• OhioHealth has opened a Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic
• The clinic is designed to help reduce uncertainty by helping patients with concerning symptoms, abnormal imaging or lab results, or provider referrals get answers sooner.
• Patients receive coordinated support in one place, with a team that helps organize testing, referrals and next steps instead of leaving patients to navigate multiple appointments alone.
• An appointment does not mean a cancer diagnosis; the goal is to investigate concerns, determine the cause and connect patients to appropriate care using evidence-based national guidelines.

When cancer is suspected, waiting for results can feel like a lifetime. The new OhioHealth Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic helps shorten that wait time by connecting patients with coordinated testing and specialists sooner.

The clinic, which is located inside the Bing Cancer Center, opened on July 6 and serves as a centralized point of access for patients who have experienced abnormal image or lab results, a new lump, mass, or swelling, unexplained weight loss or a referral from a provider. Rather than scheduling multiple appointments through many websites and facilities, the team at the clinic helps organize further testings and referrals to streamline the process.

“One of the hardest parts for patients isn’t always the diagnosis itself, but the uncertainty that comes before it. The clinic will help shorten that period of waiting by giving patients one team to guide them through the process and help find answers as quickly as possible,” said Meghan Newman, PA-C, Director, Advanced Practice Providers.

It is important to note that having or creating an appointment at the clinic does not mean you have cancer. The clinic investigates symptoms or previous findings to determine if cancer is the cause, and facilitates the next steps of finding appropriate care.

If the test results find that the patient does have cancer or another condition, the team will create a personalized care plan as quickly as possible and connect you directly to the treatment team. The clinic follows evidence-based guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) to give trustworthy evaluations and access to care.

“Every patient's situation and experience is different, which is why our team makes sure that we use a thoughtful and evidence-based approach during evaluations,” Newman said. “We want patients to know they can trust that their care is guided by national standards and supported by experienced specialists every step of the way.”

The Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic is now accepting referrals from healthcare providers, and patients can also contact the clinic directly to schedule an evaluation.

Click here to learn more information about the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic.

Q: What are the most significant advancements in cancer care our system is prioritizing over the next 1–3 years?

Dr. Simon: It’s an exciting time for the OhioHealth Cancer Care program as we have several initiatives that are currently underway.  This includes:

*The Supportive and Palliative Care Clinic will enable us to provide better palliative care and improved quality of life for our patients across the system.  This outpatient program will be coordinated centrally and offered virtually to patients in the region, making care as convenient as possible for patients and their families.

*Through the Rapid Cancer Diagnostic Clinic, we will accelerate the cancer diagnostic and staging process, getting patients to their cancer related treatments sooner. This can reduce the anxiety felt by patients who are waiting for diagnosis and definitive answers, as well as lead to better patient satisfaction and potentially better outcomes since patients are starting their treatments as soon as possible.

*We are also looking to expand our non‑invasive treatment options like histotripsy, where patients can be treated by techniques which do not require surgery.  In some of these cases previously, surgery or radiation would have been required, leading to longer recovery times or more side effects.  Where possible, we’re looking for opportunities to treat patients as conveniently as possible, without compromising on effectiveness, to get patients back to their lives so they can keep making plans.

*Advanced treatments are available to all patients, if needed, through our highly specialized centers located in Columbus.  This includes CAR‑T therapies (coming later this summer), targeted immune therapies, antibody‑based treatments, radioactive medicines, and tumor‑treating fields. In addition, we are offering highly specialized robotic surgeries for most cancers, while still preserving our ability to do surgeries using traditional techniques if the specific clinical situation requires it.

*AI‑based analytic tools are also being explored to not only make daily clinical operations smoother, but also to enhance clinical decision-making.

*Cancer is a rapidly evolving field, and OhioHealth is well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. To facilitate this progress, we are expanding several of our cancer centers, including a brand new cancer center opening in late 2028, which will have all the latest tools and specialists available to deliver advanced cancer care in a competent and compassionate manner.

Q: How do these advancements differentiate us from other cancer programs in our region?

Dr. Simon: OhioHealth has a large footprint with cancer care centers in central Ohio and throughout the state. While most of the care will be kept local to where the patient lives, patients will be able to access highly specialized care from our central hubs.  All of this can be coordinated virtually, allowing for seamless coordination of care among multiple sites. 

Q: Are we expanding access to clinical trials or research partnerships?

Dr. Simon: Yes. OhioHealth is also making the latest in cancer therapeutics available to patients through clinical trials and Phase I trials. We are currently working to expand our Phase I program to make the latest therapeutics available well before FDA approval of these agents.

Q: How are we making advanced care more accessible locally vs. needing to travel?

Dr. Simon: We know that there is a lot on the mind of patients while dealing with a cancer diagnosis and treatment.  Traveling out of town frequently for care shouldn’t be something patients have to worry about. While some of the more highly specialized care is based in Columbus, most patient care can be delivered locally where patients live and work. Through centralized coordination, virtual care, and a single medical record number, patients can access sub‑specialized expertise without unnecessary travel, helping to minimize disruption to their lives while maintaining access to the most advanced of therapies.

Q: What should our communities understand about how cancer care here is evolving?

Dr. Simon: As a whole, cancer is a rapidly changing field with new treatments and technology being discovered and approved almost on a weekly basis. OhioHealth remains well positioned to adapt and evolve as new innovations emerge. As mentioned earlier, our investments in advanced therapeutics, non‑invasive treatments, coordinated virtual care, expanded clinical trials, AI‑based tools, and new facilities (including a state‑of‑the‑art cancer center opening in 2028), patients in the communities we serve should know that cancer care here at OhioHealth is  advanced, coordinated, and most importantly patient‑centered.  We are with our patients every step of the way.

To learn more about OhioHealth Cancer Care, click here.

Dr. Halaharvi brings both expertise and empathy to her role as a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgeon and a breast cancer survivor herself. Since joining OhioHealth in 2014, she has helped shape the future of cancer care across the system, making a difference for patients and families.

Dr. Halaharvi’s story is one of compassion and connection. She devotes time to sharing knowledge and support, whether talking to a patient and their family, speaking at community events, conducting media interviews or reaching individuals through her educational efforts, podcast and social media outreach. By openly sharing her experiences and expertise, Dr. Halaharvi creates a space where hope and healing can flourish.

“Having experienced both sides of the cancer journey, as a patient and as a surgeon, Dr. Halaharvi represents the best in breast cancer care and has elevated the standards of cancer care to new highs in OhioHealth and Ohio,” said George Simon, MD, Vice President, OhioHealth Cancer Care. “She is well-deserving of this endowed chair recognition that will continue to advance innovation in breast health and cancer care.”

The OhioHealth Foundation’s endowed chairs honor those who demonstrate remarkable leadership and dedication. These appointments, supported by generous community contributions, allow recipients to advance clinical care, research, education, and community engagement in meaningful ways.

“Dr. Halaharvi exemplifies compassionate, patient-centered care,” said Karen Morrison, President, OhioHealth Foundation and OhioHealth Senior Vice President. “In addition to her clinical accomplishments, she is deeply engaged in community education and outreach, supporting breast cancer patients and survivors, to inspire hope and save lives.”

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 36,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 16 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. 

About The OhioHealth Foundation

Through philanthropic support, OhioHealth can achieve more now and tomorrow - greater breakthroughs, increased accessibility and healthier communities. Gifts to the OhioHealth Foundation help advance OhioHealth’s vision of providing exceptional care for all. Learn more at giving.ohiohealth.com.

• Adult allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
• Immune effector cellular therapy
• Marrow cellular therapy product collection for administration
• Cellular therapy product collection by apheresis for administration and further manufacturing
• Cellular therapy product processing with minimal manipulation

FACT is an internationally-recognized accrediting body for hospitals and medical institutions offering stem cell transplant and indicates the accredited institution has met the most rigorous standards in every aspect of stem cell therapy.  This covers the entire spectrum of stem cell therapy, from clinical care to donor management, cell collection, processing, storage, transportation, administration, and cell release.

FACT-JACIE Standards are defined by leading experts based on the latest knowledge of the field of cellular therapy transplantation. OhioHealth has been found to be in compliance with these rigorous Standards as well as governmental regulations.

“We endeavored to achieve accreditation for our organization because FACT accreditation has evolved into an all-but-necessary qualification to be accepted and competitive in the field of cellular therapy,” said Yvonne Efebera, MD, Medical Director, OhioHealth Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy program. “We believe FACT Accreditation will make patients aware that our facility strives to achieve the highest quality care for cellular therapy treatment programs.”

 “We are pleased that OhioHealth has met the requirements of the Foundation and has been granted accreditation,” said Dr. Phyllis Warkentin, FACT’s Chief Medical Officer.

Accreditation is attained through evaluation of submitted documentation and on-site inspection to determine if an organization is in compliance with current FACT standards and the United States Food and Drug Administration’s current rules for Good Tissue Practice.  FACT Standards are defined by leading experts based on the latest knowledge of the field of cellular therapy.

About FACT
In December 1994, the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) and the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) merged their Standards into a single document covering all aspects of hematopoietic cell therapy (collection, processing, and transplantation). The two societies established FACT in order to develop a voluntary Inspection and Accreditation Program based on the joint Standards.  FACT promotes quality medical and laboratory practice of cellular therapy through its peer-developed standards and voluntary inspection and accreditation program.

In 2006, FACT, in collaboration with the Joint Accreditation Committee–ISCT & EBMT (JACIE), developed international standards in the field of cellular therapy.  JACIE was founded by the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) and the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT), the two leading scientific organizations involved with cellular transplantation in Europe.

Since 2007, FACT accreditation has been used in determining the U.S. News & World report rankings of transplant centers for the "America's Best Hospitals" and "America's Best Children's Hospitals" list.

The FACT Inspection and Accreditation Program was developed by Dr. Phyllis Warkentin, Chief Medical Officer of FACT, the FACT Board of Directors, as well as the ISCT and ASBMT Regulatory and Standards Committees.  The first edition of the FACT Standards was published in September 1996, and the first inspections began in September of 1997 resulting in the first program being awarded accreditation in 1998. 

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.

• 28 ED treatment rooms (bringing total to 44 treatment rooms)
• One additional ED resuscitation room (bringing total to two)
• One additional ED triage room (bringing total to two)
• Two ED intake rooms
• 16 inpatient beds (bringing total to 24 on the second floor)

“We expanded from a medical campus to a hospital in 2023 and the support from the community has been tremendous,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, President, Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “To continue to provide high-quality patient care for those who live and work in the area, we’ve realized we need to grow to meet the increasing demand for emergency and inpatient care.

The expansion is a $65 million continued investment in the Pickerington community.

“This expansion will allow us to continue to deliver a great experience for patients. Additional inpatient beds will allow for faster patient admissions and decrease congestion in the emergency department, ensuring we can provide timely and efficient care when our patients need it the most,” said Dr. Lutz.

In fiscal year 2025, the emergency department saw just over 44,000 patients.

Construction has begun with an anticipated opening in late 2028. Cannon Design is the project architect and Messer Construction Co. is lead contractor.

Renderings courtesy of Cannon Design.  Media has permission to download/publish.

The center will be built on the south side of the campus and will be five stories and approximately 199,000 square feet.  It will connect to the first through fourth floors of the administrative campus.

