• The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated the arrival of four Caribbean flamingo chicks, using the moment to highlight both animal care and new life.
• OhioHealth’s Fourth Trimester Clinic joined the celebration because of a meaningful connection to flamingos: the clinic gives small pink flamingos to new moms as a symbol of support and “getting their pink back.”
• The flamingo metaphor reflects the postpartum experience - just as flamingos lose some of their pink while caring for their young, moms can feel depleted while adjusting to life with a newborn.
• The Fourth Trimester Clinic helps new moms navigate postpartum challenges, including breastfeeding support, education and emotional reassurance.

Last month, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium celebrated its newest additions: Caribbean flamingo chicks.

“We have four Caribbean Flamingo chicks, 3 boys and 1 girl, and they’re 39 days and 38 days old," said Mallory Seibold, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium zookeeper. "So, we’re doing a fun celebration for them, bringing them out with our flock.”

Also joining the celebration was the OhioHealth Fourth Trimester Clinic team at OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital Women’s Health Outpatient Center.

As part of the celebration, OhioHealth received 30 specialty Flamingo ADOPT packages for babies born at Dublin Methodist that day, giving families a unique keepsake tied to the zoo’s newest arrivals.

“It was wonderful to get to go to the Columbus Zoo and celebrate the baby shower for the pink flamingos," said Eleanor Byrum, a nurse practitioner at the OhioHealth Fourth Trimester Clinic. "It is just really cool to get to see people in different fields kind of focused on the same things, helping moms get through that early transition with their babies.”

The connection felt especially meaningful because the Clinic gives pink flamingos to new moms as a symbol of support during those early days.

“Here at the Fourth Trimester Clinic, I give out these small pink Flamingos as a reminder to moms that they will get their pink back,” said Byrum.

The phrase “get your pink back” was popularized by social media influencer Lindsey Gurk, and it quickly resonated with Byrum on a personal level.

“When Flamingos take care of their offspring, they literally give their all to their chicks," said Seibold. “They create something called crop milk. It is the literal pink coloration from their feathers because it has all those nutrients, all those carotenoids, algae, and anything they eat, they will bring it into their body and bring it up for their children. So, their feathers become pale during that time because they’re feeding their young all that crop milk.”
Byrum said the clinic’s flamingo tradition was inspired by social media influencer Lindsey Gurk and the movement of moms “getting their pink back.”

“I started looking around for a small memento that I can give out to families to represent, ‘I see you. I see what you’re doing with your baby, I see how much love you’re pouring into them,'" said Byrum.

“I was working in the women's & reproductive health service line at OhioHealth as a business operations manager when the Fourth Trimester Clinic was launched and began seeing patients,” Lucy Getz, OhioHealth patient, said. “At the time, I saw firsthand the vision behind the clinic and the important role it could play for new mothers. I then had the opportunity to experience that support personally as a patient after having my son last August.”

Getz initially visited the clinic for a prenatal appointment, then returned often in the first several weeks after her son was born for breastfeeding support and reassurance.

“During a season that can feel overwhelming and uncertain, every person I encountered made me feel supported, encouraged, and cared for,” Getz said. “Whether it was my lactation nurse, Amy, Rona the MPT, or the clinicians Dr. Tucker or Eleanor, I always felt like I had a trusted place to turn for guidance and the clinic provided not only expert care, but also reassurance and confidence I needed as a new mom.”

Getz keeps the flamingo on her desk as a reminder that motherhood is a journey, and every stage, even the difficult ones, is temporary. “It reminds me to give myself grace, to appreciate how far I've come, and to be grateful for the support system I had that helped me navigate that fresh season of motherhood.”

Danielle Stinnett first turned to the Clinic in 2024 for help with breastfeeding challenges after her first daughter was born.

“I was having some difficulties postpartum with her breastfeeding, latching multiple areas actually," said Stinnett. “It was a lot of education, even though I do work in the medical field, this is not my area of specialty, so they provided me information to help me get to the breastfeeding journey I was looking for with my first daughter who was unfortunately, tongue-tied," said Stinnett.

Stinnett’s oldest daughter is now 21 months old, and her youngest is three weeks old. When her second daughter was born, she returned to the Clinic for support.

“It just made me feel like I was among other people who are feeling very similar things as a lot of things change postpartum, and that it allowed me to realize the fact that I was not alone that there are other people there and are helping you along your journey," said Stinnett.

For Stinnett, “getting her pink back” means holding onto the hope that hard moments can ease, and finding joy in motherhood along the way.

“To me it means figuring out your new self with your children," said Stinnett. "It just means that before my girls, it was just me and my husband. Now, it’s kind of figuring out what that means as me being a mother and then kind of roping that into who I am myself.”

“Getting to see someone start to feel that normalcy return and feeling like they’re getting their footing of motherhood, there’s no greater joy to see that," said Byrum. “We are doing this to help moms get through this and we’re here to be that restorative function for them to get them back to hopefully getting their pink back."

“Sexual health is such a large part of women’s overall health,” said Cassandra Gray, MD, OhioHealth OBGYN on The Wellness Conversation. “But it’s not always something people feel comfortable talking about.”

Sexual health involves more than physical intimacy. It includes emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, safe sex practices and feeling comfortable enough to recognize when something feels different or concerning.

Throughout different stages of life, from a woman’s 20s and 30s to pregnancy, perimenopause and menopause, sexual health needs and experiences can change. Hormonal shifts, particularly during perimenopause and menopause when estrogen levels naturally decline, can affect libido, comfort, body image and emotional connection.

“The most common thing I hear from patients in their perimenopausal and menopausal years is dryness,” Dr. Gray said. “And many women don’t realize there are treatment options that can help.”

One misconception Dr. Gray hopes to change is the belief that pain or discomfort during intimacy is something women simply have to accept.

Pain during intimacy can have several causes, including hormonal changes, pelvic floor disorders, infections, ovarian cysts or fibroids. Depending on the underlying issue, treatment options may include lubricants, prescription estrogen therapies or pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Dr. Gray encourages women to bring up concerns during annual wellness visits or schedule appointments specifically focused on sexual health.

“I love when patients ask me those questions,” she said. “It helps me understand where they’re coming from and what they’re worried about.”

Mental and emotional health can also play a significant role in intimacy and libido. Stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, body image concerns and the demands of everyday life can all contribute to changes in sexual health. Some medications used to treat mental health conditions may also affect libido.

“Having a healthy relationship with yourself and feeling comfortable in your own body is important too,” Dr. Gray said.

Dr. Gray also cautioned women to be careful about sexual health advice on social media. She said many patients come to appointments with questions about trending treatments they’ve seen online.

While some information may be helpful, many products marketed toward women can be expensive and lack strong scientific evidence. Dr. Gray recommends talking with a trusted healthcare provider before starting supplements, hormone treatments or other sexual health products.

To listen to the full episode, click here.

That’s how many women feel about menopause and the changes that come with it: hot flashes, night sweats, mental confusion and intense mood shifts. 

“Women don’t feel like themselves. They want to feel better, and they want to feel heard,” said Jody Gerome, DO said. Gerome is an obstetrician/gynecologist with OhioHealth Physician Group Heritage College Obstetrics and Gynecology in Athens.

Menopause occurs when a woman’s ovaries stop producing estrogen, and she goes 12 consecutive months without a period. Perimenopause can begin eight to 10 years before menopause. 

Although menopause is a natural process and not an illness, the accompanying symptoms can make life miserable for some women, and put them at greater risk for bone loss and heart and vascular disease.

For the past 25 years, women have been receiving mixed signals on how to best treat menopausal symptoms, Gerome said. That is changing as knowledge and science have shed new light on menopause and the use of menopausal hormone therapy, or MHT.

Historically known as hormone replacement therapy, MHT restores the hormone estrogen, which declines as a woman goes through perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone often is added to protect the uterus from developing cancer.

Hormone therapy was the go-to treatment for menopausal symptoms until 2003, when reports from a national study found links between hormone therapy and breast cancer and cardiovascular disease, particularly stroke. HRT usage plummeted, leaving women with questions and no immediate answers.

Last November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed warnings from hormone therapy drugs to indicate they are safer to use than originally thought. 

Prior reports from the studies “likely undersold the benefits and oversold the risks,” Gerome said. 

For example, some women in the original studies were in their 60s and 70s, which put them at higher risk for cancer and cardiovascular disease to begin with, she said. Also, the hormone doses were higher and less individually tailored than they are today. 

After years of being “largely ignored” in healthcare, women now are the focus of more research and treatment, Gerome said. “When we know more, we do better.”

For example, leading women’s health groups now recommend that women use gels, patches and vaginal inserts because the body processes them differently than the pill form of MHT, which lowers risk, Gerome said. 

“Hormone therapy can be safe for most women seeking treatment for their symptoms,” she said. “Its safety is similar to birth control pills in most situations.”  

The FDA recently approved two new drugs to expand treatment options, including a lower-cost generic version of one medication, and another non-hormonal treatment for severe hot flashes and similar symptoms. 

Many over-the-counter products and so-called bioidentical hormones also are on the market, but Gerome warns women to be cautious. 

“Many of these are highly unregulated, so there may be inconsistencies between batches,” George said. “If you can use an FDA-approved product, it generally is safer.”

Women also have access to a growing set of guidelines to help them navigate the menopause journey, including:

• Avoiding or limiting caffeine and alcohol.
• Not smoking — smoking is known to have harmful effects on arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
• Stress-reduction techniques and physical activities such as walking, yoga and swimming.
• Talking with other women who are in menopause or who have gone through it.
• Eating a diet with foods that function like estrogen, such as soy, flaxseed and beans.
• Prescription medications that do not contain hormones.
• Supplements and other medications to prevent bone loss and cardiovascular problems.

It’s important for women to have a trusted medical adviser with whom they can discuss the more intimate aspects of menopause, such as vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse and loss of sex drive. Many women experience memory loss, lack of focus and confusion, also known as “brain fog.” This can cause them to worry if they are in the early phases of dementia.

Learning that these things are a normal part of menopause in itself can provide a sense of relief, Gerome said. 

“Reach out to your trusted healthcare professional. We can help, please ask.”

CenteringPregnancy is a nationally accredited program in which women receive prenatal care in a group setting and participate in facilitated discussions and interactive activities designed to address maternal and infant health education topics. It provides a safe space for mothers to openly ask questions and have honest conversations.

“CenteringPregnancy is group prenatal education with your provider and your care team,” Lauren Hackett, Program Manager of CenteringPregnancy at Grant Family Medicine, said. “Our care model includes a visit with your provider followed by dedicated patient education to support you in learning about pregnancy and parenting.”

Each year, CenteringPregnancy hosts a consortium for those who practice the program across Ohio. The event is open to practitioners, associates, community partners and members. While it has previously been held in Cincinnati and Cleveland, Columbus has served as the host site for the past two years.

This year, the Grant Family Medicine CenteringPregnancy team coordinated a patient panel to hear directly from mothers sharing their personal experiences and testimonies.

“It’s a powerful opportunity to hear directly from mothers who have gone through the program themselves,” Hackett said. “Their stories reflect the true mission of CenteringPregnancy - building community, improving patient education, reducing infant mortality, and living out the core values that guide our work.”

Sierra Spates is one of the mothers who has participated in the CenteringPregnancy program twice. She spoke at the event about her experience and what she’s enjoyed most about the program.

“CenteringPregnancy means a lot to me because it gives pregnant women the opportunity to connect with each other and learn new things about their pregnancy and what to expect when they delivery their babies and what to expect when they go home." Spates said. "So, it’s very beneficial for moms, babies, even fathers!” 

