would tell us about their experiences at the hospital and how well they were cared for. It was nice to be in the community hearing those positive stories.”

Although the first aid station was there in case anyone needed assistance, the afternoon became more about conversations and connections.

“People would come up to us and say, ‘You look kind of lonely,’” Jorgensen said. “We would tell them that’s actually a good thing because we’re here just in case of an emergency, but we’re happy to help in any way that’s needed. It helps bridge the gap between healthcare and everyday life. We’re not only here when you’re sick, we’re also here when you’re healthy.”

White said it was rewarding to meet people in a different setting and hear their experiences at the hospital.

“It demonstrates our commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community beyond the walls of Marion General Hospital,” White said. “It was nice to connect with people and show them that OhioHealth is invested in their health and well-being, not just when they’re a patient but every day.”

Jamie Cunningham, chief nursing officer and vice president of Patient Care Services at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, said associates’ involvement in events like this reflects the compassion they bring to their work.

"Our associates care deeply about the people they serve, and events like this are another way they can connect outside the hospital," Cunningham said. "Those moments help build trust and strengthen the relationships that are at the heart of great patient care."

The partnership between OhioHealth and the Marion Women’s Club is rooted in a shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of the community. Founded in 1895, the Marion Women’s Club has a long history of supporting public health initiatives, including advocating for the creation of Marion General Hospital.

“Health and public health have been a longstanding focus of the Marion Women’s Club,” said Valerie Wigton, president of the Marion Women’s Club. “We have always looked for opportunities to partner with organizations that care about the health and welfare of our community, and OhioHealth has been a wonderful partner.”

Over the years, Marion General Hospital and the Marion Women’s Club have collaborated on a variety of initiatives, including the Marion Women’s Club Gala, Women’s Wellness Wednesdays and Handbags for Hope, a program that supports individuals served by local domestic violence shelters.

“We feel very blessed and honored to have OhioHealth Marion General Hospital as one of our longtime partners,” Wigton said. “We look forward to continuing to work together to improve our community.”

It's a partnership Marion General Hospital hopes will continue for years to come.

“We’re fortunate to have partners like the Marion Women’s Club,” said Jim Parobek, president, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “We want people to know we’re invested in this community every day. Whether we’re caring for patients in the hospital or partnering at events like this, we’re proud to support what makes Marion such a strong community.”

To learn more about OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, click here.

To learn more about the Marion Women’s Club, visit marionwomensclub.org.

• More than 120 survivors, caregivers and care team members attended OhioHealth Marion General Hospital's first Cancer Survivor Celebration Dinner during Cancer Survivor Month.
• The inaugural event celebrated hope, resilience and survivorship for patients at every stage of the cancer journey.
• Survivors and care teams reinforced a simple message: no one faces cancer alone.

Four illuminated letters, H-O-P-E, stood at the front of the auditorium at Tri-Rivers Career Center, setting the tone for OhioHealth Marion General Hospital’s first Cancer Survivor Celebration Dinner.

More than 120 survivors, caregivers and care team members filled the auditorium for the inaugural event - held during cancer survivor month to recognize survivorship and bring together patients across all stages of care in one shared space.

"You're a survivor from that very first day," said Lucinda Pfeifer, program manager, Marion Cancer Services. "Because you do fight, you come prepared to beat cancer."

The celebration marked the first event of its kind for OhioHealth Marion, welcoming patients who are newly diagnosed, actively receiving treatment or in remission. Guests gathered for dinner, entertainment, photos and conversation with others who have shared similar experiences.

"It's important to recognize patients' strengths because I think sometimes they forget that they are strong, that they can get through this," Pfeifer said. "This helps remind them that they are fighting. They are survivors, and we're here to support them."

Survivor Jo Walters shared her story during the event, encouraging others to focus on hope and perseverance.

"You all have stories. You all have your own experiences," Walters said. "But I wanted to share with you my story to let you know that, yes, there is a bright light at the end of this adventure. Cancer is a word. It's not a sentence. And it doesn't define you."