The cancer center provides a new, centralized destination for outpatient cancer care, allowing OhioHealth to relocate services and programs from OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and the Bing Cancer Center to create a seamless experience for our patients.  As previously shared, services and programs will include:

• Radiation oncology

• Surgical oncology

• Medical oncology

• Blood and marrow transplant

• Infusion

• Imaging

• Lab

• Several specialized cancer clinics

• Supportive and wellness services

• Ability to add new programs and services

OhioHealth is honored to collaborate on this center with Columbus Oncology & Hematology to provide cancer and hematology services as part of the continuum of care and extend our long-term relationship to now include three centers (in addition to the Dublin Cancer Center and Westerville Cancer Center.)  Columbus Oncology & Hematology will relocate their Jasonway Ave. practice to this new location.

Currently, the cancer center does not change OhioHealth’s “where we work” status for associates who work in the administrative campus – associates will remain in their current in-office, hybrid or at home status.

Original Announcement (December 2024): https://newsroom.ohiohealth.com/ohiohealth-to-build-new-comprehensive-outpatient-cancer-center/

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 36,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 16 hospitals, three joint-venture hospitals, one managed-affiliate hospital, 200+ ambulatory sites and other health services spanning a 50-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 times since 2007. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com. 

About Columbus Oncology & Hematology

At Columbus Oncology & Hematology, we’re dedicated to providing the best in patient care. It’s a commitment we’ve made to our patients and the communities we serve. Your health and well-being will always be the focus of everything we do.

Columbus Oncology & Hematology is comprised of a group of 16 dedicated and caring physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer and blood disorders. Trusted for over 37 years, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients.  As a community oncology practice, we pride ourselves on offering the best value for comprehensive oncology and hematology care close to home.

Columbus Oncology & Hematology’s physicians and staff make compassionate and quality care our number one priority. It’s our level of care, experienced staff and state of the art facilities that set us apart from other cancer clinics. When meeting with one of our oncologists, you feel confident that you're starting a treatment plan with a professional who will provide effective and efficient care.  We’re Columbus Oncology & Hematology – treating you with care.

The new Forbes Top Hospitals rating system evaluates general acute care hospitals across the United States using independently validated data and nationally recognized quality measures. Approximately 5,400 hospitals were eligible for consideration. Of those, only 259 hospitals earned a 5-star overall rating.

The methodology places the greatest emphasis on clinical patient outcomes, including mortality, survival, infection and readmission rates, as well as hospital best practices, value and patient experience.

“This 5-star recognition from Forbes reinforces the commitment and compassion our associates bring to their work every single day,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “Our physicians, nurses, and support teams show up for patients and one another with excellence and heart.”

The ranking is designed to help patients and families better understand hospital performance using unbiased, data-driven information.

“For our community, this honor reinforces that they can count on Marion General Hospital for exceptional care, delivered by people who are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the place so many of the associates and leaders call home,” Doug Strine, Chairperson of the Marion General Hospital Board said.

For Marion and surrounding communities, hospital leaders say the designation underscores the strength of local healthcare close to home.

“Our nursing teams and care partners work tirelessly to make sure every patient, and family feels supported, informed and cared for from the moment they walk through our doors,” said Jamie Cunningham, chief nursing officer and vice president, patient care services, Marion General Hospital. “This recognition affirms what our patients already know. They can expect high-quality, compassionate care right here in their community.”

Forbes developed ratings in collaboration with healthcare measurement experts and an advisory panel of clinicians, scientists, health policy researchers and patient advocates.

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

OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital is now offering robotic-assisted joint replacement surgery, expanding access to advanced orthopedic care for patients in Athens and throughout southeast Ohio. The hospital recently completed its first robotic-assisted cases and now offers the technology for total knee replacement, partial knee replacement and total hip replacement procedures.

Robotic-assisted technology, including the ROSA system used at O’Bleness Hospital, supports surgeons with advanced planning and real-time guidance during surgery, allowing for a more personalized approach based on each patient’s anatomy. The surgeon remains fully in control throughout the procedure, using the technology to support precision and decision-making.

For patients, the technology allows surgeons to better tailor joint replacement to the individual. That can mean a joint that feels more natural and functions better during everyday activities.

“I’m excited to be able to offer state-of-the-art, robotic-assisted joint replacement right here in Athens,” said Sergio Ulloa, DO, orthopedic surgeon at O’Bleness Hospital. “The technology helps us plan more precisely and place implants in a way that’s best suited for each patient, with long-term outcomes in mind.”

The introduction of robotic-assisted joint replacement builds on recent investments in surgical services at O’Bleness Hospital, including the opening of new, modernized operating rooms in 2025.

“This is another important investment in the health of our community and the teams who care for our patients every day,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “Our surgeons and surgical staff are excited to use these tools, and our patients benefit from having advanced orthopedic care available locally rather than needing to travel.”

OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center has announced the appointment of Kristin Gardner, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, CENP, as its new chief nursing officer.

In her role as CNO, Dr. Gardner will oversee nursing practice and nursing services for the hospital, including clinical operations, quality of patient care and the safety of both patients and associates. 

Gardner brings 25 years of experience in community hospital settings, where she has focused on building strong relationships, leading complex clinical operations, and engaging patients and families. Most recently, she served as chief nursing officer at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital in Athens, a role she held for three years. Prior to that, Gardner was CNO at OhioHealth Berger Hospital in Circleville for eight years.

“Kristin brings deep expertise in nursing leadership, healthcare delivery and OhioHealth’s commitment to community-based care,” said Wendy Elliott, president of OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center. “Her experience and passion for local healthcare make her a strong leader for our hospital and the community we serve.”

 “I’m excited to begin building relationships with our associates and providers while getting to know the Cambridge community,” Gardner said. “A key priority for me is ensuring every person who comes through our doors has a positive experience. Whether they are patients, families, providers or associates, everyone deserves compassionate, high-quality care, every time.”

Gardner succeeds former Southeastern Medical Center chief nursing officer Gina Woods, who joined OhioHealth Grant Medical Center in late 2025.

The William Brunk Endowed Chair in Cancer Care will provide resources to attract and retain top clinical talent in OhioHealth’s cancer program. The William Brunk Cancer Innovation Fund will support the greatest needs of OhioHealth’s cancer program including facilities and support for patients and caregivers.  

Dr. Efebera (pictured at left with Bill) is actively involved in cancer research and internationally recognized for her work in multiple myeloma and blood and marrow transplant. The transformational gift that Janet Smith has made is a testament to the dedication and devotion Dr. Efebera shows to all her patients.

“I was inspired to make this gift to honor my husband and to recognize the compassionate care Bill received from Dr. Efebera,” said Janet Smith. “When he had an appointment with her, he would say, ‘I get to see Effie today.’ And he would smile. What she gave to him, and to me, was hope.”

Janet shared that Bill, who passed away in March 2020, never dreaded his medical appointments because he always looked forward to seeing Dr. Efebera. Her clinical expertise not only impressed them, but it was her deep compassion and ability to connect with Bill that really made a difference in his cancer treatment.

As Dr. Efebera shared, her guiding principle is to make every patient a priority. “Patient care means treating every patient as if he or she is family,” she said. “I think about if I were in this situation, what would I want my physician to do for me? I strive to make every patient feel as if they are the most important.”

“At the very first visit we had with Dr. Efebera, she came in and gave us both a hug,” said Janet. “She held Bill’s hand and said: ‘You two go live and enjoy your life. I’m going to take care of the rest.’ Her love for people and her profession is palpable, and you can feel the difference.”

“This $5 million transformative gift will impact the lives of cancer patients and support OhioHealth’s vision to provide exceptional care for all,” said Karen Morrison, President, OhioHealth Foundation and OhioHealth Senior Vice President. “We are grateful for Janet Smith’s gift and join her in recognizing the incredible work of Dr. Efebera and the compassionate care she shows to every patient.”

To learn more about the OhioHealth Foundation, click here.

Lancaster, Ohio, native Sarah Bieber grew up active and athletic, but frequent ankle sprains in high school culminated in a major injury before senior year. She tore the ligaments in the outer right side of her right ankle. She underwent surgery in 2017 with another health system, but the pain persisted. “Every day after that, it was pain all the time, things felt way too tight in there,” she said.

She pushed through the pain throughout her senior year of high school but knew something wasn’t right. “I made it through senior year and into college, but I was constantly afraid to do anything super active because I knew I’d pay for it later with sharp pains, burning sensations, and limited flexibility,” Bieber said.

The pain was debilitating and left her feeling discouraged often.

“I can’t walk like this forever, and be afraid to do things forever,” Bieber said. “I want to go hiking with my friends and in the future if I have kids, I want to be able to chase them around.”

To reclaim her life, in 2019, she sought help from OhioHealth. Brian Steginsky, DO, an orthopedic surgeon at OhioHealth, who provided Bieber with the guidance and expertise she needed, performing a joint fusion surgery in April 2024 that changed her life.

Dr. Steginsky diagnosed her with arthritis in the joint and explained that it would likely get worse over time. Bieber shared that she was presented with two options: surgery or cortisone shots. She chose to try the shots first, which provided some relief and delayed the need for surgery, but ultimately didn’t resolve the underlying issue.

Dr. Steginsky performed a joint fusion by inserting screws through Bieber’s heel, promoting bone healing and restoring mobility. Bieber is one of the youngest patients Dr. Steginsky has performed a joint fusion on.

The initial weeks after surgery were some of the hardest for Bieber: “The first couple weeks were really, really intense, I have never experienced pain like that before. It totally made sense because I just had screws put into my bones.” Recovery meant Sarah couldn’t put any weight on her ankle until August. She relied on crutches, a knee scooter, and had to temporarily give up driving.

Bieber’s post-surgery period also involved regular hospital visits for check-ups and mobility exercises. Bieber credits not only the OhioHealth care team, but her supportive family and friends, who were by her side throughout her recovery, ensuring she never faced her journey alone. She gradually regained her mobility and independence.

Today, Sarah lives in Montana, embracing life with a renewed spirit.

“Because of Dr. Steginsky and the entire OhioHealth team, I now live without the constant fear of pain, and I am able to pursue my passions and enjoy new adventures,” Bieber expressed with gratitude. “It really felt like they were on my side.”

She works in marketing for an aerial firefighting company and frequently travels for her job, activities she once thought impossible due to her condition.

“I feel better than I have in a very long time,” Bieber said. “Sometimes I think about it; before I would think about my ankle every day so negatively about it, but now I can forget about my ankle which is a big deal for me. It took up so much of my life.”

Her story reflects not only personal triumph, but also the profound impact of dedicated healthcare professionals. OhioHealth is honored to have played a role in Sarah's journey and remains committed to transforming lives through compassionate care.

Get ready to come together, lift each other up, and rise above the challenge of cancer at "We Rise Together," an inspiring event designed to empower and educate. Join us on Saturday, November 15, from 4:00 PM to 8:30 p.m. at the Mill Run Event Center at 3861 Park Mill Run Drive in Hilliard.