Spates shared that her favorite part about CenteringPregnancy is feeling seen and heard by the nurses and the other mothers in the group. Spates went on to say, “Everyone there makes you feel comfortable enough to tell your stories.”  

The program helped Spates feel more prepared and aware of what to watch for during and after pregnancy.

“My biggest intake was what to do if you see things unusual with your baby and also yourself whether it’s during your pregnancy or after,” Spates said. “The group informs you on things that you would’ve never thought could happen even after the delivery of your baby.”

To learn more about CenteringPregnancy or to find resources available, please click here.

“There is a lot of information and misinformation about endometriosis, both online and as you talk to your friends,” said Mini Somasundaram, MD, OhioHealth minimally invasive gynecologist. “One of the struggles that women have with endometriosis and pelvic pain: What’s normal? What’s not normal?”

While “a certain amount of cramping” can be normal, debilitating pelvic pain is not and often the line between the two has been blurred.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, leading to inflammation, chronic pelvic pain and, in some cases, infertility. Symptoms don’t always look the same and pain doesn’t have to be constant to be considered serious.

“Chronic doesn’t necessarily mean pain all the time,” Dr. Somasundaram said. 

It means pain that occurs for one to two weeks at a time and is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Research shows about 60 percent of women with chronic pelvic pain have experienced symptoms for six months or longer. But many patients report feeling brushed aside.

Dr. Somasundaram said the focus at OhioHealth is listening closely and helping patients sort through what their symptoms may be telling them. 

“Are there things that we can do in order to help without major interventions?” Dr. Somsundaram said. “Our greatest goal is to build trust with our patients, and we do that with empathy and compassion.”

Often by the time many patients seek specialized care, they’ve already tried multiple medications or non-surgical options. In some cases, surgical removal of endometriosis is recommended, and minimally invasive approaches have been shown to lead to better outcomes. But surgery is rarely the only piece of the puzzle.

“The goal is to come up with a treatment plan that’s appropriate for the patient as an individual,” Dr. Somsundaram said. “We want to minimize how many procedures a patient has to undergo, and that’s best achieved by combining surgical and medical management together.”

Endometriosis is frequently associated with pain during intercourse, infertility and long-term discomfort, but no two experiences are identical. What matters most is speaking up when something doesn’t feel right.

To schedule an appointment, click here.

To hear more from Dr. Somasundaram about various topics in women’s health, be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

OhioHealth Grant Medical Center

"This new lactation clinic is a direct reflection of our core mission: to improve the health of those we serve,” Jean Halpin, president of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, said. “We are dedicated to ensuring every mother and child has the resources they need to thrive, and this clinic is a proud new chapter in that commitment."

The clinic is located across the street from Grant at the William W. Wilkins Professional Building. The address is 285 E State St, Columbus, OH 43215.

“This clinic is a testament to OhioHealth's commitment to serving all members of our community, particularly those who might not have easy access to vital healthcare services,” Vice President of Women’s Health Clinical Service Line, Jason Melillo, MD, said. "We believe these services will greatly enhance health outcomes for mothers and their children.”

Breastfeeding services help those who are: 
• Expecting a baby and want to learn breastfeeding techniques early. 
• Learning how to breastfeed a newborn baby. 
• Struggling with pain, latching issues or infant weight gain/loss. 
• The mother of a premature baby or a baby with other special needs. 
• The mother of multiple infants (such as twins and triplets). 
• Questioning how to go back to work while continuing to breastfeed.

Services offered at the clinic include private consultations, prenatal breast assessments, and breastfeeding classes, all designed to ensure successful breastfeeding experiences for new mothers.

“Our dedicated team of international board-certified lactation consultants are here to offer compassionate support and guidance to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby,” Director of Nursing at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, Erika Beck, said.

Administrative Nurse Manager at Grant, Bethany Kravitz, added, "Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where mothers feel empowered and informed during their breastfeeding journey. We are proud to offer these essential services right here in Columbus."

Services are available by appointment. Interested individuals can schedule by calling (614) 566-9008.

Photo courtesy: OhioHealth 

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

Registration is required for both events to ensure a spot. 
• To register for "It's a Girl Thing," please visit OhioHealth Van Wert's "It's A Girl Thing" Community Event Registration. 
• Registration for "Listening to Her" is open through October 20 and can be completed at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital: Listening to Her – A Journey of Time and Change. 
 

“Bleeding after menopause is not a normal symptom that you should experience after you stop having periods,” said Kellie Rath, MD, OhioHealth gynecologic oncologist. “It's important to let your healthcare provider know that you're experiencing that so you can come in for an evaluation and we can figure out what the cause may be.

After menopause, women should pay attention to any unexpected bleeding or abnormal discharge. Clear or white discharge is typical, but anything dark yellow, brown, pink or containing blood clots can signal a problem.

“Even just a wisp of pink would not be a normal symptom,” Dr. Rath said. “So if you do experience that, give your doctor, your nurse practitioner, your APP, your OBGYN a call.”

Hearing the words “postmenopausal bleeding” can be scary, but Dr. Rath said that while cancer is one possible cause, it’s not the only one.

“Polyps or benign growths of the uterus can happen, benign growths of the cervix could happen,” she said. “Even thinning of the vaginal tissue or the vulvar tissue could cause that bleeding. Sometimes we find out that the bleeding isn't even vaginal. Maybe it's coming from the bladder or coming from the colon.”

Because there are many potential explanations, seeking care quickly is important.

An evaluation typically begins with a physical exam, followed by imaging such as an ultrasound to look at the uterus, cervix, ovaries and uterine lining. In many cases, a biopsy, or small sample of tissue, may be taken to help identify the cause.

Dr. Rath also noted that irregular bleeding during perimenopause, the transition period before menopause, is common but still worth monitoring.

“If (your cycle) is getting heavier, you're getting irregular spotting, if it's painful, those are all things to be concerned about,” she said. “And we may want to do an evaluation, an ultrasound, an exam, a biopsy to be sure we know what's causing that irregular bleeding, making sure it's part of that normal perimenopausal transition.”

To hear more from Dr. Rath about various topics in gynecologic and cancer care, be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

It’s hard to know the right words to say. It’s difficult to know what to do. When parents are mourning the loss of a stillborn or infant – there is at least one thing that will give them time to spend with their baby – before they have to say goodbye.  

It’s called a CuddleCot. It’s a specialized bassinet equipped with a cooling mat. It gives grieving parents the opportunity to spend more time with their baby in the hospital room. 

Bernadette and Ryan Wise know the unimaginable pain of losing a baby. They also know the unforgettable moments that a CuddleCot can provide. When they lost their newborn baby, Natalia Marie in May of 2017 – they were able to still give her a first bath. She was able to be Baptized. Two precious milestones – all made possible with this technology.  

That’s why they have made it their mission to make sure hospitals across the state have access to a CuddleCot. 

This month, at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, the Wise family gifted a brand-new CuddleCot through Ashlie’s Embrace and the Natalia Marie Foundation. Marion General has a CuddleCot – but needed a new one to replace the older model. 

“Thank you to Ashlie’s Embrace and to OhioHealth for this opportunity to give this gift of time,” said Bernadette Wise. “Time is a precious thing. When you only have a little bit of it—it means the world to people like me.” 

“The CuddleCot is more than a donation – it’s a compassionate resource that allows families the chance to hold, to rock, to say hello, and to say goodbye to their own,” said Charity Coffman, director of nursing, emergency services, critical care, and women’s health at Marion General Hospital. “This time can be an essential step to healing and it’s something that can never be taken away once given.” 

For Bernadette Wise – the donation at Marion General Hospital is a full-circle moment. She went to Marion Technical College and completed a few rounds of clinicals at the hospital. 

“It was neat to have that connection,” Wise said. “I’m glad the CuddleCot is here for families experiencing loss to help them on the journey they have to go through.” 

Through the Natalia Marie Foundation – the Wise family created Arrows for Angels.  

“We provide urn packages to families who, like us, suffer the loss of their baby,” Wise explained. “We believe that every family deserves to bring their baby home in something beautiful.” 

To learn more about the Natalia Marie Foundation please visit: Mission — Arrows for Angels — The Natalia Marie Foundation. 

To learn more about Ashlie’s Embrace please visit: Ashlie’s Embrace - Providing CuddleCots™ to U.S. hospitals & medical centers. 

And to learn more about maternal and fetal medicine at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital please visit: Maternal Fetal Medicine | Marion General Hospital | OhioHealth Physician Group. 
 

When Makenzie Smith looks at her almost two-year-old daughter, Harper, you can tell right away that she has that “mama bear” instinct. 

On a recent hot summer day, Smith pulled little Harper in for a big snuggle on the couch and started kissing her cheeks. You could hear every smooch, even over the air conditioning unit blasting cold air from a nearby window. 

“She’s a happy little girl and that makes being a mom a lot easier,” said Smith. “The thing that I would say I love the most is her laughter.” 

Smith said she believes becoming a mother has changed her life, for the better. 

“As much as I’m teaching her, she’s also teaching me,” Smith said. “She’s teaching me patience. As much as I’m learning, she is too.” 

Smith wants to provide more for her little girl than what she had growing up. It’s undoubtedly a desire that all parents feel. 

“I would say I didn’t grow up in the best area so teaching her coping mechanisms that I was not given, that’s a little challenging at times but she’s really making progress with that,” she said. 

Fortunately, she’s had significant support every step of the way, thanks to Amber Robinson. 

“Not only did she help me during pregnancy, but she also extremely helped me during the first two years of Harper’s life,” Smith said. “Amber has improved my life in every way I could have imagined. I just wish I could have Amber around forever.” 

Robinson is a nurse at OhioHealth and helps support the Maternal Home Visiting initiative. For this program, OhioHealth partners with other healthcare systems, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, to offer what’s known as a Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP). 

“I have the unique privilege of walking alongside mothers during one of the most transformative periods of their lives,” Robinson said. “One of the most rewarding parts of working with Nurse-Family Partnership is seeing the transformation that takes place over time. We see firsthand how our support can help families overcome challenges, make informed choices, and build healthier, brighter futures — not just for themselves, but for generations to come. Every home visit is an opportunity to empower, educate, encourage and celebrate small victories that add up to lifelong change.” 

“It’s an evidence-based community health program that pairs specially trained nurses with first-time, low-income mothers,” explained Rebecca Barbeau, director of OhioHealth’s Community Health Partnerships. “The program begins early in pregnancy and continues through the child’s second birthday, with the goal of improving maternal and child health outcomes, fostering economic self-sufficiency, and strengthening families.” 

This work is supported by the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program, a federally funded initiative administered by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) in partnership with the Administration for Children & Families (ACF). 

The program’s purpose is to: 
• Improve maternal and child health 
• Promote early childhood development 
• Support family well-being 

The NFP program expanded to Marion in fall 2022. Since then, the program in Marion has gone from a total of 44 home visits a year – to more than 300 in 2024. 

“We’re excited to share that the first Marion clients graduated in January 2025—an incredible milestone after more than two years of engagement,” said Barbeau. “We anticipate several more graduations this summer and fall.” 

It’s been nearly three years now since Makenzie Smith first met Amber Robinson, as part of the NFP program in Marion. Robinson started seeing Smith when Smith was 12 weeks pregnant and at that time, visits were made weekly or bi-weekly. Once Harper was born, Robinson visited immediately – and now the visits take place every three to four weeks. 

Over the last two years, Robinson has helped Smith work through concerns about Harper’s weight gain and developmental delays in a supportive and non-judgmental way. 

“Referrals were made to local early childhood intervention services for a formal developmental assessment. I also shared resources, developmental activities, parenting apps, and community-based programs during our visits that help promote child development,” Robinson explained. “Not only was I able to refer Harper to early intervention services but I was able to support her and Makenzie throughout the entire process and watch Makenzie build confidence in her role as her child’s first and most important teacher.” 