Pfeifer said the event also highlighted the broader network of support involved in cancer care.

"Nobody goes through a cancer journey alone," she said. "From medical oncology, radiation oncology, infusion, registration and navigation teams, this evening celebrates the support we can provide to help patients through their journey."

Walters said that sense of support is what stood out most.

"They're wonderful. They are absolutely wonderful," she said. "They're there to support you in whatever way they can. This is an awesome event because it brings together survivors and people who are just diagnosed, and we can all share in this for one night."

Survivor Renee Hildreth also shared encouragement for those early in their diagnosis.

"It’s baby steps. Don't try to just leap into it. I’m five years out and I'm still taking baby steps," she said. "Groups are there and they’re well needed. You’re never alone, never alone."

To learn more about the OhioHealth Marion Cancer Center and their support services, click here.

This year’s event is happening on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - noon at the following locations:

• Kenton: OPG Kenton Medical Office & OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital parking lot, 75 Washington Blvd., Kenton, OH 43326 (Enter off of Memorial Ave and exit onto E. Franklin St.)
• Ada: ONU parking lot between Rite Aid (now closed) and Starbucks, 602 S Main St., Ada, OH 45810 (Enter off of Main Street and exit onto College Ave.)

 The event offers community members a safe, convenient way to dispose of unused or expired medications, helping reduce the risk of misuse and protect the environment. Law enforcement officers will be on-site at both locations to ensure medications are disposed of safely and legally.

 Community members are encouraged to bring:

• Expired or unused prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medications
• Medicated lotions, creams, sunscreens and inhalers

Only medications from personal households will be accepted. Medications from physician, dental or veterinary offices will not be permitted. Used syringes and needles will also not be accepted.

“This event has always been an important way to give back to the community,” said Jake Abbott, PharmD, RPh, BCPS, Pharmacy Advisor at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital. “Last year, we saw around 100 cars and safely removed over 120 lbs. of expired or unused medications from Hardin County.”

The event is sponsored by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, ONU HealthWise and OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital.

On Tuesday, August 12, OhioHealth officially opened the doors to its new $31 million Canal Winchester Health Center, a three-story, 40,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the needs of one of central Ohio’s fastest-growing communities. The opening followed a ribbon-cutting celebration hosted by the Canal Winchester Chamber of Commerce on August 11.

“We're able to bring care closer to the community,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, President, Grove City Methodist Hospital, Pickerington Methodist Hospital, Westerville Medical Campus and Free Standing ED Network. “All things that people have had to leave the community in order to access are now right here local. This was a logical next place for us, as the community continues to grow into this area.”

The new facility offers 24/7 emergency care, primary care, women’s health, sports medicine, diagnostic services, and rotating specialty care. Leaders say the goal is to make these services an integrated part of life in Canal Winchester.

“Our physicians who will be here are going to be here on a regular basis,” said Mike Ezzie, MD, Senior Vice President and President, OhioHealth Physician Group. “This will be their home. This will be the place that they provide care. So they'll be part of the community. They'll really develop relationships with the patients here and be part of the fabric of Canal Winchester.”

Monday’s ribbon-cutting brought together community members, city officials and healthcare providers for the ceremonial opening. The celebration marked not only the arrival of new services, but also more than 50 new jobs created in the area.

“It's about serving people where they live and where they work,” said Brian Jepson, President, OhioHealth Central Market. “When you need access to health care, it needs to be convenient and it needs to be easy to access, and part of that is just being in the right location.”

The Canal Winchester Medical Center is located near the intersection of Gender Road and Waterloo Street. Community members are encouraged to begin scheduling appointments now and explore care options through the OhioHealth mobile app.

To learn more, visit www.ohiohealth.com/locations/health-center/canal-winchester-health-center/.