This unique event, sponsored by Deepa Halaharvi, DO’s "The Breast Cancer Podcast," will bring together a community of survivors, healthcare professionals, and advocates for an evening dedicated to education, empowerment, and elegance. Attendees can expect powerful talks from leading experts in breast health and wellness, engaging panel discussions, and a moving survivor fashion show celebrating courage and resilience:

• Expert Panels: Gain insights from experts in breast cancer care, including advancements in treatment and wellness strategies beyond cancer.
• Interactive Q&A Sessions: Participate in "Speed Dating with the Experts" for personalized engagement with healthcare professionals.
• Survivor Fashion Show: Celebrate survivorship with a runway show featuring survivors who inspire hope and courage.

Dr. Deepa Halaharvi, breast surgeon with OhioHealth, and Dr. Shabana Dewani, medical oncologist with Columbus Oncology & Hematology, who are leading this impactful survivorship event, emphasize the importance of community in overcoming the challenges faced by cancer. "When the passion for science and the love for the community come together, it creates a powerful force for change," said Dr. Halaharvi. "We are here to support, inspire, and uplift each other."

"We Rise Together" is more than an event; it's a movement that unites us all in the fight against breast cancer.

Join us in celebrating survivorship, sharing knowledge, and building connections that inspire hope. Together, we will learn, celebrate, and make a positive impact on our community.

For more information and to secure your spot, visit the Eventbrite page here.

 

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. With the new thrombectomy certification, OhioHealth strengthens its commitment to delivering time-critical stroke interventions closer to home, an essential step in optimizing treatment outcomes.

Thrombectomy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes blood clots from large blood vessels in the brain. This life-saving intervention can greatly reduce the risk of long-term disability and increase the likelihood of positive patient recovery.

“Pickerington Methodist Hospital is a world-class facility, designed to deliver advanced care in a community that is rapidly growing,” said Kevin Lutz, President, OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “From the expertise of our physicians to the state-of-the-art technology inside these walls, we now have everything in place to care for the most complex stroke patients right here, close to home.”

OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital is now prepared to handle every level of acute stroke care—both ischemic and hemorrhagic—including mechanical thrombectomy and craniectomy, with 24×7 neurosurgery, neurology and trauma coverage in-house.

“Stroke is a common and frequently severely disabling disease. Emergent treatment is critical to preventing death and disability,” added B.J. Hicks, MD, OhioHealth Vice President, Neurosciences. “I have great confidence in our neuroscience team, especially our acute stroke team and thrombectomy interventionalists. They’re the same elite team we have at Riverside Methodist Hospital, and frankly, I believe they are second to none in the country.”

Behind this capability is a dedicated interdisciplinary team from neuroscience specialists, interventional neuro-radiologists, neurologists, paramedics, and emergency responders. These teams have undergone intense training to ensure seamless, rapid response from 911 call to treatment. This commitment ensures excellent outcomes and enhances quality of life for stroke survivors in our community.

To learn more about stroke care at OhioHealth, click here.

The Circleville Fire Department, which provides both fire protection and emergency medical services (EMS), is an important partner for the hospital.

“It’s a partnership we rely on every day,” said Berger Hospital president Casey Liddy. “When patients arrive with EMS, our teams are able to make faster, safer decisions because of the information they share.”

Circleville Fire Chief Brian Thompson said the relationship has been built over years of working closely together. “Most of our calls involve patient transport to Berger,” Thompson said. “Our crews know the hospital staff well, and that familiarity helps us hand off patients quickly so they can get the care they need.”

The fire department averages 15–25 calls a day. “On scene things move pretty quickly and can be unpredictable,” said Thompson. “Once patients reach the hospital, the focus shifts to stabilizing and treating them. We depend on each other at both ends.”

On Tuesday, October 7, hospital leaders stopped by the fire station with a gift basket to thank the crew for their help during a summer smoke incident at the hospital and for their ongoing work throughout the year.

Collaboration between Berger Hospital and the fire department extends beyond emergencies. Firefighters regularly join hospital events such as Touch a Truck, where children can climb into fire engines and learn about safety gear. Thompson said those activities help kids see that the person behind the mask and helmet is “just a regular firefighter there to help.”

Fire Safety Week, observed October 5–11, is another chance for outreach. This year’s statewide focus is on lithium-ion battery safety, covering items like hoverboards and scooters. The Circleville Fire Department will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, giving residents a chance to tour the station and see equipment up close.

With Circleville growing and call volumes rising, hospital staff and firefighters say the daily connection between their teams remains vital. “It’s about making sure the community gets the best possible care,” Thompson said.

“HeartWorks has long been a resource for patients recovering from heart and lung conditions,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “This generous grant allowed us to create a space that better serves our patients and also fosters heart health and wellness throughout the community.”

HeartWorks provides supervised exercise, education and support for patients with chronic conditions such as heart failure, pulmonary disease and peripheral vascular disease. Last year, 196 patients were admitted and treated in the program, completing over 4,000 rehabilitation sessions.

Improved Space, Expanded Offerings

Renovations addressed both patient needs and programming constraints. Updates include a dedicated group exercise area, the conversion of underutilized locker rooms into consultation rooms, and new durable flooring to replace carpeting. 

“While we’re extremely proud of the care we provide, we’ve always seen the potential to do more,” said Megan Beatty, director of HeartWorks. “With this project, we’ve been able to freshen up our space and expand our footprint, creating opportunities for group exercise and ongoing support after patients complete their initial rehabilitation.”

The updated exercise space also accommodates expanded collaboration with the hospital’s UpBEAT (Be Educated and Active Together) program for older adults.

 “This renovation gives UpBEAT a space that meets the needs of our members and offers additional opportunities for a variety of exercise programming” said Mary Jane Timmons, OhioHealth program manager for UpBEAT. “We’re thrilled to partner with HeartWorks to create more choices for older adults to stay active and socially connected.” 

A Community Impact

Beyond traditional rehabilitation, the upgraded HeartWorks facility provides patients and community members with access to group fitness classes tailored to diverse health needs, including resistance training, flexibility and balance exercises. This expansion supports the shared goals of HeartWorks and its partners to promote healthy aging and reduce barriers to fitness in southeast Ohio. 

Representatives from the Sisters Health Foundation expressed their enthusiasm about the impact of the project. “The Sisters Health Foundation is excited to partner with O’Bleness Hospital in the expansion of their HeartWorks facility,” said Sheiron Sanchez, Sisters Health Foundation program officer. “We support efforts that improve and expand access to cardiopulmonary health and rehabilitation and promote behavior change. Thank you to the O’Bleness HeartWorks interdisciplinary team for helping foster a community of health in Athens County.”

The hospital has introduced 3D mammography, or digital breast tomosynthesis, at both Berger Hospital and the OhioHealth Circleville Health Center. The upgrade marks a significant advance in early cancer detection, comfort, and efficiency for patients.

“This new technology means breast cancer has fewer places to hide,” said Gretchen Roberts, chief nursing officer at Berger Hospital. “It produces sharper, more detailed images, while also making the experience faster and more comfortable for patients. And because the process is more efficient, we’ll be able to serve more women right here in our community.”

Compared to traditional 2D mammograms, 3D technology reduces false positives, lowers the number of women called back for additional imaging, and improves detection rates. The upgrade also means shorter exams and less discomfort for patients.

Hospital leaders estimate that more than 4,500 women each year will benefit from the investment, which increases Berger’s capacity to provide timely breast cancer screening locally.

The modernization was funded through a combination of hospital capital and donor contributions, with leading support from the Well Being Foundation Investment Fund (a fund of the Pickaway County Community Foundation), Circleville Community United Methodist Church Community Grants, John and Susie Dunlap and Aces Against Cancer/A Community Cares.

“Once we listened to the request, we deliberated on the need and the impact on the individuals who will benefit. The need for a mammogram fits, and the Well Being Foundation is proud to make a difference with this donation,” said Randy Beach, board president of the Well Being Foundation of Pickaway County.

Alongside the new technology, Berger Hospital also recognized the dedication of its mammography team, whose members together bring more than 100 years of service to local patients. Several technologists have cared for women in Pickaway County for more than two decades.

“The bedside manner of our team matters just as much as the tools we use,” Roberts said. “Their expertise and compassion are at the heart of the excellent care women receive here.”

Hospital officials emphasized that the investment is part of a broader vision for cancer care in Pickaway County. Plans are already underway for the Bradley Cancer Center, which will further expand access to oncology services and treatment close to home.

“As our community grows, so does the need for high-quality cancer care,” said Casey Liddy, president of Berger Hospital. “This project shows what’s possible when we combine advanced technology with local generosity. Together, we’re saving lives.”

The two 72-bed hospitals will continue to provide emergency mental health services, inpatient acute psychiatry and outpatient mental health treatment. Outpatient programs include partial hospitalization programs (PHP) and intensive outpatient programs (IOP). Multidisciplinary care teams at each facility treat individuals suffering from a wide range of behavioral health and substance use issues.

“Healthcare continues to be complex, especially within the behavioral health space,” Dallas Erdmann, MD, OhioHealth Medical Chief, Behavioral Health said. “OhioHealth has identified a clear need for access to more inpatient behavioral health beds in central Ohio.  Partnering with a national leader, Lifepoint Behavioral Health, will help expand access leading to improved and sustained mental health treatment options.”

The joint venture facilities will welcome behavioral health professionals from OhioHealth, currently serving in the behavioral health unit at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and in PHP and IOP roles at OhioHealth Outpatient Behavioral Health on Olentangy River Road.  All patients currently receiving PHP and IOP services at OhioHealth locations will finish their treatment plans at OhioHealth.  The Changes locations, that will operate within the partnership, will continue to provide PHP and IOP services after the close of the OhioHealth PHP and IOP programs.

Additionally, the existing inpatient behavioral health unit at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital will operate a unit of all-private rooms for the treatment of medically complex behavioral health patients.

“There is no one way to treat behavioral health challenges. It instead demands very individualized care.” Kanesha Moss, Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, Patient Care Services, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital said. “This partnership ensures a strong continuity of care for our patients at all stages in their journey.  It also allows our incredibly skilled team at Riverside to offer extremely specialized complex care on the road to improved outcomes.”

As part of the joint venture, Lifepoint Behavioral Health will continue to manage day-to-day operations of Columbus Springs Dublin and Columbus Springs East and their associated units and outpatient locations.

“We are pleased to partner with OhioHealth as we deepen our commitment to providing patient-centered behavioral health services here in Columbus,” said Dr. Nicki Tessler, president of Lifepoint Behavioral Health. “OhioHealth’s leadership throughout Ohio and continued investment in community-based healthcare aligns with our own vision to expand access to care while creating a more integrated healthcare experience in the communities we serve, and I look forward to seeing all that we accomplish together in central Ohio.”

For more information about Columbus Springs Dublin and Columbus Springs East and their associated units and outpatient locations, please visit www.ColumbusSprings.com.

About Lifepoint Behavioral Health

Lifepoint Behavioral Health specializes in providing compassionate care across the behavioral healthcare continuum. Through its 23 behavioral health hospitals and contract management and joint venture partnerships with hospitals and providers across the country, Lifepoint Behavioral Health offers programs designed to address the unique needs of various patient populations, including adolescents, adults and geriatrics. Lifepoint Behavioral Health has diversified programming, allowing specific therapy models of treatment while encompassing the whole person. These treatment models provide evidence-based therapies with distinct short- and long-term goals of improving and sustaining mental health. Lifepoint Behavioral Health is a business unit of Brentwood, Tennessee-based Lifepoint Health.

bioMérieux, a world leader in in vitro diagnostics, is proud to announce Columbus, Ohio, based, not-for-profit health care system, OhioHealth and The OhioHealth Microbiology Laboratory is the nation’s newest Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Center of Excellence.