“I had heard about this program and decided to give it a shot,” Smith said. “I thought it would be beneficial to have extra support. I did have a very good support system around me, but it was nice to have clarity in areas that my support system was not knowledgeable about or didn’t know about as many resources as Amber did. This program provided additional outlets and resources for me to help progress my daughter’s life in every way possible. It’s a very personal experience.” 

Robinson said it has been a privilege to be able to support Smith from early pregnancy through the first two years of Harper’s life. 

“The growth and progress I’ve witnessed over our time together has been truly inspiring. Through our regular visits, I’ve seen her become more empowered, confident, and knowledgeable. She has developed strong parenting skills, is engaged in her child’s development, advocates for her family’s needs, set and achieved personal goals, and created a more stable and nurturing environment for her child. Being an NFP nurse challenges you, changes you, and continually reminds you why you became a nurse in the first place.” 

To learn more about Home Visiting through the Nurse-Family Partnership, please call 844-637-6667 or visit: Maternal Home Visiting | OhioHealth. 


 

The woman behind the donation, Erika M., RN, leader of the girl scout troop, happens to also be a nurse in the Women’s Health Unit at Mansfield Hospital. She says she noticed a need in the community first-hand. “There's a community need for some car seats to be on hand, and there just wasn't any available,” said Erika. “It had seemed to be on the weekends, especially, when we had some roadblocks with community resources being closed or just not available to help those families in the community.” After experiencing these situations multiple times, Erika decided to get the troop involved to help. “Our troop has a mission to serve and uplift the community,” said Erika. “And so I thought about, what if we used our money that we earned from selling girl scout cookies to buy car seats and donate to the unit.”

Weeks later, Troop #3591 visited Mansfield Hospital and delivered the car seats in-person. “We were thrilled to receive this donation from our local girl scout group,” said Kelly Payne, MSN, RNC-NIC, nurse manager at Mansfield Hospital. “Making sure our patients have what they need to keep their children safe is incredibly important to our staff, so these donations are invaluable.”

If you’d like to donate to Mansfield Hospital’s Women’s Health Unit, you can call Payne’s office at 419-526-8730. Associates are always accepting car seats for infants, as well as knitted items and blankets.

The celebration recognized the regional expansion of OhioHealth’s national model for mobile healthcare, made possible through the support of Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans – AmeriHealth Caritas Ohio, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Humana Healthy Horizons in Ohio, Molina HealthCare of Ohio and UnitedHealthcare Community Plan.

The event brought together community leaders, elected officials, donors and healthcare professionals to mark a major milestone in improving access to healthcare for underserved populations in southeastern Ohio.

The Wellness on Wheels (WOW) unit soft launched in Vinton County last summer at the Vinton County Health Department in McArthur. Now expanding to Athens, Meigs, Noble, Perry and Vinton Counties, the program will help address critical health disparities in southeastern Ohio — connecting patients to primary care, prenatal care and women’s health services and social resources through community partnerships.

“At OhioHealth, we understand the vital need to have convenient and reliable access to care,” said Karen Morrison, president of the OhioHealth Foundation and senior vice president for OhioHealth. “In many rural areas there are barriers to care where transportation may be limited for patients or there is a lack of maternal care resources. OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels is a national model for mobile healthcare and for more than 30 years has been providing prenatal, women’s health and primary care to central Ohio. With a significant investment by Buckeye Health and Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans we can now bring these services to southeast Ohio and advance OhioHealth’s vision to provide exceptional care for all.”

“Ohio’s Medicaid Health Plans are proud to partner with OhioHealth to bring Wellness on Wheels to the region,” said Kelly O’Reilly, president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Health Plans. “Like OhioHealth, we are committed to improving health and wellness outcomes for all Ohioans. By helping to address infant mortality rates, offering preventative screenings, and educating patients on how to better manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, together we can create communities in southeast Ohio that can thrive in good health.”

The dedication included remarks from OhioHealth leaders, funding partners and patients.

Wellness on Wheels patient Lauren Tigner shared her story during the ceremony, recalling the moment she discovered she was pregnant at 28—uninsured and unsure where to turn.

“I had never planned to have kids,” Tigner said. “Then I found out I was pregnant. I was terrified.”

Tigner runs two businesses on her own and didn’t have health insurance. She had been repeatedly denied coverage and, by the time she was five months pregnant, still hadn’t seen a doctor.

“I’m five months pregnant, scared to death, and I happen to see Tammi’s post on Facebook,” she said, referring to Tammi Mattey, clinical nurse manager of the Southeast Ohio WOW program and a post Tammi had shared from a local health department’s Facebook page. “It seemed too good to be true—no insurance needed, and they cover everything.”

Despite her doubts, she decided to make an appointment. What she didn’t know at the time was that she would be the WOW unit’s very first maternal health patient.

Tigner said the care she received changed everything for her.

“I can’t emphasize enough how safe they made me feel—like I was a friend or family,” she said. “I would recommend anybody in my family go see them.”

Thanks to the team’s holistic care, Tigner’s pregnancy was healthy and uneventful. She received prenatal vitamins, help applying for insurance, and follow-up calls after giving birth. Today, both she and her baby are doing well.

“Now we have a healthy little baby, a healthy mommy, and we’re moving into our first apartment. We’re making a little family.”

She closed her remarks simply: “Thank you for everything.”

After the ceremony, guests toured the WOW unit, a “doctor’s office on wheels,” that features a small waiting area, space for storing medical and laboratory testing supplies and two exam rooms with equipment for performing ultrasounds, lab work, EKGs and other simple procedures.

“Many women who receive prenatal care through Wellness on Wheels will deliver here at O’Bleness or at OhioHealth Southeastern Medical Center in Cambridge,” said LeeAnn Lucas-Helber, president of O’Bleness Hospital. “Wellness on Wheels will extend vital services beyond our hospitals while still providing the highest-level of care close to home. That continuum of care means more healthy babies, more healthy moms and more healthy families.”

For more information, visit ohiohealth.com/WellnessonWheels or in southeast Ohio call (740) 331-7373.

Video and interviews approved for media use are available for download here: 

• Video: https://vimeo.com/1084392283?share=copy 
• Sound bites: https://vimeo.com/1084396599?share=copy

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to those infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk to nourish their babies. It is one of just 33 milk banks in North America – 30 in the United States and three in Canada. 

“We are thrilled to be opening this new milk drop to make donating even easier,” said Chris Smith, RN, BA, IBCLC, OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank clinical nurse.  “With this new milk drop, approved donors around central Ohio have another convenient location to drop off their donated milk. Pasteurized donor milk is liquid gold for babies who need it. In 2024, we distributed 469,036 ounces of milk in 11 states – that’s 3,664 gallons! Just one ounce can feed a premature infant for three days, so every little bit helps.”

The Mount Carmel Grove City site marks the 34th OhioHealth milk drop location in Ohio. The donated milk is distributed throughout North America to babies in need.

"It is an honor to open the first Grove City OhioHealth milk drop location at Mount Carmel Grove City," said Sherri Strong, MSN, RN-NEA-BC, C-OB, C-EFM, Regional Director of Nursing Operations, Women & Infants, Mount Carmel Grove City. “This collaboration with OhioHealth allows us to help expand access for moms in our community.”

The milk bank, which is located in the OhioHealth Eastside Health Center in Columbus, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies. Interested donors are encouraged to email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566.0630 to arrange a screening phone interview. To become a human milk donor, mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk.  This process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review, a signed medical release from the donor and physician, and consent to receive a blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and syphilis.  The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen, and distributed by physician's prescription.

Benefits of Breast Milk

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

Research shows that human milk helps pre-term infants:

●        Reach full feeds sooner and need fewer IVs

●        Mature their intestines faster

●        Spend fewer days in the hospital

●        Reduce risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (a potentially fatal bowel infection)

●        Reduce risk of sepsis (blood infection) and other infections

●        Experience long-term IQ advantages over formula-fed infants

●        Be healthier as older children and adults

For more information about the OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, click here. 

With more than 30 years of experience as women’s health provider, Craig Hanson, MD Obstetrics/Gynecology at OhioHealth Van Wert says from his perspective -- women wait an average of ten years before they seek help for their symptoms of pelvic floor health issues. 

“Pelvic floor disfunction is anything from urinary leakage, to prolapse, to muscle weakness, and urologic disorders,” explains Dr. Hanson. “They can be brought on by back disorders, herniated discs, and just general problems like obesity or poor muscle tone.” 

Pelvic floor disorders are common – at least one in three women will experience one at some point in their lives. 

“A lot of people assume that nothing can be done for this,” Dr. Hanson says. “To help, there are a combination of things. First, physical therapy.” 

Dr. Hanson cautions – there is a lot of misinformation on social media about this topic. The best source to get help or information from is a certified pelvic floor physical therapist. 

“They can help a lot. Especially if you’ve had a nine-pound baby or larger – you may want to consider seeing one sooner rather than later,” Dr. Hanson says. “No matter how you delivered, you can benefit from pelvic floor therapy.” 

Dr. Hanson explains it’s mandatory in Europe for women to receive pelvic floor therapy for the first three months after childbirth. 

Natalie Koester is a physical therapist and the director of rehabilitation services at OhioHealth Van Wert Health Center. She explains it’s important for physical therapists to get to know the patient and knowing their deficits, and building a plan that’s specific for them. She also cautions against relying on information you find online. 

“It’s important to know the source and understand their credibility,” she says. “For specialized therapy, we do years’ worth of training to learn and to learn it really well and then to be able to provide patients the best care.” 

The OhioHealth Van Wert Health Center provides additional rehab services -- beyond those seeking help for pelvic floor disorders. To learn more visit: Rehabilitation Services | OhioHealth Van Wert Health Center. 
 

A new digital tool is making it easier for central Ohio residents to find and access quality health care—right in their own neighborhoods. 

The Central Ohio Mobile Consortium (COMC) is a partnership of ten local entities and health organizations, which includes OhioHealth. Earlier this spring, COMC launched a new app called the Mobile Health Locater app – designed to connect patients to their nearest mobile health care unit. 

Mobile health care units work very similar to a traditional doctor’s office – offering a wide range of services from checkups and vaccinations to mental health support. The goal is to help remove barriers by bringing important health services directly to local neighborhoods. 

“We are thrilled to be a part of the COMC and to contribute to the launch of the Mobile Health Locator app,” said Rebecca Barbeau, director of OhioHealth Community Health Partnerships. “This innovative tool will significantly enhance access to health care services for residents across central Ohio. At OhioHealth, we are committed to improving community health and addressing health care gaps.” 

The app allows users to search and filter by date, location, health service needed, and insurance type. Patients can schedule an appointment or see if walk-ins are accepted. Services available through mobile units include: 

- Sick visits 
- Vaccinations 
- Blood work 
- Sports physicals 
- Mental health care 
- Maternal prenatal care 
- Referrals to specialists 
- Urgent care and more 

Each mobile unit is staffed by trusted medical professionals from participating organizations. Since individual units may offer different services and accept different insurance types, patients are encouraged to carefully review the listings before booking. 

The project grew out of the collaborative spirit that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when mobile care providers banded together to deliver critical services to underserved populations. 

To download the free app, search “Mobile Health Locator” in the Google Play or the Apple App stores. 

You can also visit MobileHealthLocator.com for more information. 

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins may be available. For questions or more information, email MobileHealthLocator@gmail.com or call (614) 355-4240. 

Participating providers include Columbus Division of Fire, Columbus Public Health, Franklin County Public Health, Equitas Health, Mount Carmel, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, OhioHealth (Wellness on Wheels), The Ohio State University, Central Outreach Wellness Center, and The Breathing Association. 

