Health briefs

Assistance Dog Program to hold open house June 15
        Get a glimpse into The Ability Center’s Assistance Dog training program, ask the staff questions, and discover the impact you can make to someone who needs a service dog at an open house set for Wednesday, June 15 from 4:30-6:30 p.m., 5605 Monroe St., Sylvania. RSVP is not required.
        Through the Assistance Dogs Program, a network of local volunteers support, guide, and mentor each other. Training involves basic obedience, manners, and foundational skills.
        Assistance dogs, like other dogs, provide purpose and meaning to the lives they touch. Learn more or apply at abilitycenter.org/volunteer.
 
Mercy Mobile Mammogram Van
        Mercy Health’s mobile mammography unit has visits scheduled throughout the region in May, including a stop in Oregon May 10.
        The unit, customized for patient convenience, delivers mammograms to women age 40 and older. It is equipped with 3D technology and offers patients the option of self-compression, meaning the patient will have the ability to control the compression once they are in position.
        The schedule includes:
        • Tuesday, May 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Mercy Health - Oregon Clinic/Bay Meadows Family Medicine, 3851 Navarre Ave, Oregon.
        • Wednesday, May 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Old West End Community Health Center, 2244 Collingwood Boulevard, Toledo.
        • May 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Mercy Health - Jefferson Family Medicine, 2200 Jefferson Ave., Toledo.
        • May 18, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Mercy Health – Franklin Family Medicine, 2213 Franklin Ave., Toledo.
        • May 20, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Mercy Health - Waterville Primary Care, 1222 Pray Boulevard, Waterville.
        • May 24, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Mercy Health - St. Vincent Heart & Vascular Institute, 2222 Cherry St., Toledo.
        • May 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Starbright Primary Care, 28555 Starbright Boulevard, Perrysburg.
        • May 31, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Halim Clinic/Mercy Health - Spring Valley OBGYN & Midwives, 6855 Spring Valley Drive, Holland.
        Certified radiologists read all mammograms, which are also double-checked with a computer-aided detection system that detects more breast cancer than mammography alone. The patient and her physician receive a copy of the results.
        While mammogram screenings may be covered by insurance, for best coverage, patients should verify if Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital is an in-network provider with your insurance carrier.
        Financial need-based assistance programs are available to help uninsured or underinsured (have high deductibles). Eligible patients may qualify for a no-cost mammogram. Call 419-696-5839 for more information.
        Screenings at the Mercy Health Mobile Mammography unit are by appointment only. Call 833-MAMM- VAN to schedule.
        To view the full list of dates and locations, visit mercy.com/toledomobilemamm.
 
Hospice of NWO seeking volunteers
        Hospice of Northwest Ohio is building its volunteer team in the Genoa, Oregon, Bowling Green and Point Place communities.
        Volunteers have the opportunity to work closely with hospice staff to improve the quality of life for patients and families through a variety of tasks.
        The current need is for volunteers who are willing to visit patients in their homes or at nursing homes. These volunteers provide companionship for patients, respite for caregivers and assist with simple tasks.
        “Our volunteers often tell us they get way more out the experience than they give,” said Barb Sharek, external communications coordinator at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.
        Cathy Helton has been a Hospice of Northwest Ohio volunteer since 2014. “Many of the ways we help patients and their families may seem like ‘small’ things to us as volunteers, but they become large for those facing the end of life,” she said. “It is an honor and a privilege to bring joy to patients and their families.
        “I signed up to volunteer to bring joy to hospice patients and found out that it is the patients that bring joy to my life,” she said.
        Free training is provided. Learn more about our volunteer program and apply via online at hospicenwo.org.
 
Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop planned
        A Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop will be held Tuesdays, June 7 through July 12 from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 140 S. Grove St., Bowling Green.
        The Wood County Committee on Aging, Inc. (WCCOA) is presenting the workshop, in partnership with the Area Office on Aging of Northwest Ohio (AOoA).
        The six-week, evidence-based course costs $15 and includes a course manual and CD.
        Workshop participants will:
        • Learn how to do more of what they want to do.
        • Find practical ways to deal with symptoms and challenges.
        • Set their own weekly goals.
        • Make a step-by-step plan to improve their health.
        • Make better eating and exercise choices.
        • Understand new treatment options.
        • Discover better ways to talk to their doctor and family.
        Cathy Stoldt, AOoA and Danielle Brogley, WCCOA, will facilitate the workshop.
        The Chronic Disease Self-Management Workshop is developed by Stanford University and licensed by the Self-Management Resource Center.
        Contact the WCCOA Programs Department to register by calling 419-353-5661 or 800-367-4935 or email programs@wccoa.net
        For information about other WCCOA programs and services, visit wccoa.net.
 