The bioMérieux AMS Center of Excellence initiative represents a unique set of health systems worldwide that share the same commitment as bioMérieux – to improve AMS and slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global public health threat. This partnership recognizes the critical role of the laboratory in driving data-informed diagnostic practices to enhance patient care, advance infectious disease management, and accelerate the fight against AMR. OhioHealth is the first regional healthcare system in the AMS Center of Excellence network, covering more than 50 of the 88 counties in the state of Ohio.

This partnership illustrates OhioHealth’s commitment to setting the national standard on patient safety and positive outcomes. Leaning into its core values of excellence and stewardship, this collaboration supports the overall mission to improve the health of those OhioHealth serves through exceptional healthcare for all.

“OhioHealth is a national leader, providing exceptional, high-quality care for each patient we have the honor of serving,” said Andrea K. Smith, M.S., MB(ASCP)^CM

OhioHealth Senior Director, Laboratory Services. “For our system microbiology laboratory to be recognized as an Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Center of Excellence by bioMérieux, it serves as validation for what we have passionately worked to achieve. We always put patients at the center of everything we do. By utilizing innovative technologies and best practices, we will continue to lead, ensuring our patients have the best possible outcomes.”

No one is safe from AMR. By 2050, AMR is predicted to surpass cancer as the leading cause of death globally.¹ Early and accurate diagnostic testing, the mission of the OhioHealth Microbiology Laboratory, plays a pivotal role in guiding appropriate antibiotic use, reducing unnecessary prescriptions, and improving patient outcomes. Economically, diagnostics can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and, most importantly, decreasing hospital stays and readmissions.

“Diagnostics are among the most powerful tools we have in the fight against AMR,” said Jennifer Zinn, bioMérieux Executive Vice President of Clinical Operations. “Advancing AMS requires collaboration across the entire healthcare ecosystem—from clinicians, lab professionals, pharmacists, and beyond. We’re honored to welcome OhioHealth to this global movement of forward-thinking health systems. By leveraging our collective expertise and embracing diagnostics-driven stewardship, we can accelerate meaningful change, harness innovation, and ultimately help improve patient outcomes.”

Through the partnership, bioMérieux will provide its expertise in advanced diagnostic technologies, IT and lab automation, as well as training and quality management support. A dedicated bioMérieux Center of Excellence team will support OhioHealth with its unique AMS initiatives to optimize these high-value solutions to improve patient care and mitigate the spread of AMR.

ABOUT GLOBAL ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP AND ams CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE

In 2021, bioMérieux established the Antimicrobial Stewardship Centers of Excellence program to bring attention to the threat of antimicrobial resistance and to accelerate the impact that infectious diseases diagnostics have in facilitating antimicrobial stewardship and better patient care. OhioHealth is the fourth U.S. AMS Center of Excellence. In addition to OhioHealth, bioMérieux collaborates with 15 other leading hospitals across 13 countries to integrate innovative diagnostic solutions into AMS programs globally.

According to a landmark study published in The Lancet in 2022, as of 2019, an estimated 4.95 million annual deaths were associated with bacterial AMR, with 1.27 million deaths directly attributable to it.² In the U.S., the impact of AMR is significant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 2.8 million people in the U.S. acquire antibiotic-resistant infections each year, and more than 35,000 people die as a result. ³

To learn more about the AMS Centers of Excellence program, visit www.biomerieux.com/corp/en/our-offer/strategic-partnerships/ams-centers-of-excellence.html.

References:

1.      O’Neill, Jim, Tackling drug-resistant infections globally: Final report and recommendations. Review on Antimicrobial Resistance. London, UK., 2016 May

2.      Murray, Christopher J L et al. Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in 2019: a systematic analysis. The Lancet. 2022 Feb.

3.      Amin VP, Dhanani M, Patel J, Dhawan A, Mahesh G, Chenna VSH, Kyada S, Dekhne A, Desai HD. 2233. Burden of Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance in United States in 2019: A Systematic Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2023 Nov 27;10(Suppl 2): ofad500.1855.

ABOUT BIOMÉRIEUX

Pioneering Diagnostics

A world leader in the field of in vitro diagnostics for 60 years, bioMérieux is present in 45 countries and serves more than 160 countries with the support of a large network of distributors. In 2024, revenues reached €4.0 billion, with over 93% of sales outside of France. bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (systems, reagents, software and services) which determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. Its products are mainly used for diagnosing infectious diseases. They are also used for detecting microorganisms in agri-food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.

bioMérieux is listed on the Euronext Paris stock market. 

Symbol: BIM – ISIN Code: FR0013280286

Reuters: BIOX.PA/Bloomberg: BIM.FP 

Corporate website: www.biomerieux.com

“Radiation oncology is a very niche specialty,” said Andy Freeman, MD, system chief for radiation oncology at OhioHealth. “In fact, in medical school, most people never get exposed to it. They’ve never heard of it.”

At OhioHealth, patients can benefit from tools that deliver radiation with incredible accuracy. This includes a treatment called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) which allows doctors to aim high doses of radiation directly at a tumor while protecting the area around it.

In the past, doctors used an x-ray before treatment to check a patient’s position, but slight movements during treatment could go undetected. Now, surface monitoring is keeping treatment on track.

“We’re actually monitoring the position of the patient in real time,” Dr. Freeman said. “So, if they have any subtle movements that may be moving outside of the target, we can immediately shut the beam off and reassess.”

OhioHealth was the first in the country to install a surface monitoring system that uses both infrared and thermal technology at the same time.

“It gives us two modalities to feel confident that we are monitoring those patients and they’re staying in the right position throughout their treatment,” Dr. Freeman said.

And patients across Ohio don’t have to travel far to get this level of care.

“Care close to home is one of the things that I love about OhioHealth,” Dr. Freeman said. “They’re invested in the local communities to provide access to these patients. And we don’t just provide access, but we provide access that gives equal quality of care in these local communities that we can provide in central Ohio.”

To learn more about radiation oncology at OhioHealth, click here.

OhioHealth

Located near the intersection of Gender Road and Waterloo Street, the $31 million investment will offer comprehensive services under one roof, including 24/7 emergency care, primary care, diagnostic services, women’s health, sports medicine, and rotating specialty care. The center will also create more than 50 new jobs in the Canal Winchester area.

“This new facility is more than a building – it’s a commitment to the health and wellness of Canal Winchester, and the surrounding communities,” Brian Jepson, OhioHealth Central Market President, said. “We heard from residents that they wanted more convenient care options closer to home. What better time to offer a full-service, patient-centered health destination built to grow alongside the community.”

At the heart of the center is a freestanding, full-service emergency department equipped to handle the same life-threatening conditions as a hospital-based emergency room. This space includes 12 private treatment rooms, advanced imaging such as CT, X-ray, and ultrasound, a resuscitation room, and both walk-in and ambulance entrances.

In addition to emergency services, the center will offer:

• Outpatient mammography for preventive breast health
• Primary care, sports medicine, cardiology, and urology
• Obstetrics and gynecology with prenatal and postnatal care

“We’ve designed this space with flexibility and long-term growth in mind,” Mike Ezzie, MD, President, OhioHealth Physician Group (OPG) said. “By combining emergency, diagnostic, and specialty services, we’re offering patients a seamless experience and creating a true healthcare hub right here in Canal Winchester.”

The center also reflects OhioHealth’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, meeting Energy Star 75 and LEED Silver standards for energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025, hosted by the Canal Winchester Chamber of Commerce. While the event is invite-only, community members are encouraged to begin scheduling appointments now and explore care options through the OhioHealth mobile app.

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, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health and other health services spanning a 50-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 times since 2007. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com. 

The overall renovation, which will unfold in multiple phases, is designed to enhance safety, streamline workflow and support advanced surgical procedures now and in the future. Phase 1 includes two of three planned operating rooms and updated spaces that improve how surgical teams prepare and deliver care.

“These are modern, thoughtfully designed spaces that reflect how far we’ve come in our surgical care,” said Ressa Hutchison, surgery manager at O’Bleness Hospital. “Our teams have more space to move, advanced technology to support them and a more comfortable, efficient environment to care for patients.”

Each suite features state-of-the-art Steris surgical LED lighting with shadow-reducing sensors, integrated with a Steris CleanSuite airflow system that helps maintain a sterile environment. Many of the surgical room systems, including lighting, airflow and equipment settings, can be controlled remotely from a high-tech nurse’s station. Staff say this gives them greater flexibility and helps streamline workflow throughout the day.

“This kind of remote functionality allows us to focus more on the patient and less on managing the room,” Hutchison said. “It’s a big step forward for efficiency and safety.”

Additional amenities, such as blanket warmers in every room, may seem small, but staff say they help create a more calming and supportive environment for patients as they prepare for surgery.

According to Hutchison, the newly opened suites are among the most advanced in the region. Future phases of the project will include construction of a third operating room and a dedicated endoscopy suite.

 “This project is a major investment in the health of our region,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital. “It means patients in Athens and throughout southeast Ohio can receive high-quality surgical care in the most up-to-date environment without needing to travel far from home.”

The hospital performs more than 3,000 surgeries each year. Lucas-Helber says the new spaces will support growth while improving both care quality and provider experience as the project continues. The project is anticipated to reach final completion in early 2026. 

The initiative is designed to ensure that families in southeast Ohio have access to expert pediatric emergency care without needing to leave the region.  A Nationwide Children’s provider will work exclusively in the emergency department daily, offering child-focused expertise and helping to address the unique ways illnesses and injuries present in children. Nationwide Children’s nurse practitioners will rotate coverage.

“We are thrilled to partner with Nationwide Children’s Hospital to bring this additional level of pediatric emergency care to our community,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “The collaboration strengthens our ability to provide local, high-quality emergency care for children, reducing the need for families to travel for specialized pediatric treatment.”

The pediatric nurse practitioner will serve as an extension of Nationwide Children’s nationally recognized team, which has a longstanding reputation as a destination academic medical center for managing complex pediatric conditions.

"It is exciting to help meet an important community need by adding pediatric emergency support services to the established emergency care provided at OhioHealth O'Bleness," said Libbey Hoang, vice president of planning and business development at Nationwide Children's. "With the recent opening of our Close To Home^SMCenter on the O'Bleness campus, this further strengthens our commitment to meet patients and families right where they are in partnership with OhioHealth and the local and surrounding communities."

About Nationwide Children’s Hospital

Named to the Top 10 Honor Roll on U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 list of “Best Children’s Hospitals,” Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of America’s largest not-for-profit free-standing pediatric health care systems providing unique expertise in pediatric population health, behavioral health, genomics and health equity as the next frontiers in pediatric medicine, leading to best outcomes for the health of the whole child. Integrated clinical and research programs, as well as prioritizing quality and safety, are part of what allows Nationwide Children’s to advance its unique model of care. Nationwide Children’s has a staff of more than 16,000 that provides state-of-the-art wellness, preventive and rehabilitative care and diagnostic treatment during more than 1.8 million patient visits annually. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded free-standing pediatric research facilities. More information is available at NationwideChildrens.org.

Many of the associates leading who are the program are veterans themselves, including Jared Motycka, RN, nurse administrator and U.S. Army veteran. Motycka says it’s that shared military experience that allows for a deeper level of understanding and trust. 