 

On March 3, OhioHealth celebrated a milestone with the opening of the first phase of its $400 million construction project at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. Located directly across from the main hospital entrance on East State Street, the new 33,000-square-foot Grant Family Medicine building features 50 patient rooms, the medical center's “transition of care” clinic and clinical learning opportunities for 36 family medicine resident physicians.

The full Grant Medical Center renovation, covering 310,000 square feet, is expected to be completed by 2028. Future developments include a new medical office building, a five-story parking garage and a seven-story trauma center housing a state-of-the-art emergency department, new trauma bays, 160 patient rooms and two levels of underground parking. As a Level I trauma center, Grant will continue to care for the region’s most serious emergencies with even greater resources and capacity.

OhioHealth’s $250-million expansion of OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital is now set to open in 2028, two years earlier than originally planned. Located on Hospital Drive, the 200,000-square-foot project includes the construction of a new six-floor building.

Scheduled to open in 2027, the new OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Women’s Center will offer comprehensive women’s healthcare services across all stages of life, including labor and delivery, OB/GYN services and postpartum care. The $600-million, 555,000-square-foot facility is being built off Olentangy River Road with enough concrete to fill 26 Olympic-sized swimming pools and enough structural steel to build two and a half Boeing 747 airplanes.

OhioHealth is also planning a new $226-million Comprehensive Cancer Center. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 on the 199,000-square-foot facility, which will move cancer care services from the current Bing Cancer Center to the Blom Administrative Campus on OhioHealth Parkway.

Closer to the southeast side of Columbus, OhioHealth is building a $31-million health center in Canal Winchester. Set to open in summer 2025, the 40,000-square-foot facility will house outpatient medical offices and a freestanding 12-bed emergency department. The new center is aimed at increasing access to both primary and emergency care for the growing Canal Winchester area and nearby rural communities.

OhioHealth’s growth isn’t limited to Columbus. The health system is investing heavily in its regional hospitals as well, with renovation projects underway in Mansfield, Circleville, Athens, Marion, and Van Wert.

Just months into her career as a breast cancer surgeon, Deepa Halaharvi, DO faced a diagnosis she never expected: stage 1 breast cancer. Prompted by a dream of her late father urging her to get a mammogram, she decided to go get checked. Dr. Halaharvi’s personal medical experience forever changed the way she approaches patient care.

Today, she’s part of a team at OhioHealth that includes three other breast cancer survivors: Tara Ernske-Squire, Katie Foster and Pauline Russ. All of these women have turned their own battles with the disease into a life-long commitment to supporting others through their diagnosis. They recently spoke with reporter Sophia Veneziano for Columbus CEO magazine on what it’s like to work with breast cancer patients after experiencing the same disease. Some excerpts of their stories are below.

From Patient to Caregiver

Katie Foster was pregnant with her second child and working in another department at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center when she was diagnosed at age 31. She quickly connected with Dr. Halaharvi and underwent a bilateral mastectomy just two weeks later, followed by chemotherapy soon after her son was born.

Now, Foster works alongside Dr. Halaharvi as a physician assistant at OhioHealth Physician Group Breast Surgery – the same practice that once cared for her.

"I'm so very grateful for Dr. Halaharvi and everything she’s done for me,” says Foster. “Now I get to work alongside her every day.”

Dr. Halaharvi says her own journey allows her to care for others in deeper and more meaningful ways.

"I always say, 'Who’s better to get breast cancer than a breast cancer surgeon?'” she says.

Dr. Halaharvi wanted to be a doctor since she was five years old. Her personal battle with breast cancer so early into her career did not slow her down at all. Instead, it has given her a unique perspective that strengthens the trust between her and her patients. Her story is one of resilience and a deep commitment to making a difference in the lives of those she treats.

Leadership Through Lived Experience

Pauline Russ and Tara Ernske-Squire also bring powerful survivor stories to their leadership roles at OhioHealth. Russ, now the breast health director in OhioHealth’s oncology service line, was diagnosed while pregnant in her early 30s and underwent chemotherapy during her pregnancy.

Today, she often steps in to personally connect and share her story with patients who are navigating similar diagnoses.

“You get more and more comfortable into your survivorship,” says Russ. “Now I look for opportunities to help people more directly beyond my administrative role.” Russ said her own OB/GYN occasionally connects her with pregnant women who have been recently diagnosed so she can share her story and give them hope that they can get through their diagnosis healthy – and with a healthy baby, too.

Ernske-Squire, a journalist-turned nurse, changed careers after her breast cancer diagnosis 10 years ago. She now serves as the practice administrator for OhioHealth Physician Group Breast Surgery. It was her diagnosis that prompted her to make this life-changing switch.

"I feel like the times that give me the most joy are when I’m able to share my story,” Ernske-Squire remarks. “Their facial expressions change. It just completely makes it worth it for me.”

Finding Strength in Sharing Foster, too, focuses on offering reassurance to young patients. After using cold cap therapy to minimize hair loss during chemotherapy, she now advocates for making the treatment more widely accessible and talked about.

“You can just see their faces light up and they’re like, ‘Well, you have hair. Your baby is fine, right? You’re so young, but you’re ok,’” Foster says. “I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m fine. Everything’s good,’ and you can just see it go across their faces: the worry and fear to almost hope.”

Together, these four women offer more than clinical care, they bring compassion, understanding, and a powerful message of survivorship to every patient they meet.

To read the full article, be sure to pick up the April issue of Columbus CEO magazine. To learn more about breast cancer care and screening options at OhioHealth, click here.

Conversations around perimenopause are gaining traction, and for good reason. Millions of women in their 30s, 40s and 50s are navigating the transition without fully understanding what’s happening to their bodies.

Lucy Bucher, DO, OB/GYN and vice president of Clinical Affairs at OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital, said it’s encouraging to see this topic becoming more mainstream.

“For too many women, perimenopause has been a mystery, even though it’s a completely normal physiological condition that most women experience towards the middle of their lives,” she said.

While menopause is typically defined as 12 months without a menstrual cycle, the symptoms of perimenopause can begin years earlier, sometimes up to a decade before a woman’s final menstrual period (FMP).

“The process of the menopausal transition is a mirror image of puberty,” Dr. Bucher said. “These are the on and off ramps for the reproductive years - and neither one of those ramps are smooth, direct or predictable.”

Bucher said many of her patients come to her with similar concerns: What are the symptoms of perimenopause? What’s normal and what’s not? And most importantly, can anything be done to manage the discomfort?

“As a patient, you should always feel like your healthcare provider is answering your questions and addressing your concerns,” she said. “While this transition is a normal physiologic process, it doesn’t mean your symptoms should be dismissed - especially if they are impacting your day-to-day wellbeing. There are actions that can be taken to help mitigate the symptoms so you can be your best self.”

If you’re experiencing new symptoms or have questions about perimenopause or menopause, Bucher urged women to reach out to their doctor. Awareness and advocacy, she said, are the first steps toward better care.

To schedule an appointment with a women’s health provider, click here.

To hear more from Dr. Bucher about topics in women’s health, be sure to follow her on LinkedIn.

OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, already Ohio’s busiest maternity hospital, is undergoing an expansion with the construction of a nearly 600,000-square-foot Women’s Health Center. Set to open in 2027, the center will include:

• 185 inpatient beds
• Labor, delivery, and recovery rooms
• New operating rooms
• Mammogram services
• Obstetric and gynecological care

“We’ve engaged with a lot of women in our community here, and they said that they want more access to care, and so we’re proud to be a partner with them to deliver upon that,” Kristina Stuecher, vice president and project executive of the OhioHealth Women’s Health Center, told NBC4 anchor Jerod Smalley.

The new tower, located at the front of the hospital near State Route 315, will keep Riverside Methodist Hospital well-connected to ensure patient safety and convenience.

Downtown Columbus is also seeing major growth, and OhioHealth Grant Medical Center is expanding right along with it.

In early March, Grant Medical Center will open a new 33,000-square-foot Primary Care Center with more than 50 patient rooms, also serving as home to the hospital’s residency program. Shortly after, phase two of Grant’s $400 million expansion will begin, with construction of a seven-story trauma center tower at the corner of Town Street and 6th Street. This facility is expected to open in 2028.

“Downtown is growing, and we want to be able to serve the residents as well as those who are working downtown,” said Jean Halpin, president of OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, told NBC4. “We’re seeing lots of people start to migrate back down into the office setting, and so being able to have that anchor here is really important. That’s our investment into the future of medicine.”

OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital is also preparing for expansion, adding inpatient beds, critical care capacity and jobs, scheduled for completion in 2030. 

“Employers look for strength in hospitals, strength in schools, strength in community, and by being an anchor as OhioHealth serving the largest population here, that really makes us a good partner for employers as well as attractive for people to come here to Columbus,” Halpin said.

"What we've seen recently in the media are some headlines that sound kind of scary, saying there's a 40 percent increased risk for breast cancer with the hormonal IUD. This is in women who are premenopausal, so 49 and under, and they already have a really low risk," Dr. Bucher said. "That 40 percent increase is really just about 14 extra cases per 10,000 people."

Many other daily activities carry similar or higher risks, and the overall health benefits of hormonal contraception, like IUDs, generally outweigh the minimal risks. 

Hormonal IUDs, a type of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), can provide reliable birth control for women for anywhere from three to eight years, depending on the device. These small plastic devices inserted into the uterus release hormones that help prevent pregnancy. While they are highly effective, Dr. Bucher encourages individuals to have informed discussions with their healthcare provider to determine the best choice for their needs.

"There's a whole host of contraceptive options, and there's definitely one right for everyone out there," she said.

To schedule an appointment or to learn more, click here.

The OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital’s Women’s Health Unit and OhioHealth Physician Group’s Obstetrics and Gynecology team helped to make sure expecting and new mothers feel supported and prepared at last week’s Richland County Community Baby Shower. The Community Health Access Project hosted the event at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center for pregnant mothers and new parents with babies under three months.

As one of the vendors, OhioHealth had managers, educators, labor and delivery and mother infant staff members, as well as a lactation consultant and midwife present at a table. While attendees decorated onesies and bibs for their little ones on the way, OhioHealth associates were able to answer any questions they had. They also gave away OhioHealth tote bags filled with educational materials, stress balls, and wipes and diapers.

Overall, OhioHealth gave out more than 200 packages of wipes and diapers, more than 150 onesies, and nearly 50 bibs. The hospital also donated a stroller wagon and baby monitor as door prizes. All donations were made possible by the OhioHealth Foundation.

The pill, known by the brand name Zurzuvae, could help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression. Unlike earlier treatments that required IV administration in an office setting, this new pill form provides easier access. 

Addie Vasquez, a mother of three, remembers the overwhelming feelings she faced after delivering her first child seven years ago. Although she didn’t use Zurzuvae, she knows how critical it is to address the condition, whether through medication, therapy or a combination of both. 

“When I found out I was pregnant, I was excited and really happy, and he was just over the moon. Things changed once I had her,” Vasquez told NBC4 reporter Cierra Johnson. 

Like Vasquez, many women are caught off guard by the emotional and psychological shift that comes after childbirth. According to Scott Gspandl, MD, system director for Outpatient Behavioral Health at OhioHealth, hormonal changes often trigger these emotional swings in new mothers. 

"I would say up to 80 percent of women have some degree of even very mild mood disturbance after delivery,” Dr. Gspandl told NBC4. “It’s just kind of whether it reaches this threshold based on severity that we call it postpartum depression.” 

Dr. Gspandl explained that the new medication stands out because it works more quickly than standard antidepressants. 

