• 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.”

The 25-minute anti-rejection infusion he needs following liver and kidney transplants required a three-hour drive each way to Indianapolis. By the time Everhart made the trip there and back, he could be away from his office for six to nine hours.

Now, the trip takes about an hour.

Everhart now receives the infusion at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, just 15 minutes from home.

“It’s just much more convenient,” Everhart said. “I don’t have to pencil out all day at the office. I pencil out an hour and I’m back.”

The change came after Hardin Memorial’s pharmacy and infusion teams worked through the requirements needed to make Everhart’s medication available at the hospital. Because the medication was not initially on their formulary, Jake Abbott, advisor of pharmacy services, worked with care teams to determine what was needed to provide the treatment locally.

Although Everhart’s situation prompted the hospital to explore whether his treatment could be provided closer to home, the goal was bigger than finding a solution for one patient.

“We had the resources to do it,” Abbott said. “And it’s not just him. We want to help everyone.”

That effort is part of a broader push at Hardin Memorial to make more acute and specialty care available locally.

“They don’t need to be driving to Columbus. They don’t need to be driving out of state when they can get their infusion treatments here,” Abbott said.

Receiving an infusion locally can mean more than simply cutting down on miles. A long trip for a short treatment can require taking time off work, arranging transportation or finding someone to accompany a patient. For someone who is already not feeling well, the trip itself can be physically demanding.

“Any way we can get patients to come here and keep care local is a win,” Abbott said.

He encouraged patients who currently travel outside the community to reach out to Hardin Memorial to see whether their treatment may be available. Most patients can continue working with their existing physicians while receiving infusions at Hardin Memorial and the hospital can coordinate with a patient’s provider as needed.

Everhart said receiving his treatment at Hardin Memorial also brings familiarity. He has known many of the hospital’s employees for years and his wife, Kim, works as an administrative nurse manager.

“I have a team who I know personally, and I know they’re advocating for me,” Everhart said. “I’m just so blessed.”

After years of dealing with a chronic disease that damaged his liver, Everhart received a liver transplant in December 2022. He later received a kidney transplant in October 2023. His monthly infusion is part of the ongoing treatment needed to help prevent his body from rejecting the transplanted organs.

Everhart said he’s always been grateful for the care he’s received in Indianapolis. But for a treatment he needs every month, being able to receive it just 15 minutes from home has made a noticeable difference.

“I think it’s more than just convenience,” he said. “I think it actually keeps me healthier because I’m in a better mindset.”

The shorter trip means less time away from his work, his community and his family. Everhart said he hopes more people recognize what their local hospital has to offer.

“You have a lot of talented people working here who want to do good for the community. This is a tremendous facility, and people are missing out if they don’t use it.”

To learn more about Infusion Services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, click here or contact (567) 295-6900.

Listen to our recent episode on WKTN’s Public Eye here.

• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital awarded 22 Mary Lou Johnson Scholarships to local students pursuing healthcare careers.
• Recipients include graduating seniors and college students studying nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, radiology and other health-related fields.
• The scholarship program honors Mary Lou Johnson's legacy while helping build the future healthcare workforce in Hardin County and surrounding communities.

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Mary Lou Johnson Scholarship. This annual scholarship supports students from Hardin County and surrounding areas who are pursuing degrees in healthcare and related fields.

This year, 22 students have been awarded $500 scholarships — 12 graduating high school seniors and 10 returning college students — as they continue their education and prepare for careers in healthcare.

The scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Lou Johnson, a longtime advocate for healthcare access and education in Hardin County. This year's recipients are:

High School Recipients

• Paige Courtad, Riverdale High School – University of Findlay, Nursing
• Mekaylah Creamer, Kenton High School – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Emori Criner, Kenton High School – Rhodes State College, Physical Therapy
• Kaiden Gammon, Kenton High School – Apollo Career Center, Nursing
• Alexander Scott George, Ridgemont High School – Ohio Northern University, Biochemistry
• Kimberly Heberling, Kenton High School – The Ohio State University at Lima, Radiology
• Kasey Luikart, Riverdale High School – University of Toledo, Nursing
• Adalyn Manns, Kenton High School – University of Findlay, Physical Therapy
• Quinlyn Spearman, Kenton High School – Tiffin University, Nursing
• Kolbie Stanfield, Ridgemont High School – The Ohio State University, Nursing
• Presley Wilson, Kenton High School – Miami University, Biomedical Engineering
• Amelia Young, Ada High School – Ohio Northern University, Medical Laboratory Science