“[Patients] are probably a lot more willing to relay things to you that they might not with somebody else,” Motycka said. “And not just about potential combat service but even just getting out, getting back into the world. Even if you didn’t deploy overseas, it’s still a big adjustment to make. And I think that’s something everybody goes through.” 

Motycka, who served from 2002–2006, is joined in this mission by several fellow OhioHealth associates who are also veterans: Bret Lewis, Jim Harvey, Darren Wainscott, Keith Allen, and Jody Chilton. Together, they will round on veteran patients, providing both clinical care and emotional support that reflects the camaraderie of military service. 

Also playing an important role in the program are hospital volunteers, such as Robert Mohr, a Navy veteran who, as of this summer, has dedicated 25 years of service to Van Wert Hospital. He believes this program fills an important gap in recognizing the sacrifices veterans have made. 

“Veterans don’t always get the recognition that they deserve,” Mohr said. “They made the decision to spend time defending their country. And their country is not just land, it’s people. Especially the people in Vietnam coming back — they did not get the recognition they deserved. It will be meaningful for their families. It’s a good effort.” 

From welcoming veteran patients at the front doors to honoring their legacy at life’s end, this new program reflects a deep commitment by OhioHealth to serve those who have served. 

“Caring for veterans goes beyond medicine,” said Paula Stabler president of Van Wert Hospital. “It’s about showing them that their sacrifices are seen, remembered, and valued.” 

Van Wert Hospital is always looking to recruit more volunteers. To learn more about volunteering opportunities at the hospital, please reach out to Emily Lichtenberger at Emily.Lichtenberger@ohiohealth.com. 
 

 As the first national cross-sector youth gun violence prevention campaign bringing together health care and business, the new initiative provides people with tangible actions that can help decrease the impact of gun related tragedies on children and teens in the United States. While many may believe that gun violence is a divisive topic with limited opportunity for alignment on solutions, research shows common ground exists, especially around the impact of firearm injury on children and teens. This first-of-its-kind effort, “Agree to Agree,” comprehensively addresses the issue by building on shared beliefs to address the full spectrum of the impact of gun violence on children and teens in the United States, inclusive of firearm suicides, intentional and unintentional shootings. By convening partners across the advertising, business, health care, marketing, media and tech industries, the coalition led by the Ad Council aims to create meaningful change.

Gun violence and its impact on children and teens is a national crisis, one that affects the lives of Ohio residents. In an effort to protect our local communities, OhioHealth is supporting this nationwide initiative and working to make an impact locally as well, focusing on providing education to our patients and the communities we serve, and events such as an upcoming gun lock box giveaway in June at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center for Gun Violence Prevention Month. 

“OhioHealth treats a considerable number of victims of gun violence,” said Shay O’Mara, MD, Clinical VP, Surgery, OhioHealth Clinical Enterprise. “With five trauma centers in the OhioHealth Trauma Network, our providers are prepared to engage with patients, families, and care givers about proven safety practices. Through this campaign, we hope to be a local leader in driving meaningful change by initiating collaborative conversations and finding common ground actions that can make our community safer. Death from gun violence is preventable, and we all have a role to play in protecting children and teens. This is one of the most important public health crises of our lives.”

In calendar year 2024, OhioHealth treated 423 gunshot wounds among its five trauma centers and its Freestanding Emergency Department network.

The "Agree to Agree” campaign is based in the common ground Americans share, raising awareness of the fact that everyone — both gun owners and non-gun owners — can agree that firearms shouldn’t be the leading cause of death for children and teens in this country. The series of PSAs include one for parents and those with children and youth in their lives, showcasing real kids uniting to help adults recognize that children and teens should be protected from firearm violence. The PSA directs viewers to AgreeToAgree.org where individuals can learn about gun violence and how they can take action in their homes and communities to prevent firearm injury and death. Another PSA in the series features health care professionals speaking directly to other clinicians on the unique role they hold to help prevent firearm injuries through collaborative conversations with their patients. The video instructs health care professionals to visit AgreeToAgree.org/HealthCare for resources on how to have supportive gun violence prevention dialogue with families.

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.

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, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health and other health services spanning a 50-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 times since 2007. For more information, visit ohiohealth.com. 

Grant Family Medicine is the outpatient care home of the Grant Family Medicine Residency and has supported the community for over 50 years. It provides comprehensive primary care services for all ages, including adult care, pregnancy care, newborns, children and adolescents.  Services include:

• Annual physicals and wellness exams
• Phlebotomy services by Quest Diagnostics (by appointment only)
• Specialized care for older adults
• Prevention and management of chronic diseases
• Walk-in care for injury or illness
• Obstetrics, lactation support and gynecology
• Care after hospital admission
• Sports medicine
• Behavioral health support
• And more

The new building is 33,000 square feet with 50 patient rooms and two community education spaces. It’s also home to Grant’s transition of care clinic and offers a clinical learning environment for 36 family medicine resident physicians.

“Our physicians and advanced practice providers create a space that values and supports every patient,” said Alysia Herzog, MD, Grant Family Medicine Residency Program Director. “We specialize in caring for the entire family through all phases of life. This new location will allow us to continue to deliver compassionate, comprehensive and personalized care to patients and families with expanded services to better meet the needs of our community.”

The new practice location offers convenient, free parking in a brand-new attached garage with 520 parking spaces.

Walk-ins are accepted and patients can also schedule appointments by calling 614-788-5400.  Grant Family Medicine is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., with some evening appointments available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“OhioHealth is committed to downtown Columbus and is choosing to stay, commit, partner and invest in the area for the long term,” said Jean Halpin, President, Grant Medical Center. “It’s projected that central Ohio’s population will exceed three million by 2050.  Grant’s transformation, starting with primary care and now moving on to trauma and critical care, will allow us to support the exponentially growing population.”

Construction began on the new Grant Family Medicine ambulatory building in the fall of 2023.  

Media Tours

Media is invited to tour the Grant Family Medicine ambulatory building on Wednesday, March 12, from 3-4 p.m.  Grant’s president, Jean Halpin, will also be available for interviews. Please email katie.logan@ohiohealth.com if your media outlet plans on attending. 

Construction Begins Soon on Phase Two

The prior site of Grant Family Medicine, which was located in the lower level of the 6^th Street Blue parking garage at 290 E. Town St., will begin to be deconstructed later in March, along with the rest of the parking garage, for construction to begin on phase two of the transformation: a new, 270,000 square foot trauma center, emergency department and critical care pavilion to build upon Grant’s core strengths. 

This seven-story building will allow Grant to expand trauma, critical care and intermediate care and modernize the emergency department to meet growing demand for these services. The new critical care pavilion will add 160 private beds and will include close and convenient access to underground parking for emergency department patients.

Construction is expected to be completed in mid-2028.

Courtesy for Video Rendering: Cannon Design/Atchain CG Technology/Messer

Courtesy for Photo: OhioHealth

Media has permission to download video and photo for use in print, on-air and web.

OhioHealth has named Paula Stabler, RN, MSN, president of Van Wert Hospital. A strategic and results-driven healthcare leader, Stabler brings extensive experience in clinical and operational leadership, patient-centered care, and hospital administration. She is passionate about serving the Van Wert community as well as mentoring the next generation of local healthcare providers. 

Prior to stepping into this role, Stabler served as the hospital’s chief nursing officer and senior director of patient care services since 2022. In that time, she has been instrumental in driving quality improvements initiatives, fostering a workplace culture of continuous learning, and enhancing both patient and employee satisfaction. Under her leadership, the hospital has achieved significant cost savings while providing patients access to high-level care close to home. 

“We are thrilled to have Paula step into this new role leading Van Wert Hospital,” said OhioHealth’s president of regional markets, Chris Clinton. “Her dedication to Van Wert Hospital and the community is unmatched.” 

With a strong background in executive leadership, inpatient nursing, emergency patient care, and hospital administration, Stabler has played a key role in shaping healthcare services in the community. Her accomplishments include transforming workplace culture, leading strategic partnerships, and overseeing major facility enhancements, like the Van Wert Ambulatory Walk-In Center and more recently, a $3.15 million pharmacy expansion at Van Wert Hospital. 

“I am honored to take on this role and continue working alongside our incredible team,” Stabler said. “This hospital is an essential part of the community, and I look forward to making sure we are here to make a positive impact on our patients’ lives for years to come.” 

Stabler is committed to the Van Wert Community. She serves on the following boards and committees: 
- YWCA of Van Wert County 
- United Way of Van Wert County 
- Energy Special Improvement District of Van Wert County Health Collaborative 
- Van Wert Overdose Prevention Coalition 
- Associate Member Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 62 
- Life House Church (Youth Small Group Leader) 

Before becoming the CNO of Van Wert Hospital, Stabler served as the Emergency Department director for Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana where she established streamlined processes for trauma patients and developed strategies for frontline staff to build leadership skills. 

No stranger to Van Wert Hospital, Stabler also served as director of Van Wert Health’s Emergency Department and Emergency Medical Services from 2015 – 2020. In that time, she designed and implemented new emergency department initiatives that improved patient satisfaction scores. She also co-chaired the disaster preparedness team and established the Hazardous Emergency Response Team (HERT). 

Stabler is a graduate of Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio where she received her Bachelor of Science for nursing in 2010. She received a Master of Science for nursing management and leadership from Western Governors University in 2021. 
 

The comprehensive cancer center will create a seamless experience for our patients.  Services and programs will include:

• Radiation oncology 
• Surgical oncology clinics
• Medical oncology
• Hematology
• Infusion
• Diagnostics
• Lab
• Several specialized cancer clinics

“This comprehensive cancer center will increase access to care for patients who are dealing with  complicated and aggressive cancers,” said Praveen Dubey, MD, OhioHealth Vice President, Cancer Care.  “Cancer is scary.  With the creation of this facility, we are making care more convenient for our patients and demonstrating that we know their care is a combination of clinical care and the experience every time they interact with us.  This facility will provide a place for central Ohio residents and an option for our patients in the region if they need more complex care outside of their community.”

Construction will include doubling the size of the existing building on the administrative campus, renovations to the current structure and a new parking garage.  This will bring the entire campus structure, located at 3430 OhioHealth Pkwy., to almost 500,000 square feet. 

Expanding OhioHealth’s Long-Term Relationship with Columbus Oncology and Hematology

Columbus Oncology and Hematology will be co-located within the cancer center, leasing about 30,000 square feet for a medical oncology clinic, infusion and pharmacy.

“We are honored to collaborate on this center with Columbus Oncology and Hematology. They are one of the most respected cancer experts in our area. Working with them to provide medical oncology and infusion services to both our patients and theirs definitely puts the stamp of world-class medicine on this new facility” said Dr. Dubey.  “We already have multiple cancer centers together and this strengthens that commitment to all those we serve.”

OhioHealth and Columbus Oncology and Hematology have also collaborated on the Dublin Cancer Center and the Westerville Cancer Center.

“It is exciting for Columbus Oncology and Hematology to expand our valued alignment with OhioHealth with our planned presence in the Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Joseph Hofmeister, MD, President, Columbus Oncology and Hematology.