“You take it for a couple of weeks, and once symptoms develop, it has a different mechanism of action than conventional antidepressants,” he said. 

However, accessing the medication may be a challenge. Beyond navigating prior authorizations and insurance hurdles, only a handful of specialty pharmacies are currently able to produce and distribute the drug. Still, for many women, the approval of this treatment represents a critical step forward in addressing a life-altering condition. 

For Vasquez, the key is seeking help as soon as possible. 

"Nip it in the bud, it’s better to get help sooner rather than later,” she said.

To learn more about OhioHealth’s behavioral and mental health services, click here.

To learn more about women’s health at OhioHealth, 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.

Today, OhioHealth announced Marion Women’s Health Center has joined the OhioHealth family of healthcare providers, effective June 30, 2024. 

The practice will remain at its current location at 960 S Prospect Street and the name will change to OhioHealth Physician Group Obstetrics and Gynecology. Patients’ medical records will transfer to OhioHealth Physician Group and remain accessible to their physicians. 

“At OhioHealth we are honored to be able to bring Marion Women’s Health Center into our family of health care providers,” said Jim Parobek, president of OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. 

“Providing this type of care close to home is important to us,” said Deepi Bathini, MD, vice president of clinical affairs at Marion General Hospital. “This acquisition allows us to provide our patients with the best care in a way that’s comfortable, convenient, and close to home.” 

Jay Moodley, MD, a veteran who served 3 years in the Army before going to medical school, has been providing care in Marion for 30 years. He said he is looking forward to joining OhioHealth. 

“I’m excited to join the OhioHealth family of physicians and to continue to be able to provide the same quality of care that my patients are accustomed to while supporting the Marion community and surrounding areas,” said Dr. Moodley. 

Moodley is one of four providers at the practice who include Allie Branham, CNM, Qin Huang, CNM, and Emma Trusty, CNM. 

 

One success story is that of Lindsey Blair, BSN, RN, a clinical nurse manager at Mansfield Hospital. Blair, a mother of five, had delivered her first three children vaginally, but underwent an emergency c-section with the birth of her fourth. When expecting her fifth, she had concerns about delivery.

“I was nervous that I would have to have a C-section or go down to Columbus — if I wanted to choose a vaginal delivery again,” Blair told Richland Source. “I was very, very excited to learn that I could continue with my OB group here and stay locally for my care.

With desire for a quick recovery and to be more present for her family, Blair opted for VBAC.

“I just think in my situation, the benefits outweighed the risks, and I knew I was in good hands here [Mansfield Hospital],” she said.

On January 4, 2023, Blair became the seventh patient to undergo a successful VBAC at the hospital, giving birth to her son, Deacon.

The VBAC program began in June 2023. Michael Parker, MD, a practice medical director for the OB hospitalist program, assisted with its inception. He works for Pediatrix Medical Group of Ohio which contracts with Mansfield Hospital.

“I did work with the department to be able to coordinate efforts to start the trial of labor program after cesarean section and having an OB doctor in-house 24 hours a day, seven days a week makes that possible,” Dr. Parker said.

He shared that despite the rare risks such as c-section scar rupture, which occur in occurring approximately three times per 10,000 pregnancies, there are many benefits of choosing VBAC

“The success rate of trial of labor after cesarean section is around 60 to 80 percent — depending on the indication for the first cesarean section,” Dr. Parker said.

The procedure helps women avoid additional abdominal surgeries and allows for future vaginal deliveries.

“Proper selection of the appropriate patient to have a trial of labor after cesarean is important,” Dr. Parker said. “Some women are not going to qualify, but a lot of women are.”

Criteria for eligible candidates include no more than two previous c-sections, a prior vaginal delivery, non-labor related c-sections, and the baby being in the head-down position.

“If we can, and the patient is a good candidate, we like to encourage them to try a trial of labor after cesarean section,” Dr. Parker said. “If you’ve never had labor and your cesarean section was done for say, a breach presentation, your chances of having a vaginal delivery after a cesarean section is just as good as if you’ve never had the cesarean.”

With the recent success of the eighth VBAC on April 28 at Mansfield, the hospital continues to provide a local option for expecting mother seeking VBAC deliveries.

“There’s been a really big push in women’s health right now — to up our services, care and safety,” Blair said. “That’s been a really big point for OhioHealth this year.”

“If we have the ability to offer more trial of labor after cesarean section, we may be able to affect that rate of those that are being performed — but also reduce the maternal complications and risks associated with repeat cesarean sections all-around,” Dr. Parker said.

To learn more about OhioHealth Women’s Health services, click here.

Meghann and Jamie Artz welcomed the newest member of their family on Monday morning, the day of the total solar eclipse in Richland County. Bixler Jennings Artz was born at 8:02 a.m.

“She’s a little Aries baby and all the stars were aligned, so I was like, let’s bring this baby into some powerful energy and that positive realm,” Meghann told Brittany Schock of Richland Source. “I think that’s so special for her.”

Meghann and Jamie purposefully chose Jamie's induction date to be on the solar eclipse. They felt it was a great birthday for Bixler, given an eclipse signifies new beginnings. 

Baby Bixler was the first baby born on the day of the eclipse in Richland County, according to OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital. She weighed eight pounds, three ounces.

Bixler was born early enough, the moms even had time to watch the eclipse outside.

Meghann and Jamie knew they would have a planned C-section for baby Bixler. Their first child, Ogden Tanix, was born via C-section two years earlier.  Besides their obvious sibling bond, Ogden and Bixler share an even more special connection: they're fraternal twins. 

“They were both IVF babies, and they’re technically twins because they came from the same egg retrieval and the same sperm donor, transferred two years apart,” Meghann said. “Technically they are fraternal twins carried at separate times.”

“Their nose and lips are basically identical,” Jamie added, pulling up newborn pictures to compare side-by-side.

Jamie was discharged from the hospital Tuesday. She, Meghann, and Ogden are now soaking up every moment with their new family member. 

Aine Clements, MD, a gynecologic oncologist with OhioHealth, is advocating for proactive measures, early detection and open conversations in gynecologic health.

“The most common cancer that I take care of is uterine cancer, and that is on the rise,” Dr. Clements shared with reporter Zach Tuggle of the Mansfield News Journal. In practice, she encounters various other types of cancers related to the female reproductive system, including ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, and some rare cases involving the placenta.­

"A new mutation can start in a family through an individual, or environmental risk factors from being exposed to something,” Dr. Clements said. "There's so much we don't understand about why cancers form — just because there's no family history doesn't mean that you can't develop a gynecologic cancer.”

Everyone, regardless of their family history, should take steps to reduce their risk.

“Early detection helps doctors find mutations before they become cancer,” she said, referring to the identification of “precancer.” Screenings such as colonoscopies, pap tests, and mammograms can catch conditions in this early stage, allowing for less invasive treatments and better overall outcomes.

"If you catch it as a precancer, you remove it and then you can watch carefully after that," Dr. Clements said. "Once you've had one, you're at risk to develop other ones."

Cancers or precancers can develop on the skin anywhere on the body, including the vulvar region. New growths and skin marks can wait up to two weeks, but after that, doctors say it’s time to act.

Another key preventative measure is receiving the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine approved for patients aged 9 to 45 with multiple doses depending on age. This vaccine can play a role in preventing cervical, vaginal, and a large majority of vulvar cancers.

“The younger you get it, the better,” Dr. Clements said about the vaccine and recommended discussing it with a healthcare provider.

Timely consultations about abnormal functions or discomfort, particularly related to the reproductive system, can lead to early intervention as well.

Dr. Clements frequently sees patients who are experiencing excessively heavy menstrual cycles with intense pain, even causing them to miss work. While these symptoms are not necessarily signs of cancer, they may warrant a discussion with a doctor.

"A lot of people just aren't comfortable talking about that area, so they try to downplay their symptoms," Dr. Clements said. "They might feel embarrassed to mention it."

But she urged patients not to shy away from these conversations with their healthcare provider. They’re there to help.

“That's what we do: we take care of people who have problems in that area. We're comfortable talking about it, so it's OK to bring up those conversations.”

To learn more about OhioHealth’s gynecologic cancer care, click here. 

OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels is bringing prenatal care directly to central Ohio communities in need. Sonia Booker, RN, OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels Manager, shared with reporter Chuck Ringwalt of Spectrum News 1 the importance of this initiative in improving infant and maternal health. 

The program consists of three mobile units, each equipped with eight rooms, that strategically target areas lacking accessible healthcare. 

“We intentionally go places where we know they need us. This is a medical desert,” Booker said. 

The focus is on delivering maternity care from the beginning to the end of pregnancy, including post-pregnancy support, regardless of their ability to pay. Blood work and ultrasounds can be performed on-site, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care without needing to go anywhere else. 

“Where we sit right now is our highest immigrant population,” Booker said. “We have Nepali, Somali, African American, Hispanic – this is the world right here. And they love us because they know we're here for them and we give them access to care and we give them a lot of education.” 

Booker stressed the importance of slowing down, listening to patients, and creating a comfortable environment for them. "They love that. And we explain, of course, here's how we're going to communicate to you," she added. The mobile unit provides live interpretation using the telehealth platform Martti and language lines by phone to communicate with non-English-speaking mothers. 

Wellness on Wheels has had a positive impact on infant mortality rates. The mobile units have reduced these rates to 5.3 per 1,000 births in neighborhoods where infant mortality is double or triple the national average. 

“Some of our areas we go into, we know they have maybe a 15.0 infant mortality rate,” Booker said. “So, we have proven that this works.” 

Receiving care from the mobile unit can decrease the number of days infants spend in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). "In the last 10 years, we know that five or fewer babies through our program per year get admitted to the NICU. That's phenomenal," Booker said. 

Wellness on Wheels not only improves the quality of life for newborns but also contributes to cost savings and community well-being. One patient shared her experience of receiving a playpen for her baby, delivered right to her doorstep by the Wellness on Wheels team. 

“We want them to get good prenatal care, not to miss any appointments,” Booker said, “And so you have to have a heart for their community. And you got to understand that not everybody has access to care.” 

To learn more about OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels, click here. 

Parents Emily and Tanner Stiles, from Pickaway County, welcomed their baby girl at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center. 

Baby Stiles weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 inches long. The family has one other child. Emily said though she “did not expect it today,” as the baby was several weeks early, she and baby are doing well.

The almost 590,000 square feet inpatient and outpatient facility will be designed to care for women and their families by not only providing advanced maternity and neonatal intensive care services with a fourth trimester clinic, obstetric and gynecological services, but will also feature mid-life and bone health, urogynecology and female urology, and mammography services. 

“At OhioHealth, the health and wellness of our patients and of all women in our community matter. We are honored to continue providing a variety of services by opening new doors for those we serve to be healed, to be sheltered, to be fed, to be seen, heard and to be cared for,” Vice President of the OhioHealth Women’s Health Clinical Service Line, Jason Melillo, MD, said, “This space will allow our clinicians and associates to build more and even stronger life-long relationships with their patients and families.” 

For more than ten years, Riverside Methodist has been the busiest maternity hospital in the state of Ohio and delivered nearly 7,000 babies in 2022. As maternity volume at Riverside Methodist continues to grow, building a designated comprehensive women’s center is as much an opportunity as it is a necessity. 

“Serving our patients at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital with the best care and most welcoming, convenient, and comfortable experience is important for every person who walks through the doors,” Riverside Methodist president Rob Cercek said. “Our hope with the expansion of women’s care is to inspire staff, providers, and the community as a beacon of health, hope, and healing for women.” 