Returning College Recipients

• Chloe Hattery – Ohio Northern University, Biology (Pre-Physician Assistant)
• Angelica Forester – Otterbein University, Nursing
• Caitlin Defibaugh – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Leah Harder – Ohio Northern University, Nursing
• Mackenzie Kugel – Rhodes State College, Radiographic Imaging
• Morgan Lyons – Bowling Green State University, Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Kennedy Phelps – University of Findlay, Occupational Therapy
• Brailyn Thacker – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Karley Wagner – Bowling Green State University, Applied Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant)
• Ramzie Whitaker – Ohio Northern University, Pharmacy

"These students represent the future of healthcare in our community, and it is inspiring to see their commitment to caring for others," said Ryan Newland, senior advisor of operations at Hardin Memorial Hospital. “The Mary Lou Johnson Scholarship honors a legacy of service and celebrates the compassion and dedication each recipient brings as they begin their healthcare journey.”

Successful candidates for Foundation scholarships must be accepted or currently enrolled in health career programs such as nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, laboratory technology or other hospital-based undergraduate degree programs. Qualified students must be accepted as full-time students, demonstrate a strong aptitude for health service, and exhibit scholastic achievement, character, good citizenship and financial need. Applicants must reside within the Hardin Memorial Hospital service area.

"There's a growing need for healthcare professionals, and supporting students who want to serve in those roles is one of the best investments we can make," said Jim Parobek, president of Hardin Memorial Hospital. "We're proud to help these students as they work toward careers that will make a difference for patients and families in our community.”

The Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation established the scholarship in 1988 to encourage students to pursue hospital-based healthcare careers and support local students who may be interested in seeking employment within Hardin Memorial Hospital's scope of services after graduation.

For more information about future scholarship opportunities, contact the Administration Office at Hardin Memorial Hospital at (419) 675-8151.

• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital’s $2 million MRI department is expanding access to advanced imaging in Hardin County, offering MRI services five days a week instead of relying on a limited mobile unit.
• The new large-bore MRI scanner is designed to create a quieter, more comfortable experience for patients, especially those who may feel claustrophobic or anxious during imaging.
• Since opening, the department has completed nearly 700 MRI exams, reduced the need for patient transfers and helped providers deliver faster diagnoses and treatment plans closer to home.

It's one thing to interpret MRI scans every day in a clinic. It's another to lie inside the machine yourself and experience every sound and sensation firsthand.

For Aaron Fritz, DO, orthopedic surgeon at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, that shift happened earlier this year when he became one of the first patients to use the hospital's new MRI department.

When Dr. Fritz needed an MRI for a musculoskeletal condition of his own, he found himself on the other side of care.

"My rheumatologist asked if I could get it done locally," he said. "I said absolutely, we have a brand-new one."

Experiencing the MRI as a patient gave him a new perspective on an investment he now sees benefiting his own patients every day.

"I don't think I got VIP treatment," he said. "I think that's how they treat everybody."

He was impressed not only by the kindness and professionalism of the imaging team, but also by the scanner itself.

"The machine was very quiet," Dr. Fritz said. "The biggest complaints I hear from patients are claustrophobia and the loud noise, and this was a big improvement."

The new MRI features a large-bore design that creates a more spacious feel than many traditional scanners, making the experience more comfortable for patients of all body types. Interim director of imaging, Dylan Black, said the newer technology also operates more quietly than older MRI systems.

"Those who are claustrophobic can tolerate a scan in this unit better," Black said. "It's more comfortable and easier for patients."

The $2 million MRI department was designed to strengthen access to advanced imaging across Hardin County, bringing services closer to home and improving how quickly patients can receive answers. Prior to December 2025, MRI services were provided through a mobile unit that limited availability to just a few days each week, making it more difficult to accommodate urgent needs without delay or transfer.