“Adding this third site together strengthens our long-term relationship with OhioHealth. We will continue to improve the patient experience by combining resources with easy access in one site while offering expert care via an integrated enhanced collaboration among many specialties. The cancer center will allow us to grow community oncology care, cultivating the patient experience.  This collaboration helps to support OhioHealth’s goal of keeping cancer care local and enhances the commitment that Columbus Oncology and Hematology and OhioHealth have to our patients and allows us to provide the utmost quality of care. Additionally, we look forward to expanding patient access to clinical trials, innovative therapies and specialized cancer care services,” said Dr. Hofmeister.

Key Facts and Figures

• The comprehensive cancer center will be 199,000 square feet, nearly doubling the size of the current administrative campus to 500,000 square feet.
• Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026, with the goal to open for patient care in the spring of 2029.
• OhioHealth currently has over 400 cancer program staff today, and we have plans to add roughly 140+ staff over the next decade, which amounts to roughly a one third growth in oncology staffing.
• The new center provides a destination for comprehensive cancer services provided by both OhioHealth and Columbus Oncology and Hematology and increases access to care for complicated and aggressive cancers.
• Concurrently, this new center allows us to advance the cancer care offered at OhioHealth for our growing communities. This includes maintaining our outpatient and inpatient cancer care services available across our footprint to keep care local for chemotherapy management, imaging and procedures.
• OhioHealth will be working with Design Group and HKS for architecture and design. Gilbane will be the builder. 
• The new comprehensive cancer center does not change our “where we work” status for associates who work in the administrative campus – associates will remain in their current in-office, hybrid or at home status.

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. 

About Columbus Oncology and Hematology

At Columbus Oncology and Hematology, we’re dedicated to providing the best in patient care. It’s a commitment we’ve made to our patients and the communities we serve. Your health and well-being will always be the focus of everything we do.

Columbus Oncology and Hematology is comprised of a group of 17 dedicated and caring physicians who specialize in the treatment of cancer and blood disorders. Trusted for over 37 years, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care for our patients.  As a community oncology practice, we pride ourselves on offering the best value for comprehensive oncology and hematology care close to home.

Columbus Oncology and Hematology’s physicians and staff make compassionate and quality care our number one priority. It’s our level of care, experienced staff and state of the art facilities that set us apart from other cancer clinics. When meeting with one of our oncologists, you feel confident that you're starting a treatment plan with a professional who will provide effective and efficient care.

-30-

Berger Hospital is the first local healthcare provider to offer CCTA, which delivers precise, non-invasive heart assessments. This technology helps detect early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD) and other cardiovascular conditions.

CCTA uses CT imaging to produce 3D images of the coronary arteries without invasive procedures. Unlike traditional angiography, which requires catheters to be threaded through the arteries, CCTA uses a contrast dye injected through an IV, making it a safer and more comfortable procedure for patients.

“CCTA is an excellent option for evaluating the coronary arteries in patients who may be experiencing chest pain, as it allows us to directly assess the anatomy of the arteries,” said Dan Mudrick, MD, a cardiologist at Berger Hospital. “While a stress test evaluates blood flow to the heart, CCTA provides detailed images of the arteries themselves, helping us detect potential blockages or narrowing before they lead to more serious problems.”

The procedure uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) to synchronize the scan with the heart's rhythm, capturing images when the heart is most still—between beats. The scan itself typically takes just a few minutes, although the entire process may take a couple of hours due to preparatory steps, such as administration of medication to slow the heart rate.

“In the past, patients would need to travel to other facilities for this testing or undergo different tests here at Berger,” Dr. Mudrick said. “We’re excited to now offer this test right here in Pickaway County, expanding the range of close-to-home options for our patients.”

In addition to CCTA, Berger offers a wide range of heart imaging services, including stress tests and echocardiograms, to support the diagnosis and management of heart disease.

“We’re committed to providing the highest quality heart care right here in our community,” said Casey Liddy, president of OhioHealth Berger Hospital. “The launch of CCTA is just one example of how Berger is bringing advanced technology to our patients, improving outcomes and making a positive impact on their health.” 

To learn more about cardiac imaging at OhioHealth, click here.

OhioHealth announced today, effective December 1st, Jim Parobek will lead both Marion General and Hardin Memorial Hospitals allowing Hardin Memorial’s current president, Joy Bischoff, to focus her full attention on the integration and strategic alignment of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. 

Bischoff has been passionate about serving Hardin County, where she began her career nearly 30 years ago. She was named president of Hardin Memorial Hospital in 2021 and then also became president of Van Wert Hospital when OhioHealth acquired it in March of 2023. 

“It has been my absolute honor to serve patients in Hardin County and work with a team who feels like family,” Bischoff said. “I am focusing on strategic growth in a new market for OhioHealth. At OhioHealth, we have been working towards a combined Hardin and Marion leadership team for over 6 years and I feel confident that the team will continue to deliver the highest quality of care to the Hardin County community.” 

Parobek currently serves as president of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. He joined OhioHealth in March 2024. 

“In my first few months at OhioHealth, I can already tell this is a healthcare system like no other when it comes to leading with heart and empathy,” Parobek said. “I am committed to serving the patients and communities of both Hardin and Marion Counties and surrounding areas with the highest level of care and safety.” 

Bischoff’s passion for community helped launch resources to provide a lifeline for others beyond the walls of the hospital. For example, she helped start the hospital’s monthly food distribution event in Kenton, in partnership with the West Ohio Food Bank, often rolling up her sleeves and jumping in on the distribution line – delivering healthy food and necessary household items to those in need. 

Under her leadership, Bischoff has deepened community engagement in additional ways through investment into the Hardin County YMCA and a sponsorship at Rhodes State College to enhance the local pipeline for vital careers in healthcare. 

“Joy has been an integral leader in the Hardin County community and has shown so much dedication. We know she will continue to do great things leading OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital – as we continue our integration efforts,” said Chris Clinton, OhioHealth’s president of regional markets. “We welcome Jim Parobek to Hardin County and are confident that with over thirty years of healthcare experience, he will continue to make a positive impact on our organization and the communities we serve.” 

Before joining OhioHealth, Parobek served as president of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas. During his presidency, Parobek successfully established the hospital as a Level 1 trauma center, initiated multiple DE&I initiatives as well as community engagement projects including establishing a respite unit at a local homeless shelter. 

Parobek originally joined Texas Health in 2014 serving in various leadership roles where he had a significant impact on the operations by unifying the oversight and coordination of all physicians contracting, workforce development and recruitment. 

Before his career at Texas Health, Parobek was the president of St. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital and the Jewish Hospital Physician Group, both in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also the president of Gateway Rehabilitation Hospital in Louisville. 
 

For John Rayner, a weekly cooking class at the local YMCA means more than learning a new recipe. It’s about discovering simple ways to see big savings on the grocery bill and eat healthier. 

“This educational seminar is very informative and has given me a better understanding of diabetes and its complications,” Rayner said. “I know this program has helped me to take better care of myself and help me lower my A1c.” 

Rayner is a participant in Dining with Diabetes – a program supported by OhioHealth that’s held on Thursday afternoons at the YMCA during the month of November. 

“I learn a lot and the educational materials help keep me on track,” said Molly Harris, another participant. “My A1c is in a better range, I have lost weight, and I do not have to take medications for diabetes.” 

Diabetes affects over 38 million adults and children in the U.S. – that’s one in ten Americans. Diabetes diagnoses are also on the rise. According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.2 million Americans are diagnosed with diabetes every year and it’s the eighth leading cause of death. Of the more than 97 million Americans who have prediabetes or are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes – an eye-opening 81% don’t know it. 

“In the last 20 years, according to the American Diabetes Association, the number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes has doubled,” said Cheryl Gillespie, an in-patient diabetes educator at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. “Unless we reverse the trends – the American Diabetes Association projects that by 2050, 1 in 3 Americans will have diabetes." 

There is hope thanks to the collaborative work done to support an educational program called “Dining with Diabetes.” It’s offered twice a year in Marion -- once in the fall and again in the spring. The fall session aligns with American Diabetes Month, a time to raise awareness and learn more about the lives touched by the disease. The program is the result of a partnership between OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, the Marion County OSU Extension Office, and the Marion Family YMCA. 

“This is a vital resource for our community, and we are proud to work in a collaborative way to help our neighbors focus on their health and wellness,” said Gillespie. “The most common thing we hear at the classes is, ‘no one has ever explained this to me before!’ And that is why I am so glad we can provide this education.” 

The program runs for four weeks, and each class is two hours long. Each session includes strategies for meal planning, recipes, and cutting costs at the grocery store. 

“The cost-saving measures we can help with may be more important than ever before,” Gillespie said. “As prices go up at the grocery store, more and more people are struggling to make ends meet. It’s heartbreaking. We don’t want anyone to sacrifice nutritional value for savings, so that’s where we do our best to help.” 

Gillespie explained one of the go-to recipes participants in Dining with Diabetes will learn is a recipe for turkey chili, made with ground turkey meat, tomatoes, canned beans, and spices. 

“It’s an example of a meal that’s both inexpensive and nutritionally rich,” she said. 

The classes also focus on portion sizes and ways to recognize and avoid highly processed foods. In many ways – it’s a resource that provides value beyond the kitchen. 

“We also focus on mental health and wellbeing,” Gillespie explained. “That’s a big part of the work we do to help people transform their lifestyle and see success in the long term.” 
Gillespie remembers hearing from a recent Dining with Diabetes participant, who said the program has helped her change her life for the better. 

“I remember someone telling me that through the lessons they discovered, they said they realized they could still eat out at a restaurant sometimes if they said ‘goodbye’ to the extra-large side of fries and ‘hello’ to the grilled chicken.” 

For John Rayner, the value of the program has made a positive impact on his life. 

“It really saved my life,” he said. “I tell everybody about it.” 

The next session is in April 2025. Contact the Marion Family YMCA for more information. 
 

“It’s really the community, the people, and the great kids that we have here. It makes it fun to come to work every day,” explained Hardin Northern Local Schools superintendent, Andrew Cano. “When I was offered the opportunity to be superintendent, it was my dream job.” 

“I think what’s amazing about our community is that everybody is knows everyone. It’s just amazing because when something happens to one person everybody just joins in, and they are there to support them in any way possible,” said Bethany Kauffman, a kindergarten through 8th STEM teacher for the school district. “We identify the issues in our community and then we figure out how to address it and help each other out.” 

When it comes to supporting others, you’ll find something that’s unexpected inside this high school: A food pantry. 

“We know that there are kids who don’t eat. We know that we are their sustenance throughout a day,” Cano said. 

The Polar Pantry was created last school year – supported by teachers and staff. But this year -- they wanted to find a way to make it better for the long run. That’s when the United Way of Hardin County stepped in. 

Earlier this year, the United Way of Hardin County launched an initiative to partner with schools across the county to develop food pantries for middle and high school students. 

“Currently, many of our schools provide food to their elementary students, but none of our schools have anything in place for older students. Our hope is to create food pantries that allow student choice on what items they wish to take home for weekend and holiday breaks,” said Martha Nau, United Way of Hardin County’s executive director. “We’re really excited about the idea that this will meet a need we haven’t been able to yet. Support from the West Ohio Food Bank, OhioHealth, and other sponsors helped make this happen.” 

This year, OhioHealth committed $5,000 to the United Way of Hardin County to keep this pantry going – with the goal of expanding this effort to more high schools. 