The over $600-million capital investment for the OhioHealth Women’s Center project includes: 
• Inpatient and outpatient care (185 inpatient beds) 
• Labor, Delivery, Recovery rooms 
• C-Section 
• High Risk Obstetrics 
• GYN/Breast Surgery 
• NICU 
• Post-Partum 
• Over 150,000 square feet of comprehensive and complementary ambulatory programming that brings together primary care, specialty care and support services to promote care coordination. 

“When it comes to the structure of the building, both externally and internally, our intention is to bring in women’s voices, experiences and insights into the design and planning of the comprehensive center,” said Kristina Stuecher, OhioHealth Vice President and project executive of the OhioHealth Women’s Health Center. “We will be steadfast in our commitment to create spaces and experiences that are welcoming for all.” 

In 2022, nearly 15,000 babies were delivered across the OhioHealth system. The goal of the center is to dedicate the diverse knowledge, backgrounds, and life experiences of our associates to the patients we serve. OhioHealth wants those who are delivering to know our associates have the expertise to support them and their loved ones through their birthing journey with the highest level of care with compassion, understanding and empathy. 

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 14 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health and other health services spanning a 47-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. 

Renderings Courtesy: Cannon Design. Permission to Publish.
 

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to fragile infants and as a bridge to mothers own milk. The Milk Bank, which is in the OhioHealth Eastside Health Center, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies.

In 2022, the Milk Bank dispensed 449,382 ounces of milk to 72 hospitals and 205 outpatients in 8 states plus Ohio.  That is 3511 gallons of milk. Each ounce of pasteurized human milk will feed 3 premature infants for a day.

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank has 21 milk drop off sites in Ohio, where milk is accepted from approved donors.

This new milk dispensary service,  enables families with a prescription to pick-up the processed milk locally.  Given most insurance companies do not cover outpatient donor bridge milk, families will need to pay the processing, handling and shipping fee for the dispensed milk.

Ann M Witt, MD, FABM, IBCLC, is the founder and director of Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio(BFMNEO). Founded in 2008, the clinic has worked with thousands of mothers throughout northeast Ohio providing medical and lactation support to help mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.

“Some families need to start supplementation while waiting for their milk supply to increase, and while in the hospital after delivery they may have the option to supplement with pasteurized donor breast milk,” Dr. Witt goes on to say, “Upon discharge there has not been a readily available option to continue donor breast milk.  We have seen this need for years, and hear from many families how frustrated they are to not continue to provide exclusive breast milk to their infant’s.  When the milk bank contacted us about the possibility of a dispensary we were very excited.”

OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank Outreach Coordinator for the Milk Bank, Chris Smith, reports that they often receive prescriptions from physicians in Northeast Ohio who are prescribing donor human milk for their patients, so this partnership is very beneficial.

“This allows BFMNEO to dispense the milk without the delay of shipping,” Smith, goes on to say, “This also introduces families to their services if they need additional breastfeeding help.

Dr. Witt’s hope with this partnership is to continue providing support to families and their babies. 

“Additionally, for those families who have a goal of exclusive breastfeeding and a delay in their milk production increasing, they will have another option to provide breast milk while figuring out the next steps,” Dr. Witt says, “This is truly wonderful news for area women in need of donor milk.”

In order to receive milk at the dispensary, families can arrange pickup either during their regular schedule appoints at the clinic or at a donor milk pickup-only-appointment, which are schedule Monday through Friday, from 1-4pm.

Families will need to complete the three forms found on the Breastfeeding Medicine of Northeast Ohio website. 

“For generations, mothers have looked out for other mothers and this time is no different than that,” Jessica Tucker, DO, told ABC6 reporter Bri Buckley during an interview. 

Dr. Tucker is an OhioHealth family medicine physician that specializes in breastfeeding medicine practice at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center and within the OhioHealth Physician Group in Lancaster. One question that has come up for Dr. Tucker is if it safe for mothers to share milk with other mothers who may have a difficult time producing enough for their child?

“The biggest one is communicable diseases, viruses like HIV, hepatitis C, and hepatitis B, as well as medications that the lactating person may be consuming that could be present in breastmilk and harmful to your baby,” said Dr. Tucker in the interview with ABC6, “It’s helpful to have donor moms and it’s helpful to have donor breast milk, but it has to be a conversation between those two people and their doctor,” Dr. Tucker said.

To view the full story, click on the ABC6 logo below.

Dr. Tucker was also interviewed by NBC4, discussing the formula shortage and her breastfeeding practice at Grant Medical Center. To view that story, click on NBC4's logo below. 

The OB/GYN practice providers in Lexington include James Alford, MD, Terry Grogg, MD and Patti Sprang, WHNP-BC, NCMP.  Sprang recently joined OhioHealth in March and has more than 30 years of experience as a nurse practitioner in women’s health. She is also certified by the North American Menopause Society as a menopause practitioner.

The new location is OhioHealth’s third OB/GYN practice in Richland County. OhioHealth Physician Group Obstetrics and Gynecology also has practices within the Medical Offices at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital 335 Glessner Avenue, in Mansfield, as well as within the medical office building at 24 Morris Road, Suite 3, in Shelby. In addition to the providers listed above, Laura Masimore, CNM, WHNP, practices in Mansfield and Shelby.

 All three OB/GYN practices are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment in Lexington or Mansfield, call 567-241-7055. Appointments at the Shelby practice can be scheduled by calling 419-342-2900.

The OB/GYN practice providers in Lexington include James Alford, MD, Terry Grogg, MD, and Patti Sprang, WHNP-BC, NCMP. Sprang recently joined OhioHealth in March and has more than 30 years of experience as a nurse practitioner in women’s health. She is also certified by the North American Menopause Society as a menopause practitioner.

The new location is OhioHealth’s third OB/GYN practice in Richland County. OhioHealth Physician Group Obstetrics and Gynecology also has practices within the Medical Offices at OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital 335 Glessner Avenue, in Mansfield, as well as within the medical office building at 24 Morris Road, Suite 3, in Shelby. In addition to the providers listed above, Laura Masimore, CNM, WHNP, practices in Mansfield and Shelby.

All three OB/GYN practices are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment in Lexington or Mansfield, call 567-241-7055. Appointments at the Shelby practice can be scheduled by calling 419-342-2900.

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, it is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 12 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area.  It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 15 times since 2007. 

OhioHealth hospitals include OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Berger Hospital. For more information, please visit our website at www.ohiohealth.com.  

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The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to those infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk to nourish their babies. It is one of just 29 milk banks in North America – 26 in the United States and three in Canada.

“We are thrilled to be opening this new milk drop to make donating even easier,” said Chris Smith, RN, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant at the milk bank. “With this new milk drop, approved donors in and around Wooster can conveniently donate their milk. Pasteurized donor milk is liquid gold for babies who need it. In 2020 alone we distributed nearly 337,169 ounces of milk all over the country – that’s 2,634 gallons! Just one ounce can feed a premature infant for three days, so every little bit helps.”

The Wooster site marks the 12^th OhioHealth milk drop location in Ohio. The donated milk is distributed throughout North America to babies in need.

“We are so excited about the opening of the Wooster Community Hospital Milk Drop,” said Nicole Sword, RN, IBCLC and program coordinator of the lactation department. “We identified a need in our community for this service because there are no other milk drops close by causing an inconvenience to donors or potential donors. This new service will allow us to provide a safe and trouble-free way for nursing mothers to share their milk with medically fragile infants and children that can benefit from the many benefits of human milk.”

The milk bank, which is located in the OhioHealth Eastside Health Center in Columbus, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies. Interested donors are encouraged to email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566.0630 to arrange a screening phone interview prior to the event. To become a human milk donor, mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk. This process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review, a signed medical release from the donor and physician and consent to receive a blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen and distributed by physician prescription.

Benefits of Breast Milk

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

Research shows that human milk helps pre-term infants:

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

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

About Wooster Community Hospital

Wooster Community Hospital (WCH), built in 1950, is a 172-bed, full-service and acute-care facility. Located in Wooster, the hub of Wayne County, Ohio. WCH is a 7-time IBM Watson Health 100 Top Hospital that offers a complete range of inpatient and outpatient services. WCH has continued to expand facilities and add services to meet the needs of the community. For more information, visit www.woosterhospital.org/obstetrics.

Sponsored in part by a generous $250,000 gift from Battelle, OhioHealth’s newest Wellness on Wheels mobile unit will eventually provide healthcare services at the Linden Community Center five days per week. The multidisciplinary healthcare team on the mobile unit provides a rotating schedule of women’s health and primary care clinics. Clinics are staffed by a variety of OhioHealth clinical resources, including:

• Provider (Physician or Advanced Practice Provider)
• Nurse
• Medical Assistant
• Community Health Worker
• Social Worker

Columbus Dispatch reporter Max Filby and photojournalist Doral Chenoweth recently visited a Wellness on Wheels clinic in Linden to see what the experience is like for patients.  One patient, Katlin Drach, told them the mobile unit means easy access to care.

"It's nice knowing that I don't have to go super far, especially because we don't have a ton of money (for gas)," Drach told The Dispatch.

Pooja Lahoti, MD, was working on the unit the morning of the Dispatch's visit.  She said it's vital that the team makes every patient feel welcome and cared for.

"The acceptance part is really, really important because a lot of these women are high risk," Dr. Lahoti told The Dispatch. "I think it's just a way to provide that care to people that may not have otherwise had it or had access to it."

Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment with Wellness on Wheels can call 614-788-3400 to schedule.  The care on the unit is available to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. 

To watch a video about the OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels Clinic in Linden, click here.

Read the full story in the Columbus Dispatch by clicking on their logo below:

Click here to learn more about the OhioHealth Wellness on Wheels clinic in Linden.

The OhioHealth Mothers’ Milk Bank, under the guidelines of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), provides pasteurized human milk to those infants whose mothers are unable to provide milk to nourish their babies. It is one of just 29 milk banks in North America – 26 in the United States and three in Canada.

“We are thrilled to be opening this new milk drop to make donating even easier,” said Chris Smith, RN, outreach coordinator and lactation consultant at the milk bank. “With this new milk drop, approved donors in and around Greater Cleveland can conveniently donate their milk. Pasteurized donor milk is liquid gold for babies who need it. In 2020 alone we distributed nearly 337,169 ounces of milk all over the country – that’s over 2,600 gallons! Just one ounce can feed a premature infant for three days, so every little bit helps.”

The pasteurized milk is distributed throughout North America. This is the twelfth OhioHealth milk drop location to open in Ohio.

“We are so excited to offer this service to patients and the entire Northeast Ohio community,” said Dr. Allie Effron, pediatrician and co-founder of Greater Cleveland Pediatrics. “Having cared for premature infants over the years, we have seen the life-saving effects of donor milk first hand.”

“We are especially grateful to a local physician mother who donated the storage freezer especially for this purpose. It’s wonderful to see so much support in the community,” added Dr. Keili Mistovich, Greater Cleveland Pediatrics’ other pediatrician and co-founder.

The milk bank, which is located in the OhioHealth Eastside Health Center in Columbus, relies on donations from healthy, lactating women who generously provide milk to help other babies.

To become a human milk donor, mothers must take part in a screening process to ensure the quality and safety of the milk. This process includes a phone screening to verify eligibility, completion of a medical and lifestyle history review, a signed medical release from the donor and physician and consent to receive a blood test to screen for HIV, HTLV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis. The donated milk is pasteurized, frozen and distributed by physician prescription. Interested donors are asked to email milkbank@ohiohealth.com or call (614) 566.0630 to arrange a screening phone interview.

Mothers who are also interested in donating can also contact Greater Cleveland Pediatrics at admin@clepeds.com or text (216) 238.0651 for additional information.

Benefits of Breast Milk

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

Research shows that human milk helps pre-term infants:

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

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

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, it is a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 12 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home-health, medical equipment and other health services spanning a 47-county area. It has been recognized by FORTUNE as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” 14 times since 2007. 