"We wanted to improve patient access and bring MRI services here five days a week," said Black. "We looked at it and said, 'We can do better.'"

The impact was immediate. On the department's first day, the team completed an inpatient MRI that otherwise would have required a transfer. Today, care teams are seeing faster access to imaging, quicker diagnoses and fewer delays in care.

Since opening, the MRI department has:

• Completed close to 700 MRI exams.
• Expanded MRI availability to five days per week.
• Reduced the need for patient transfers for MRI services.
• Improved turnaround time from provider order to diagnosis.

For physicians like Dr. Fritz, those improvements mean patients can get answers and begin treatment sooner. The upgraded scanner also produces clearer images, helping physicians make more accurate diagnoses while making it easier for patients to understand their conditions.

"We want to save patients that travel time," Dylan said. "The more care we can provide here, the better it is for our community."

For Dr. Fritz, becoming one of the department's first patients reinforced what the investment is really about.

"Having this technology here means our patients can receive high-quality care closer to home," he said. "That's a win for everyone."

To schedule an appointment or to learn more about imaging services at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, click here.

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital has named Ryan Newland, BSN, RN, as Senior Advisor of Operations, effective April 24, 2026. Newland brings more than two decades of healthcare experience and a deep connection to Hardin County into the role.

In this role he will partner with leaders and teams across the hospital to support day-to-day operations and advance work that strengthens patient care and the overall patient experience.

A graduate of Upper Scioto Valley High School, Newland began his healthcare career after earning his nursing degree from Marion Technical College in 2005, later completing his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ohio University. He started as a registered nurse in the Level II Trauma Center emergency department at St. Rita’s Medical Center before spending 15 years at Mary Rutan Hospital, where he served in several leadership roles including house supervisor and director of nursing.

Since joining OhioHealth in late 2021 as administrative nurse manager, Newland has played a key role in several initiatives at Hardin Memorial, including supporting the launch of the Swing Bed Program in 2022 and the Virtual Cardiology Telehealth Consult service earlier this year. His background in emergency care and nursing leadership provides a strong foundation for both clinical excellence and operational leadership.

“Ryan has made a meaningful impact since joining our team, and his leadership continues to strengthen the care we provide,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “His experience, commitment to our patients and deep roots in this community make him well-suited for this role, and we are excited to see the continued impact he will have across our hospital and the county.”

Newland said he is honored to step into the position and continue serving the community he calls home.

“I’m truly grateful and excited for the opportunity to serve as Senior Advisor of Operations,” said Newland. “This community means a great deal to me, and it is an honor to contribute in a leadership role in the place I call home. I believe lasting success comes from building meaningful relationships, supporting great people and working together with integrity and compassion to serve others. I’m thankful for God’s guidance in this role and look forward to helping build a stronger future for the patients, families and communities we serve.”

Outside of work, Newland enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

“We’re thrilled to see Ryan step into this role and have been impressed by his passion for advancing nursing care at Hardin Memorial Hospital,” said John Schwemer, chair of the OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Advisors. “With deep roots in Hardin County, he understands this community and he has our trust.”

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.

Investments in recent years reflect a continued commitment to advancing healthcare and supporting surrounding communities. Examples include replacing the hospital windows and roof for energy efficiency and upgrading technologies like its CT scanner, portable x-ray machine, telemetry monitors, along with lab and surgical equipment. 

Two major advancements are on the horizon. Earlier this month, OhioHealth announced an $8.5 million dollar renovation to upgrade Hardin Memorial’s surgical suite. Construction will get underway in March and wrap up by early 2027. By the end of this year, the hospital will also have a new permanent state-of-the art MRI available for patients. 

OhioHealth’s investment in Hardin County extends beyond the walls of the hospital. 

For example, in April 2024 OhioHealth acquired the Hardin County YMCA building located at 918 West Franklin Street in Kenton. The acquisition marked a significant milestone in OhioHealth’s ongoing efforts to invest in the health and wellness of local communities. As part of the agreement, OhioHealth is now investing $150,000 annually in the operations of the Hardin County YMCA, totaling $1.5 million over the next decade. 