“Welcome to Medicare”
        The Ohio Department of Insurance OSHIIP Division will present a Welcome to Medicare program for those who will be eligible for Medicare soon, are on Medicare but still have questions, or those who help a family member with Medicare issues.
        The in-person event will be held Tuesday, May 31 from 5-6 p.m. at the Civilian Marksmanship building on the Camp Perry campus, 1000 Lawrence Rd., Port Clinton.
        Those interested in attending may call 419-898-6459.
 
Magruder Hospital Volunteers honored
        On April 22, the Magruder Hospital Auxiliary Volunteers were honored with a luncheon served by the hospital’s employees.
        The Annual Appreciation Luncheon recognizes the many Auxiliary volunteers who provided various services for the hospital throughout the previous year.
        In addition to the lunch, the volunteers were treated to a photo slide show, custom chocolates from CoCo Beans, a video message from Magruder President & CEO Nick Marsico and a keynote speaker from the Oberlin Heritage Center.
        The highlight of the event was the Presentation of Awards. In 2021, 87 volunteers worked in 18 different areas of the hospital and provided 8,270 hours of service.
        Twenty-seven volunteers received pins in acknowledgement of their specific hours of service. They include Becky Quisno, Lynn Kauffman, Pam Hoover, Linda Oman, Jetta Gerber, Jane Biro, Jan Lockhart, Marv Solomon, Sandy Feucht, Audre Massie, Judy Cecolli, Mary Ann Widmer, David Hise, Mary McAtee, Sandy Backus and Jeanie Myers.
        To learn more about volunteering at Magruder, call Kathy at 419-734-3131 ext. 3256.
 
Mercy Health introduces Oregon midwifery practice
        Mercy Health has introduced a new midwifery practice on the campus of Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital in Oregon.
        Mercy Health – Oregon Midwives are serving patients at 2702 Navarre Ave., Suite 302. The team consists of Justeen Barth, CNM; Stephanie Braden, CNM; Sara Linkey, CNM and Shelby Szych, CNM.
        The midwives serve the community by providing evidence-based, compassionate midwifery care to patients. The team focuses on helping women achieve optimal health and use shared decision-making. They provide prenatal care and obstetric services, as well as gynecology services.
        The nurse midwives will deliver new “bundles of joy” at St. Charles Hospital.
        The Mercy Health midwifery team joins Mercy Health - Navarre Obstetrics and Gynecology and Mercy Health Maumee Bay Obstetrics and Gynecology in serving the Oregon and surrounding communities.
        For more information visit mercy.com, or to schedule an appointment at Mercy Health – Oregon Midwives, call 419-696-3280.
 
Gov. DeWine signs “Relapse Reduction Act”
        On April 21, Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 25, legislation sponsored by State Sen. Theresa Gavarone (R-Huron), increasing penalties for predatory drug traffickers who target people participating in drug treatment programs.
        “Across Ohio there is a movement that will harm public safety while making life easier for criminals,” Gavarone said. “That is a movement I am fighting against every day with legislation like this. We need to hold criminals accountable for their actions and I am hopeful that we are closer to doing that thanks to this bill going into law.”
        The new law, also known as the “Relapse Reduction Act,” is modeled after current law that increases penalties for certain drug offenses that occur near schools and juveniles.
        To learn more about the bill, visit ohiosenate.gov/legislation.
 
ProMedica recognized
        Becker’s Healthcare has recognized ProMedica on its “150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare 2022” list.
        The list highlights hospitals, health systems and health care companies that promote diversity within the workforce, employee engagement and professional growth.
        ProMedica was included in the list for offering its employees a wide array of benefits, including tuition reimbursement, along with a comprehensive wellness program through which employees receive access to discounted fitness center memberships, weight loss program reimbursement, chronic condition management programs, stress management resources and more.
        ProMedica was recognized for various employee engagement, professional development and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. Additionally, the organization was recognized for incorporating digital tools that help employees address social determinants of health and personal determinants of health challenges, such as the need to enhance resilience and a sense of purpose.
        “We are honored to be recognized on Becker’s 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare list,” said Randy Oostra, president and CEO of ProMedica. “As an anchor institution in the communities we serve, ProMedica prides itself on being a top employer. This recognition validates our commitment to providing a supportive, inclusive and rewarding workplace.”
        Becker's Healthcare has published a version of this list since 2011. The publication accepted nominations for this list and conducted independent research to select the organizations that appear on the list.
        For more information about ProMedica, visit promedica.org.