To be held in the Castrop Health Center parking lot from 3 to 6 p.m., the event aims to raise awareness of health issues unique to men while encouraging early detection and prevention.

Attendees will have access to preventative screenings, wellness education and resources from local community partners. Skin cancer screenings will also be available by appointment.

“Men often put off routine care or delay seeing a provider until something feels urgent, but prevention and early detection are key,” said Brittany Jarvis, nurse manager for OhioHealth Cancer Care Athens. “Events like this make it easy for men to check in on their health in a simple, approachable way.”

With a nod to the date of the event, Friday, June 13, event organizers are calling it “the luckiest day to check your health.”

Event Details
What: A drive-through community event with screenings, resources and education focused on men’s health

When: Friday, June 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital — Castrop Health Center parking lot, 75 Hospital Drive, Athens, Ohio

To schedule a skin cancer screening during the event, call: (740) 331-7123

To mark National Donate Life Month, OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center teamed up with Lifeline of Ohio for a special flag-raising event aimed at encouraging organ donor sign ups and honoring those who have given and received the gift of life.

Heather Watkins, an emergency department nurse and the hospital’s liaison with Lifeline of Ohio, led the ceremony held at the hospital entrance, where the Donate Life flag now waves. The event brought together hospital staff, community members and organ donation advocates to reflect on the importance of registering as organ, eye and tissue donors.

“Right now, thousands of individuals are waiting for a second chance,” said Wendy Elliot, president of Southeastern Medical Center. “By registering as a donor and spreading awareness, we can make that hope a reality. I challenge each of you to become a registered donor. Let us fly this flag as a beacon of hope, love and generosity. May it inspire conversations, encourage actions and honor all those involved who make these gifts of life possible."

Following a prayer led by hospital chaplain Nate Womack, Dean Fairchild shared his transplant story. Nearly eight years ago, Fairchild came to Southeastern Med with chest pain. Doctors diagnosed him with ventricular tachycardia, a life-threatening condition that led to the placement of a pacemaker and, eventually, his addition to the national transplant waiting list.

Weeks later, a match was found. The heart came from a man named Jon Reasoner. Since the transplant, Fairchild has made the most of every moment, riding ATVs in Puerto Rico, water skiing in the ocean, getting married on a cruise ship and dancing at his wedding.

“At every chance I get, I say a quiet thank you to Jon for the life-changing gift,” he told the crowd.

April Lopez, a donation program coordinator with Lifeline of Ohio, also spoke about the need for more registered donors. Right now, nearly 3,000 people in Ohio and more than 100,000 across the country are waiting for life-saving transplants.

"Last year, we saw a record number of placentas donated through Lifeline of Ohio's Placenta Donation Program,” Lopez said. “A total of 737 placentas helped create around 18,000 healing gifts. Eleven generous donors were from [Southeastern Medical Center]. Behind the numbers are generous donors with their own life stories. Stories that can now continue through the lives of many grateful recipients."

To learn more about becoming a registered organ donor, visit lifelineofohio.org.

Original article published in The Guernsey News.

The Blue Jackets play host to the Philadelphia Flyers for the first game of the season at Nationwide Arena.  There is a huge sense of hope with this year’s team.  After a season filled with injuries, this team arrives with a new coach, a first-round pick with so much promise in Adam Fantilli, and Johnny Gaudreau is back for year two.

There is nothing like opening day, but what does it take to get here.  From player physicals with OhioHealth physicians, to a tough training camp, to an amazing experience last month as fans got a chance to see the team up close and personal with a special Saturday. 

The fan event brought hockey and CBJ die-hards to Nationwide Arena, picking up CBJ/OhioHealth Training Camp T-Shirts. They got to see a scrimmage with the team and grabbed some autographs with their favorite players.  

Now, it’s time to get the season started. OhioHealth will be there every step of the way for the ’23-’24 season, and we couldn’t be more excited for fans to be back in the arena, and for hockey to be back. Let’s go Jackets!