“We believe this change will allow our local healthcare needs to be heard and addressed at the highest level,” said Jim Parobek, president of Hardin Memorial Hospital. “I look forward to the investments we will continue to make in our hospital and our community to provide high-level care close to home.” 

OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital Board of Advisors: 
John Schwemer (Chair) 
Judy Hruschka, MD 
Alyssa Johnston 
Abhishake Kaapuraala, MD 
Todd Oates, OD 
Beryl Rogers Dudek 
Chip Root 
Teresa Styer 
Jordan Temple 
Paige Wallace 
Steve McCullough 



 

This multi-phased construction process will not interfere with patient care and the community's ongoing surgical needs. 

This project underscores OhioHealth's dedication to investing in Hardin County. 

“As a surgeon, I am proud to see this level of investment in our hospital and our community,” said Aaron Fritz, DO, orthopedic surgeon at Hardin Memorial Hospital. “The surgical suite renovation will enhance our ability to provide advanced, efficient care close to home. It’s exciting to see Hardin Memorial continue to grow and invest in the tools and spaces that help us deliver the best outcomes for our patients.” 

Construction will begin in March and is expected to be completed in early 2027. 
 

• 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.) 
• Mount Victory: Ridgemont Local School District, 560 W Taylor St., Mount Victory, OH 43340 (Enter drive on east side of school.) 

This initiative aims to reduce medication misuse and environmental hazards by ensuring proper disposal of medications. 

Accepted items include: 

• Expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter medications, including medicated lotions, creams, sunscreens, and inhalers. 
• Medications from personal homes only (no medications from physician, dentist, or veterinary offices). 
• Syringes and needles will not be accepted. 
   

“This has historically been a great event for the community,” said Jake Abbott, PharmD, RPh, BCPS, Pharmacy Coordinator at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital. “Last year we saw 110 cars and were able to remove over 120 pounds of expired/unused medications from Hardin County.” 

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

Rain or shine, the food drives are held once each month from noon to 2 p.m. at Home Run Memorial Park in Kenton. In 2024 the monthly events proved to be imperative to the community, providing hundreds of Hardin County residents access to fresh, healthy food and household supplies. 

According to the West Ohio Food Bank, the food distribution events in 2024 served an average of 7,944 individuals. That amounts to 226,884 total meals distributed to date. 

“This partnership is vital for our community,” shared Jim Parobek, president of Hardin Memorial Hospital. “Access to healthy food is key to improving the lives of those we serve. By working closely with the West Ohio Food Bank, we’re building a healthier community.” 

“It’s great to see our team at Hardin Memorial Hospital show up each month and roll up their sleeves to lend a hand,” said Jim Whitaker, senior advisor of operations at Hardin Memorial Hospital. “We could not do this without our associates and community partners who volunteer their time to makes this happen every month.” 

Together, Hardin Memorial Hospital and the West Ohio Food Bank are continuing to build a stronger future for the community. 

Below is a complete list of the 2025 distribution dates: 

January 28 
February 25 
March 25 
April 22 
May 27 
June 24 
July 22 
August 26 
September 23 
October 28 
November 25 
December 16

For additional photos, cleared for media download/use click here: OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital Teams up With West Ohio Food Bank

This year’s event is happening on Saturday April 27th from 9:00 a.m. - noon at the following locations: 

• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital: 75 Washington Boulevard, Kenton 
• Ada: South Main Street and East College Avenue parking lot 
• Forest City Building: 211 West Lima Street, Forest 
• Ridgemont School: 560 West Taylor Street, Mount Victory 
   

Area residents can use this event to safely dispose of unwanted or expired medication. The locations are set up to allow residents to drive up and drop off, without having to leave their vehicles. 

Pharmacy students from Ohio Northern University will be volunteering to get out in the community and help provide information. 

Residents can drop off expired or unused prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, medicated lotions, and sunscreens. Only medications from personal homes will be accepted. Medications from a physician, dentist, or veterinary offices will not be accepted. No syringes will be accepted. 
 
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 15 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, one managed-affiliate hospital, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com.