OhioHealth hospitals include OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Grant Medical Center, OhioHealth Doctors Hospital, OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital, OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital, OhioHealth Marion General Hospital, OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, OhioHealth Mansfield Hospital, OhioHealth Shelby Hospital, OhioHealth Grove City Methodist Hospital and OhioHealth Berger Hospital. For more information, please visit our website at www.ohiohealth.com.

About Greater Cleveland Pediatrics

Greater Cleveland Pediatrics is a concierge-style pediatrics practice in Beachwood, Ohio. They focus on providing unparalleled access and support to families, including house calls, direct physician text and email contact, and longer, unhurried visits.

Visit www.clepeds.com or follow @clepeds on Instagram to learn more.

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So what does this nomination mean to the transgender and non-binary community, one that tends to face barriers to healthcare and employment due to discrimination?

Michelle Hoffman, DO, is an Ob/Gyn resident physician at OhioHealth.  They are also non-binary, using they/them pronouns.  Dr. Hoffman said this representation is very important for the country to see. 

"70 or 80 percent of people admit to not knowing a transgender person in real life.  Which is huge," said Dr. Hoffman.  "It's my opportunity (as a physician) to be that person for people, to say 'hey, I'm normal.'  And this is why this (nomination) matters.  To hopefully change some opinions and if they can change the opinons of their friends, it's sort of that ripple effect."

The hope is that seeing Dr. Levine's nomination will serve as a beacon for others.

"Kids don't dream of becoming something that they can't see," said Dr. Hoffman.  "Now there will hopefully be a role model for so many trans kids, like you can literally do anything.  And for the people who are cisgendered or know nothing about the trans community or maybe had negative opinions initally will see a normal, awesome person.  And that maybe the transgender part doesn't matter that much when it comes to doing your job."

To learn more about OhioHealth's healthcare services for the LGBTQ+ community, click here. 

When OhioHealth nurse practitioner Jennifer Wagner found out she was pregnant in October, she wasn't working on the COVID-19 front lines.  

Then in November, she was asked to redeploy to help out another area, which meant she would be working with COVID-19 positive patients most days at OhioHealth Urgent Care - Dublin.

The following month, the COVID-19 vaccine was approved under emergency use authorization and available to healthcare workers.  But being pregnant, Jennifer wondered if the vaccine was safe for her and her baby.  She spoke with her obstetrician and primary care doctor and did some of her own research,  including from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Ultimately, she decided to proceed with getting vaccinated.

"I am higher risk if I were to get COVID of getting very ill and seeing COVID positive patients every day. I am more concerned about the long-term effects of COVID than the vaccine," Wagner told ABC6 reporter Haley Nelson.

"Although the absolute risk is low, pregnant women with COVID-19 are at increased risk of severe illness. Additionally pregnant women may be at an increased risk of an adverse pregnancy outcome," said Joseph Gastaldo, MD, OhioHealth system medical director of infectious diseases. "Basically, it boils down to a risk versus benefit. We know based on animal studies that messenger RNA vaccines are safe," he said.

To see the full story, click on the ABC6 logo below.  If you are pregnant and wondering if the vaccine is right for you, please speak with your physician.  

The Sewing Guilds also spent much of the spring and summer making masks and ear savers for OhioHealth - they donated over 2,500 items! 

Jason Melillo, MD, medical director of women's health at OhioHealth recently spoke with 10TV reporter Krista Frost about the cancellations of screening or preventive appointments.  Dr. Melillo noted many cancellations were from people who were over age 65 or had other risk factors for COVID-19.  

So when should you go in for care?  Doctors suggest seeking medical care if you're in pain, as waiting too long could lead to bigger problems.  Annual checkups and screenings should also be scheduled. OhioHealth has taken extraordinary measures to keep our hospitals safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that we have resumed services across our health system, we continue to put the safety of our patients, associates and providers first. Thousands of our patients have already had visits in person with their doctors using these new safety measures. At all of our locations, or virtually through telehealth, OhioHealth providers are ready to deliver the care you need without compromising your sense of comfort. 

"The risk for breast cancer is 1 in 8 - that's if you don't have any risk factors," said Dr. Melillo.  "If you delay your appointment, it's important that you don't cancel it all together and reschedule it."  

OhioHealth is taking many measures to keep patients, providers and associates safe while in our care sites.  To learn more about how we are putting safety first, click here. 

Jason Melillo, MD, OhioHealth director of women’s health, talked with 10TV for a story that aired on March 23 about what women who are expecting need to know to keep themselves and their babies safe.

While pregnant women are typically more susceptible to respiratory viruses like the flu, preliminary data about COVID-19 indicates that pregnant women aren’t at any more risk for contracting the virus than anyone else.

“Even though the data is limited, it doesn’t seem that pregnant women are more adversely affected by COVID-19 than other patients,” Dr. Melillo told 10TV anchor and health reporter Tracy Townsend. “We don’t have enough data to say whether this can cause miscarriages or whether this can cause problems with the baby. As of right now, we haven’t seen any evidence of what we call vertical transmission, which means that the baby can catch it from the mom.”

When it comes to breastfeeding, data has also indicated that so far, COVID-19 has not been found in breastmilk. For moms who are nursing and have symptoms of a fever or cough, Dr. Melillo recommends wearing a mask while you nurse. If you’re still worried, try setting up virtual visit or phone call with your physician.

Remember that it’s still important to limit the number of people you come into contact with, including your physician and other healthcare workers. It’s always best to start first with a phone call before heading in for an in-person visit.

Caroline Palmer’s smile immediately makes you feel welcome. As a patient registration representative for Radiology at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, her friendly face puts patients and visitors at ease. But Palmer is also the face of something you may not suspect – she’s a survivor of human trafficking.

For many people, their understanding of human trafficking is similar to the 2008 film Taken, starring Liam Neeson. But the reality is very different. Human trafficking occurs right here in Columbus. Society just masks it with a different name – prostitution.

Prostitution has been around for centuries. It’s mired in controversy and has a mixed reputation. Most condemn and criminalize it. Others celebrate it as a form of female empowerment. But the statistics show that the world’s oldest profession is really the world’s oldest oppression.

“85 percent of women trafficked in the United States are our own women and girls,” said Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Paul Herbert. “And nearly two-thirds are victims of sexual abuse.”

That’s how Palmer’s story begins.

“When I was in the third grade, my father started molesting me, and that continued for about eight years,” said Palmer. “I was so scared. He’d threaten to kill my mom and marry me.”

Palmer’s mother denied the sexual abuse for years, but when Palmer told her what he would say to her each time he was ready to have sex, her mom froze. “It was what he would say to her. That’s when the light bulb went off in her head that she had failed me.”

Her mother finally pressed charges and divorced her father, but the trauma he inflicted left Palmer vulnerable to manipulation. When she was 15, she fell prey to Thomas, a 30-year-old friend of her neighbor’s. “He talked nice to me, bought me clothes, made me feel like he cared about me. And then we started having sex,” said Palmer.

Thomas’ behavior is what Judge Herbert calls boyfriending. It’s how traffickers lure women in. “They promise love and stability, but then sex becomes business and they find ways to detain the women.”

One of the most common tools used to maintain control of trafficked women is drugs. Thomas persuaded Palmer to try crack after a fight the two had, telling her it would help her calm down. She was hooked instantly. Over the next few years, Palmer’s and Thomas’ addiction spiraled out of control, costing Palmer her budding career in banking.

That’s when Thomas started selling Palmer.

“The first time it happened, he sold me for $150. At the time, I didn’t know I was being trafficked,” said Palmer. “I was in love with him. But he was conning me. He’d been grooming me since I was 15.”

Judge Herbert says it’s not unusual for a trafficked woman to stand by her trafficker. “Sixty-two percent of women who are trafficked enter prostitution before the age of 18, 33% before they are 15. Abuse, false promises, fear and resignation become all they know. Their trafficker is the steady influence in their life, who is there for them when society has turned its back.”

For 15 years, Palmer was pressured to sell her body for income, continuing to battle the addiction her trafficker used to coerce compliance with his demands. She was arrested more than 23 times and served three felony sentences at the Ohio Reformatory for Women in Marysville. She had eight children, five by johns (men who paid her for sex), and lost custody of the first seven. Caroline was raped five times, beaten, branded, kidnapped and nearly murdered twice. At times she was homeless, and often hungry, at one point weighing only 87 pounds.

“People think prostitutes make a choice,” said Palmer. “They think we get what we deserve. But you don’t just decide to be a prostitute. I knew a lot of girls who went through so much at home and in life. Doctors’ daughters, preachers’ daughters, lawyers’ daughters … there’s no discrimination. Anyone can have something happen to them that leads them to prostitution.”

Through the kindness of a landlord who offered her a one-way bus ticket to escape her circumstances, Palmer, then pregnant with her eighth child, fled south to family in Mississippi in 2002 and entered treatment at Region One Mental Health in Clarksdale. Over the next 14 years, she rebuilt her life, becoming a bus driver for the local school, working at the library, writing a book about her story, speaking publicly at schools and prisons, and earning her general education degree with honors from Coahoma Community College.

Palmer returned to Columbus in 2016 when her mother became ill. At a job fair, she learned about Restoration Academy, a rigorous, six-month program provided by the city in partnership with community organizations to reduce the rate of recidivism. Palmer was one of 12 applicants accepted into the program that year. She got placed in a job with VSP Vision Care and received legal aid to have her felony record expunged. New laws allow for the destruction of records related to prostitution if survivors can prove they were victims of human trafficking.

“Expungement is the ultimate fresh start,” says Judge Herbert.

Restoration Academy is just one of many local programs helping victims of human trafficking.

Ten years ago, Judge Herbert founded CATCH Court (Changing Actions to Change Habits), a specialty docket in Franklin County that offers women who have been trafficked a two-year intensive probation program to exit trafficking instead of serving jail time.

“These women wind up in court with charges of prostitution, drug use and other crimes, but they look like victims of domestic abuse, not hardened criminals,” he said.

CATCH partners with Maryhaven and Amethyst, and several other substance use recovery centers in central Ohio, and requires the women to attend weekly meetings that include education and support. He says 72% of the women who graduate the program have no new criminal charges, and 77% are employed, volunteering or enrolled in education programs or vocational training.

CATCH Court director Hannah Estabrook, MA, LPCC-S, founded Sanctuary Night with help from Lower Lights Ministries. Every Monday, from 8–10 p.m., women caught in the cycle of prostitution can visit the center on Sullivant Avenue for a warm meal, clothing, hygiene items and connections to community resources.

“These women have grown up as victims of systemic injustice, and sexual and other trauma in their family system. They turn to prostitution because that’s all that’s available to them,” said Estabrook. “The criminal justice system in Franklin County has done an amazing job helping trafficked women, but it’s a growing burden. Some women need a different way out, one that is more autonomous.” Estabrook hopes to secure enough funding to open a new drop-in center this summer that will be open to women 24/7.

OhioHealth has also taken steps to serve trafficking victims. Through a partnership with United Way, our Wellness on Wheels mobile units deliver women’s health and prenatal care to women at Maryhaven and Amethyst once a week, regardless of their ability to pay. If the women need additional services the unit can’t provide, we connect them with our charity care program at their OhioHealth hospital of choice.

OhioHealth nurses also provide quarterly health education to women in CATCH Court and HART (Helping Achieve Recovery Together), another specialty docket in Franklin County for people with opiate addictions.

“Most of these women have never had evidence-based education about their bodies, let alone information about the opportunity to live the violence- and drug-free life that they want,” said Shannon Ginther, senior director of Community Health Partnerships at OhioHealth. “They’re very engaged in the lectures.”