For Jim Whitaker, senior advisor of operations at OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, it’s a cause that’s close to his heart. 

“The need for food is something I’ve seen first-hand in our community,” Whitaker said. “At the beginning of the year, OhioHealth launched a monthly food distribution event in Kenton in partnership with the West Ohio Food Bank. We have been able to provide hundreds of our neighbors and local families with fresh, healthy food.” 
Whitaker also serves on the United Way of Hardin County Board. 

“There is a huge need, and we are always trying to find ways of how to we help the community,” he explained. “What we do on the board is we get donations, and then we give to other entities that help people and as we interview those other agencies, we have seen the big need for food. It’s been one of their top needs.” 

“[Hunger] is a problem everywhere, but the fact that we’re in such a small community and can attack it from a more personal level, and understand what our community is going through, I think that makes us a little bit different in that we can help a little bit more,” Cano said. “I can only see this effort growing.” 

“To know that there are so many kids in our school who are impacted by this, and it’s 1 in 4 kids in Hardin County who are really struggling with that food insecurity, the fact that we can provide something is just so powerful,” Kauffman said. 

“I think the best thing is that the schools can take their own initiative and make it what they want it to be and that also brings some school spirit along with it. The whole school is involved,” explained Nau. “I think it’s amazing that the word is getting out and people are talking about it.” 
 

OhioHealth

“We want women of all ages and in every stage of their lives to feel seen, heard and understood,” Jason Melillo, MD, vice president Women’s and Reproductive Health Clinical Service Line, said. “However, we know that this stage of life is often overlooked and underserved, and we want to be the ones that change that.”

The experts within the new Menopause and Midlife Clinic specialize in a variety of services and are there to provide midlife care and beyond for women ranging from mid to late 30s to 65.

“We also will care for women who are unexpectedly placed into menopause at a younger age,” Pragna Patel, MD, FACOG, Menopause and Midlife clinic, said, “For example, chemo or surgery for cancer patients, young women who had surgical menopause, young women with primary ovarian insufficiency, etc.”

The clinic offers services for premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptom management, hormone therapy, sexual health/sexual dysfunction, mental health and wellness, cancer survivorship, dry skin and hair loss, vaginal and vulvar concerns and lifestyle management.

Services and treatments include: 
• Collaboration with OhioHealth’s Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care program 
• Dry skin and hair loss 
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) 
• Mental health and wellness 
• Pelvic health 
• Sexual health/sexual dysfunction 
• Vaginal and vulvar concerns 

“Women in this stage of life are incredibly busy and fulfill multiple roles: partner, mother, daughter, employee, and many other titles. We tend to care for ourselves last,” Dr. Patel said. “There is a sort of void in seeing an OBGYN once done having children. Also, historically women have been told this is a phase of life that happens, and you just need to deal with the symptoms, but there are so many options that can improve your overall health and quality of life.”

“Providing these services will lead to women leading longer more productive lives and being the best version of themselves for all the people in their life that count on them,” Dr. Patel said.

Dr. Khosrovi completed his medical training and residency at West Virginia University and founded the PARS Brain and Spine Institute in Parkersburg, West Virginia, in 2003. His extensive expertise includes treating cervical spine disorders, nerve compression and spinal deformities. With his leadership and the hospital’s full complement of surgical facilities, staff and equipment, Southeastern Medical Center is now offering both minimally invasive and complex spine procedures.

“This is a big step forward for our community,” said Wendy Elliott, president of Southeastern Medical Center. “In the past, patients needing these kinds of surgeries had to drive to Columbus or even out of state to receive care. Now, we can keep that care local. Our patients and their families can stay close to home, which makes a tremendous difference in both the recovery process and their overall healthcare experience.” 

The new program will offer comprehensive care, including personalized pre-surgical planning, advanced surgical interventions, and rehabilitation services to support recovery. 

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Khosrovi bring his vast experience to Southeastern Medical Center,” added Sandy Schubert, MD, the hospital’s associate vice president for clinical affairs. “His leadership and expertise in neurosurgery allow us to provide critical care to our community and improve patient outcomes locally.”

Dr. Khosrovi sees patients in his Cambridge clinic at 1452 Clark Street. To schedule an appointment, call 740-621-9924.

It is called ‘delayed’ sentinel lymph node biopsy, and is only possible to perform with Magtrace^®, the world’s first non-radioactive, dual-tracer breast cancer staging technology. The technique gives physicians the opportunity to delay the surgery often used to assess the spread of breast cancer until they know it is needed, and spare surgery altogether for those who do not. 

For patients with early-stage cancer - often referred to as DCIS or Stage 0 - the likelihood of their cancer having spread to other parts of the body can be low. Globally-recognized clinical studies, such as the 2023 SentiNOT study, have shown that up to 80% of these patients, will not have an invasive cancer, so there would be no benefit to performing axillary surgery.

The previous standard of treatment, which is still widely used across the U.S., involves removing not only the area of DCIS, but also underarm lymph nodes for further analysis, as a precautionary measure. The downsides to receiving this additional surgery can be significant, with common side effects including lymphedema, a condition which can cause long-term swelling and pain.

“Cancer patients often go through so much stress in terms of surgeries, appointments and the general unknown,” said Deepa Halaharvi, DO, OhioHealth breast and cancer surgeon. “Anytime we can ease their journey in any way and potentially avoid a surgery is going to be a benefit to the patient and help them avoid that recovery and side effects, when possible.

The lymph node biopsy that Magtrace^® offers is performed by injecting Magtrace^® into the breast at the time of mastectomy to remove the DCIS. The tracer, made from iron oxide particles, then migrates to the underarm, where it will remain for as long as the surgeon needs, marking the nodes most likely to contain cancer if it has spread.

The DCIS is then analysed by pathology for any presence of an invasive component. If it is found to be invasive, the lymph nodes will still be marked with the Magtrace^® meaning the patient can be scheduled to return for underarm surgery to confirm if the cancer requires upstaging. However, for roughly 80% of patients’ pathology will show that no further surgery is needed.

Sentimag® Available for Surgical Guidance

If additional surgery is needed, however, OhioHealth patients now have access to the latest advancements in breast cancer surgical guidance, thanks to the introduction of the new Sentimag® localization platform.

Used to accurately identify tumors and assess the spread of cancer beyond the breast, the new Sentimag® allows surgeons to more easily identify and remove cancerous tissue. 

OhioHealth is among the first in the U.S. to utilize this new system and the enhanced precision it brings.  This technology is currently available to patients at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center and OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital.

“This technology is beneficial to both the patient and us as surgeons,” said Dr. Halaharvi.  “It allows us to more accurately identify tumors and how the cancer has spread, while the slimmer probe allows us to make a smaller incision, creating a better long-term cosmetic outcome for the patient.”

Using the new Sentimag® probe, OhioHealth physicians can detect the magnetic signal emitted by the Magtrace, through visual guidance and audio feedback, which guides them towards the target to excise the suspicious lymph nodes for further analysis. 

Notes for Reporters

• In December 2022, Magtrace® was FDA Approved for use in all breast cancer staging procedures.
• The SentiNOT (2023) study demonstrates the efficacy of ‘delayed’ sentinel lymph node biopsy, with 78.7% of the 250+ patients featured avoiding axillary surgery.
• The 'SaveOurNodes’ campaign aims to increase awareness of this technique, and has been endorsed by patient organizations including Breast360 and the Breast Advocate App.
• The new Sentimag represents the next generation of breast localization, building on the strengths of the original Sentimag. Like its predecessor, the new platform pairs with the Magseed® marker (FDA approved in 2017) and the Magtrace® lymphatic tracer (FDA approved in 2018) to improve surgical outcomes and the patient experience. 
• Magtrace® has been tested and proven across more than 10,000 patients in 100+ published clinical studies. 
• The Sentimag®, Magseed® and Magtrace® technologies are manufactured by Endomag, now part of Hologic.  

 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. 

About Magtrace

• Magtrace has been widely proven to be clinically non-inferior to the combined gold-standard of Radioisotope and Blue Dye. It has been used in over 185,000 surgical procedures worldwide.
• It can be injected weeks ahead of surgery or in the operating room when the patient is under anesthetic, providing more flexibility around when the surgery takes place.
• Magtrace is simple to store - any US hospital can use it regardless of location, size or facilities.
• It’s the only solution to offer ‘delayed’ sentinel lymph node biopsy procedure, which can spare up to 80% of high-risk DCIS patients an unnecessary surgical procedure they’d otherwise receive.
• Hundreds of physicians across the US are now using Magtrace for use in standard sentinel lymph node biopsy procedures.

About Endomag

Endomag believes everyone deserves a better standard of cancer care. Their magnetic technologies are designed with both the clinician and patient in mind. Many leading hospitals across the world use the Sentimag® platform to help breast cancer patients avoid surgery when it isn’t needed, and experience better outcomes when it is.

The Sentimag® features a probe which works like a metal detector. When it is placed near the skin’s surface, it can detect Endomag’s magnetic seed marker (Magseed®) and liquid tracer (Magtrace®), for accurate lesion localization and sentinel lymph node biopsy procedures.

Endomag’s technologies have already helped over 500,000 women worldwide to access more precise, and minimally invasive breast cancer treatment.

For further information on Endomag’s technologies, contact:

Mary Nicholls - Communications Executive, Endomag

mnicholls@endomag.com

• OhioHealth Westerville Medical Campus – Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 (8 a.m. to 10 a.m.) 
• Morrow County Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.) 
• OhioHealth Doctors Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (8 a.m. to noon) 
• OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) 
• OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (8 a.m. to noon) 
• OhioHealth Marion General Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) 
• OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 (8 a.m. to noon) 
• OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital – Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) 

“It has now been well over ten years since the landmark National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated that a series of low-dose CT scans could significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by lung cancer,” said Matthew Majzun, DO, vice president of clinical affairs at OhioHealth Berger Hospital, and pulmonologist. “Nevertheless, lung cancer remains the most lethal of all cancers. Lung cancer screening provides the best chance to find a cancer early and provide curative treatment, either with surgery or radiation therapy.”

Despite the benefits, fewer than 10 percent of eligible patients undergo screening. One of the greatest barriers is the stigma associated with having been a smoker, which can prevent individuals from pursuing this screening.

“At OhioHealth, we believe no patient should miss out on this lifesaving, simple test. Our pulmonologists are dedicated to patient education and advocacy, and we partner with patients throughout the process,” Dr. Majzun said.

“Criteria for lung cancer screening eligibility typically include age (around 50-77 years depending on insurance or guidelines), duration of smoking (at least 20 pack-years) and timeframe of smoking (currently smoke or quit within 15 years),” said Joe Duffy, MD, pulmonologist with OhioHealth.

Ongoing screening is recommended every 12 months after the initial screening scan.

SARNCO provides immediate care to sexual assault survivors at emergency departments throughout the state, offering emotional, legal, social and financial support. Their services also extend beyond hospital settings to aftercare advocacy, connecting survivors to long-term resources.

SARNCO is now focusing on reaching more individuals in Circleville and surrounding areas. OhioHealth sexual violence services manager Terra Purdy emphasized the importance of volunteers in broadening this reach.

“We rely on volunteers to extend our services, and their contributions are often lifesaving for survivors navigating the aftermath of violence,” Purdy explained. “With our expansion into Pickaway County, we’re looking for dedicated individuals who want to make a difference.”

Progress is already underway. Earlier this month, SARNCO delivered specialized training to emergency medical service teams in Pickaway and Ross counties, laying the groundwork for a more comprehensive response to sexual and domestic violence in the region. The training, which was offered to Harrison, Circleville, and Clearcreek Fire Departments, equips first responders with the tools they need to provide immediate, trauma-informed care.

According to the CDC, over half of women and nearly one in three men experience sexual violence in their lifetime, underscoring the need for community-based support networks.

“Survivors often face the challenge of navigating the aftermath of trauma alone, which can be overwhelming,” added Purdy. “Having an advocate by their side to guide them through their options and connect them to resources can be a game changer.”

SARNCO offers a nationally accredited 40-hour training for those interested in becoming volunteers. These sessions occur four times a year and cover topics such as trauma response, safety planning and survivor advocacy. The next training session begins on Oct. 12, spanning five full-day weekend sessions.

“Volunteers play a vital role in SARNCO’s hospital-based and community services,” said Purdy. “They are the first point of contact for survivors in emergency departments, offering emotional support and connecting them to necessary services. Advocates help survivors transition from the hospital to the legal system, assisting with law enforcement and court proceedings, housing support and even medical appointments.”

In collaboration with Deaf World Against Violence Everywhere (DWAVE), SARNCO also offers specialized advocacy for survivors who are deaf.

In addition to hospital advocacy, volunteers can serve as Helpline Advocates, answering SARNCO’s 24-hour Rape Helpline. This role involves offering immediate comfort and guidance over the phone to survivors, as well as their friends and family members.

SARNCO invites those who are passionate about supporting survivors to learn more and apply at www.ohiohealth.com/sarnco. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and undergo a selective application process that includes a background check and interview.

“If a patient or a hospital visitor needs an item for an unexpected hospital stay or even a last-minute gift, they’ll find it here,” said Lynn Kraus, who has served as the Berger Hospital Gift Shop Volunteers’ administrative chair since 2017. Community members are also welcome to shop, and many do stop in to find a unique card, article of clothing or home décor item, according to Kraus.

But what shoppers may not realize is that the gift shop is 100% managed and operated by a dedicated group of 32 community volunteers for the benefit of the hospital and Pickaway County. 

As a nonprofit organization, the Berger Hospital Gift Shop Volunteers’ mission is clear: Every penny raised through the gift shop is reinvested into Berger, enhancing patient care and supporting the hospital’s various departments.

According to Kraus, the gift shop has been a part of Berger for over 60 years.

“Because they interact closely with Berger’s administration and staff as well as our patients, the volunteers have an intimate understanding of the needs of the hospital. They are often among the first to notice a way to improve a hospital visitor’s’ experience,” said Tracy VanHorn, Berger’s volunteer and community outreach coordinator. “And when they do, they raise their hands to help.”

Their most recent contribution to the hospital came in the form of cell phone charging stations for the Emergency Department and surgery waiting area, after volunteers noticed a steady increase of requests from gift shop patrons for various device chargers.

The gift reflects the group’s ongoing commitment to the hospital and follows previous contributions such as a support for Berger staff’s educational pursuits, equipment for the hospital’s imaging department and Infusion Center and a named nursing station on the medical-surgical floor (the culmination of a seven-year period of fundraising by the volunteers).

In addition to direct support for the hospital, the volunteers also award annual scholarships to Pickaway County high school seniors entering medical fields.

Berger president Casey Liddy praised the volunteers for their contributions. “They have invested both their time and proceeds back into Berger Hospital for so many years,” said Liddy. “Our volunteers also share a strong history of giving back not only to Berger but throughout our community. We share a passion to see our community hospital thrive and we are so grateful for that.”

Kraus invites anyone interested in becoming a Berger Hospital gift shop volunteer to stop by the gift shop and leave their contact information. 

To learn more, click here.

WHAT: OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital is proud to offer a mammogram event for the Nepali Bhutanese community, in addition to women in underserved communities.

WHY: Annual mammograms can help detect breast cancer early when it is most treatable. The event will provide this service in an easily accessible way, along with interpreting services and financial assistance, if necessary.

WHEN: Saturday, October 26, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

WHERE: Pickerington Methodist Hospital - 1010, Refugee Rd., Pickerington, OH 43147

REGISTRATION: Those interested in registering for a mammogram should call Lynn Reynolds by October 25 at 380-243-3144.  Please leave a message with your name, date of birth, phone number and preferred language.

Under this partnership, Compassus has acquired ownership interest in three hospice locations and four home health locations that were formerly led by OhioHealth. Compassus will manage the operations of these agencies, leveraging its extensive experience in home-based care, while OhioHealth will continue to play a key role in delivering high-quality care in Ohio. OhioHealth’s Athens hospice services and the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio, are excluded from the partnership. 

“OhioHealth is proud to provide patients and families with comprehensive care options for every stage of life,” said Steve Markovich, MD, President and CEO, OhioHealth. “Through our partnership with Compassus, we look forward to continuing to meet the needs of our communities with high-quality, compassionate care.” 

“We are excited to officially launch OhioHealth at Home in Partnership with Compassus, bringing high-quality, patient-centered home health and hospice care to our communities,” said Compassus CEO Mike Asselta. “Our coordination with the community and OhioHealth hospitals in Marion, central Ohio Lexington and Athens will ensure patients receive seamless, comprehensive care right in the comfort of their homes.”

The collaboration brings together Compassus' experience in managing similar ventures and OhioHealth's deep-rooted commitment to community health, ensuring the highest standards of care for patients and families. 

To learn more about OhioHealth at Home in partnership with Compassus, click here.

OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center recently hosted a dedication event to unveil a newly donated Cuddle Cot, a resource designed to provide comfort to families experiencing the loss of an infant or child. The Cuddle Cot, a specialized bassinet equipped with a cooling mat, enables parents to spend time with their baby in the hospital room, extending their moments together.

Josie Allen, manager of Southeastern Medical Center’s Childbirth Center, emphasized the significance of the Cuddle Cot. “Leaving the hospital without your baby is one of the hardest experiences for parents who have faced pregnancy loss. We are dedicated to ensuring that families have as much time with their babies as possible while they are here.”

“Cuddle Cots help support the emotional needs of families facing profound loss,” said Courtney Gray, bereavement coordinator for Southeastern Medical Center.

The Cuddle Cot was donated by Miles’ Mission, an organization founded by Dr. Michael Bullock and his daughter Jennifer Bullock-Moore in memory of her son, Miles Owen Moore. Miles’ Mission is committed to enhancing awareness about pregnancy and infant loss, providing resources for families and advocating for standardized care across hospitals.

“Miles’ Mission aims not only to provide Cuddle Cots but to offer comprehensive support to families and address the profound trauma experienced by mothers and families,” said Miles’ Mission president, Dr. Michael Bullock. “Our goal is to raise awareness and educate the public on the challenges faced by these families.”

In addition to the dedication of the Cuddle Cot, the event underscored OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center’s ongoing efforts to support impacted families following a pregnancy, infant or child loss.

“As health care workers, we know that these families’ needs don’t stop when they are discharged,” said Gray. “Southeastern Medical Center is committed to providing support for their difficult days ahead.”

Gray works to ensure families have information on counseling resources and community programs designed to support their unique grief. She also ensures that families have tangible items to help memorialize their babies. These items are often donated by organizations committed to supporting women and families through loss, such as Brook’s Bereavement Bears, which provides teddy bears matching the birth weight of the baby. Families are also provided with Dr. Bullock's book, Even Now I Know, which chronicles their family's journey from grief to gratitude, and helps other families in navigating their grief.

The hospital also supports the Walk to Remember, an annual event for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. This year’s walk will be held on October 12. Additionally, each December, Southeastern Medical Center hosts the Tree of Angels remembrance event. Gray displays a tree at the hospital for families to place an ornament on in honor of their lost child. The event is scheduled for December 7.

Dr. Bullock expressed gratitude to the hospital staff. “We are thankful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center. They are truly inspirational in their efforts to ensure families of loss receive the best possible care and support.”

For more information about Miles’ Mission and their initiatives, click here.

To learn more about the Walk to Remember or the Tree of Angels event, community members can reach out to Courtney Gray at (740) 510-0560.

As a provisional Level III-N Trauma Center, Pickerington Methodist Hospital meets all the capabilities of a Level III trauma center, with the “N” representing specialized care available for neurotrauma patients. This designation guarantees 24-hour availability of surgical services from board-certified or board-eligible neurosurgeons, the ability to manage any category of trauma alert activation and resources to treat most injured patients locally.

"Bringing advanced trauma services to Pickerington and its nearby communities is a significant step forward,” said Thanh Nguyen, DO, medical director of trauma at Pickerington. “In a trauma, every minute matters. Now we have the opportunity for the best outcomes for our patients by providing the chance for lifesaving care close to home.”

Level III-N Trauma Centers offer prompt assessment, resuscitation, surgery, stabilization and intensive care, while also providing critical support to rural and community hospitals. Trauma centers are classified by their ability to provide care, with Level I offering the highest level and specialized resources. Level II centers provide comprehensive trauma care, while Level III-N centers offer advanced neurotrauma care in addition to the initial management capabilities of a Level III center, bridging the gap between Levels II and III.

In response to the high demand for services since the hospital opened in December 2023, Pickerington expanded its capacity this spring, opening 24 additional inpatient beds on the sixth floor, as well as 12 more beds for patient care in the emergency department. This $12 million project was launched to address the growing needs of the community, reducing emergency department wait times and to minimize the need for patient diversion.

"We've been very busy since opening and are grateful in the trust our community has given us for their care,” said Kevin Lutz, DPM, president of OhioHealth Pickerington Methodist Hospital. “With this new provisional trauma designation, we are now even more prepared than ever to serve our patients with a new level of care."

Pickerington Methodist Hospital anticipates receiving full status as a Level III-N Trauma Center by spring of 2026.

OhioHealth family medicine resident, Cody Klinker, MD, has won the American Academy of Family Physicians’ (AAFP) Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education. Dr. Klinker is a native of Van Wert, Ohio and looks forward to returning home to serve patients in his community. 

According to AAFP, Dr. Klinker’s performance during residency training has ranked him among the top family medicine residents in the country. This award recognizes outstanding medicine residents for their leadership, civic involvement, exemplary patient care, and aptitude for and interest in the specialty. 

“It’s gratifying. This proves that all the work I put in is worth it,” Dr. Klinker said. “I want to be the best family medicine physician for my patients and the communities I serve.” 

In June 2025, Dr. Klinker will complete his residency with the OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Family Medicine Program. He will begin practicing at OhioHealth Van Wert Medical Offices in August of 2025. 

“We are proud of Dr. Klinker, and we are excited to know he will be joining our team to provide patients the highest-level of care close to home,” said Joy Bischoff, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. 

Dr. Klinker was born at Van Wert Hospital and grew up in Van Wert County. He graduated from Crestview High School and went on to attend Ohio State University for undergrad and then University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences for medical school. 

“I always knew I wanted to be a family medicine doctor,” Dr. Klinker said. “I also always knew I wanted to return to home to Van Wert.” 

Looking to the future, Dr. Klinker hopes to practice full spectrum primary care for patients of all ages while also serving as a mentor for medical students. His interests also include sports medicine.