But Ginther says OhioHealth still has opportunity.

“Moving forward, we need to look at more training for our associates, so they can recognize the signs of human trafficking and immediately connect victims with services,” said Ginther.

Judge Herbert shares staggering statistics that make it clear OhioHealth is likely already caring for trafficked women in our emergency rooms and other care sites:

If you feel someone in your care may be a victim of human trafficking, take the following steps:

• Practice trauma-informed care: Trauma reactions are often misdiagnosed or overlooked as symptoms of mental illness. Victims of trafficking may develop dissociative personality disorder, exhibit aggression or refuse to talk. You can practice trauma-informed care by not casting judgment, looking patients in the eyes and showing genuine concern, listening to what they have to say, and being consistent, transparent and flexible.
• Recognize the signs of trauma and trafficking: Women and girls who are being trafficked may have bruises or other injuries, exhibit submissive or fearful behavior, show signs of drug addiction, act withdrawn or avoid making eye contact, lie or speak evasively, or have an older man with them.
• If you suspect something, say something: You can reach officers in Columbus Police’s new PACT (Police and Community Together) unit by calling 311. Your call goes directly to the unit and will be received by someone who has special training in human trafficking. The details you provide can also help them build cases against traffickers in the area.
• Connect victims with help: The National Human Trafficking Hotline will connect you with a local organization who can come to your care site to talk with patients. Just call 1 (888) 373.7888 or text 233733.
• Volunteer and give generously: Many of the local organizations working to end human trafficking have opportunities for you to donate your time or funds, including Sanctuary Night and Freedom A La Cart.
• Share the message: Talk to your fellow associates, friends, family and neighbors about the realities of prostitution, human trafficking and commercial sex. Share this story.
• Innovate: Seek ways to protect women and other vulnerable people within our system and in your communities.

However you choose to help, you can be part of the solution, says Estabrook. “I have yet to have someone come to me with their skill or desire to give and not been able to use it.”

Today, Palmer is rebuilding bonds with her children, and glows with pride when she talks about them. Her youngest is about to graduate high school. She has straight A’s, is enrolled in courses at Columbus State and plays multiple sports.

“I love my kids. When they took them from me, the world wasn’t the same,” she said. “Parents are supposed to make a way for their kids to have a good life. I didn’t have that as a kid, but God’s giving me the chance to do that now for my kids.”

Palmer is working toward a degree in healthcare and human services, and hopes one day to be a social worker at the hospital. But for now, she finds fulfillment in her current role. “This place is amazing,” she said. “We’re a team, and I love my job!”

Her advice to others is never to assume that you know what someone is going through. And, if you’re facing abuse, ask for help.

“If you’re ashamed, put that mindset aside, especially if you have kids. You have to tell people what’s going on. I was used and abused all my life until I took that first step. And I’m going to keep putting my foot forward.”

Finding a healthy way to build strength back to what it was before pregnancy is no simple task, but the key is to gently ease yourself into a routine that’s comfortable for you.

“Even just start doing some simple yoga stretching, some core work to strengthen your abdominal muscles, and that can be hard if someone’s muscles have been stretched with the process of pregnancy; sometimes it’s a little bit harder to get your core strength back,” Anita Somani, MD , an OB/GYN with Comprehensive Women's Care told 10TV reporter Molly Brewer in a recent video.

Many moms aren’t prepared for how much their bodies change throughout pregnancy, and a fitness routine you had established from before delivery may not work for your body afterwards.

“You need to say, ‘You know what? It takes nine months to get back to where you were when you started your pregnancy,’” said Dr. Somani. “So, I think we often times put all these expectations on ourselves and that’s not helpful.”

Light, low-impact exercise extends beyond physical well-being to help improve mental health, relieve stress and combat post-partum depression. Even something as simple as going for a walk can be impactful.

“I think everyone who exercises would tell you that when you exercise, you actually feel like you get more energy afterwards and it’s the same thing during pregnancy when women are saying, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m exhausted, I’m nauseous," said Dr. Somani.

No matter what you decide, exercise in any shape or form is going to make a positive impact

To learn more about women’s health at OhioHealth, click here.

To watch the full story from 10TV and see how their chief meteorologist, Ashlee Baracy is bouncing back after her own pregnancy, click on the station logo below.

Three Marion graduates have returned home now as OhioHealth physicians. Kyle Feldmann, MD, Michael McLeese, DO and Cassie Vaflor Israel, MD, have all returned to their hometown to bring back care to their communities.

Dr. Feldmann studied medicine at the University of Toledo, and completed his residency at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. He is a 2004 graduate of Marion Harding High School, and was born at OhioHealth Marion General Hospital. He joined the OhioHealth family in September specializing in cardiovascular disease and internal medicine.

"My goal was always to come back to the central Ohio area, and OhioHealth is an excellent organization to work for and be a part of," said Dr. Feldmann in an interview with Andrew Carter of the Marion Star. "Being able to have that opportunity and to come back to my hometown, too, make an impact on the community I grew up in and all the people I know, is something that just kind of fell together and is a great opportunity to take advantage of."

Dr. Israel also attended the University of Toledo for medical school, and then completed her residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a 2008 graduate of Pleasant High School. She has returned home as a primary care physician specializing in women’s health at OhioHealth’s University Drive location.

"I felt a deep connection to this community," Dr. Israel told the Marion Star. "The people that influenced where I wanted to be in my life and what I wanted to do are in this community and in the healthcare system. The full scope of training that I've received I can duplicate in Marion, and I was hoping to do that. So, I get to be home and I get to do everything I wanted to do."

Dr. McLeese studied medicine at The Ohio State University and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency at Adena Health System in Chillicothe. He is a 2007 graduate of River Valley High School. He has now returned home to Marion to practice internal medicine.

"It's very exciting to be back," Dr. McLeese told the Marion Star. "I worked with OhioHealth Marion General during (undergrad) in the emergency department. Since then, I've always known that I wanted to come back. This is the community that made me who I am. My wife is from Marion, so both of our parents are still here."

These three physicians say they are excited to be back serving their community and bring health care to people they grew up with.

To learn more about OhioHealth services in Marion, click here.

To read the full article in the Marion Star, click on their logo below.

Photo Courtesy: Andrew Carter/Marion Star

“Especially since they'll be born in the wintertime. That they are safe and healthy as well and protected against any viruses,” said Cunningham.

Anita Somani, MD, an OB/GYN, at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital and Comprehensive Women’s Care, told ABC6 reporter Rodney Dunigan that it’s especially important for pregnant women to get their flu vaccine to protect them and their baby.

“When a baby is born, a baby can’t get a flu vaccine for 6 months,” said Dr. Somani

Flu vaccines help the baby by passing antibodies from the mom to the fetus to protect it until it is old enough to receive a vaccine.

Pregnant women are most at risk during flu season. There are “much higher incidents of death, unfortunately, if you get the flu when you are pregnant,” Dr. Somani told ABC6.

Flu vaccines are safe to get during any trimester and with peak flu season being between December and February, now is the time to get the vaccine.

“Vaccines are actually protective and the flu vaccine is one that is not a live vaccine. It is an inactive vaccine, so those are safe to do,” said Dr. Somani.

A recent CDC report showed that many pregnant women are still not receiving the flu vaccine. So make sure you are protecting yourself and your baby during this flu season by getting your flu shot.

“It’s quick, it’s easy. I’d rather have that few seconds of pain than being hospitalized, “said Cunningham.

Need a flu shot? Click here to find an OhioHealth Urgent Care or an OhioHealth Primary Care physician near you.

View the ABC6 story by clicking on their logo below.

Lindsay became pregnant with their son Reagan in 2016. Because of her age, the pregnancy was considered high risk. She suffered from blood clots and hematomas, and was eventually taken to the high risk obstetrics unit at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. At the hospital, Lindsay was given instructions of strict bed rest due to a chronic abruption that could cause harm to the baby.

On May 27, 10 days later and 19 weeks early, Reagan was born. Lindsay and Nathan got to know their son for just three hours before he passed away.

"Devastating," Lindsay told 10TV reporter Bryant Somerville. "It's devastating. There's not really anything to describe it. It's the worst feeling that I've ever experienced,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay and Nathan worked hard to make meaning of this devastating situation. They wanted a way to give back and help families who were going through a similar situation. Around the time everything was happening an opportunity arose to make that happen.

Nathan won a contest with Fat Head’s Brewer to make his own beer. Through this, Fat Head’s learned his story and knew they wanted to help in some way. 

Fat Head’s created a beer in honor of Reagan. “Reagan’s Comet” debuted at its first event in 2016 and has been served at every one since. One dollar of every brew sold at Pies and Pints goes to the Reagan Michael White Fund that was set up by Riverside Methodist.

All the money from this fund goes towards helping families in the same high risk obstetrics unit at Riverside. In the past four years the fund has raised $25,000.

“I received such great care when I was at Riverside and we just wanted to give back and do something nice for someone else who may need it,” Lindsay told 10TV.

In 2018 the Fund raised enough money to “adopt” a family of a mom staying in the high risk unit around the holidays. Through the money raised they were able to purchase gifts, gift cards, and a financial gift for a family.

“To be able to give back is big for us,” said Nathan. Click on the 10TV story below to view the full story.  

For more information about the Reagan Michael White Fund click here.

To learn more about high risk obstetrics at Riverside click here.  

For many new parents, having their first child together is one of the most exciting, yet busy and stressful experiences they face. At OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital alone, 6,000 babies are born each year, making the hospital one of the country’s busiest maternity hospitals.

Joanne White, a 90-year-old OhioHealth volunteer in Riverside Methodist’s nursery, is happy to help new families through the experience of having a newborn.

Some of her roles around the nursery include comforting the babies whenever parents are in need of a break, making sure the nursery is clean and helping nurses fold shirts and blankets.

"It just helps your mind,” White told 10TV reporter Stephanie Stanavich. “It keeps you, as I'd say, young, which I'm not young, but it does keep you young and you get to be with the babies."

When she’s not spending time in the hospital, White is busy at home crocheting hats to bring in for the newborns, a project she spends hours on. Parents often show their appreciation for White by giving her cards and writing her notes, which always bring a smile to her face.

“It makes me feel good that I can do something they enjoy,” White told Stanavich.

Riverside Methodist always enjoys welcoming volunteers like White to come in and help. For White, who has been with OhioHealth for the past eight years, volunteering is a way for her to stay busy and surround herself with good company.

To learn more about volunteering at OhioHealth, click here.

Many doctors are looking for alternative ways to help ease the pain. One of those ways is the ON-Q Pain Management System, manufactured by Avanos and utilized at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital by Dr. Anita Somani, an OB/GYN with Comprehensive Women’s Care.

“We prescribe less narcotics, and our patients are using less narcotics,” Dr. Somani told Columbus Dispatch reporter Mark Kovac in a recent interview. “That’s the goal, to adequately treat pain without creating a situation where someone becomes dependent.”

The ON-Q pump – or pain ball, as it’s referred to by some – is one of those solutions used by Dr. Somani. It does not contain narcotics. Instead, it delivers a local anesthetic that provides targeted pain relief, both at the surgical site and closer to the nerves.

Katrina Bowman is a clinical nurse manager at Riverside and used the ON-Q pump after delivering her baby daughter, Kinley. She knew she wanted a C-section, but knew paid would come along with it.

“They literally cut your abdominal muscles, so any muscles that you have to sit up and move are gone,” she told the Dispatch. “You can’t even stand up. ... You can’t move. And if you do move, it just hurts.”

But with the ON-Q pump?

“It was amazing,” Katrina told the Dispatch.

You can view the full Columbus Dispatch story by clicking here.