Hocking Valley Community Hospital (HVCH) has upgraded its radiology department with a new state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to better serve patients in Hocking County and surrounding areas.

Patients and visitors driving past the Emergency Room will notice a new machine parked across from the ER entrance. HVCH partnered with Captive Radiology to provide a Siemens MAGNETOM Aera 1.5T MRI. Captive Radiology currently provides equipment and maintenance, project management, quality assessment, and support services to HVCH.

“It has been a wonderful opportunity partnering with Captive Radiology to bring this latest technology in MRI to Hocking Valley,” HVCH Radiology Director Faith Todd said. “It’s an amazing machine with shorter scan time and bigger opening improve the patient experience, especially for those who are claustrophobic. We look forward to serving even more patients with decreased scan times and greatly enhanced image quality.”

“As an Ohio-based radiology provider, Captive Radiology is pleased to work alongside HVCH in providing the best diagnostic ability possible for Logan and the surrounding communities. With the latest Siemens MRI system, HVCH will expand patient care and offer higher quality diagnostics, close to home,” said Dave Kelly, Owner of Captive Radiology.

An MRI is a noninvasive medical imaging test that produces detailed images of almost every internal structure in the human body, including the organs, bones, muscles and blood vessels. They are most often used to help diagnose or monitor treatment for a variety of conditions within the chest, abdomen, and pelvis.

“Enhanced safety measures with an integrated patient monitoring system all make our new MRI a major addition to our community,” Todd concluded.

For more information about the HVCH Radiology Department, call (740) 380-8204.

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Beth Kluding, FACHE, Chief Nursing Officer, Hocking Valley Community Hospital, Logan, Ohio, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders.

“The healthcare management field plays a vital role in providing high-quality care to the people in our communities, which makes having a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization critically important,” says Deborah J. Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President and CEO of ACHE. “By becoming an ACHE Fellow and earning the distinction of board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders demonstrate a commitment to excellence in serving their patients and the community.”

Fellow status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development. In fact, only 8,866 healthcare executives hold this distinction. To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements, including meeting academic and experiential criteria, earning continuing education hours, demonstrating professional/community involvement and passing a comprehensive examination. Fellows also are committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

Kluding of HVCH, Logan, Ohio, is privileged to bear the FACHE® credential, which signifies board certification in healthcare management as an ACHE Fellow. “I am grateful for the journey I took in achieving this credential,” Kluding said. “It has helped me better understand healthcare as a whole entity and in advocating and leading from a place of increased awareness.”

For more information regarding the FACHE credential, please contact the ACHE Department of Member Services by calling (312) 424-9400, emailing contact@ache.org, or visiting ache.org/FACHE.

About the American College of Healthcare Executives
The American College of Healthcare Executives is an international professional society of more than 48,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. ACHE’s mission is to advance our members and healthcare management excellence.

ACHE offers its prestigious FACHE® credential, signifying board certification in healthcare management. ACHE’s established network of 77 chapters provides access to networking, education and career development at the local level. In addition, ACHE is known for its magazine, Healthcare Executive, and its career development and public policy programs. Through such efforts, ACHE works toward its vision of being the preeminent professional society for leaders dedicated to improving health. The Foundation of the American College of Healthcare Executives was established to further advance healthcare management excellence through education and research. The Foundation of ACHE is known for its educational programs – including the annual Congress on Healthcare Leadership, which draws more than 4,000 participants – and groundbreaking research. Its publishing division, Health Administration Press, is one of the largest publishers of books and journals on health services management including textbooks for college and university courses. For more information, visit www.ache.org

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Clay Meyer, RN, Circulator Charge Nurse, Surgical Services, has been named Healthcare Worker of the Year at Hocking Valley Community Hospital.

“This is a special day because we recognize employees whose service has exceeded expectations, or whose dedication to the hospital is obvious in everything they do. That should make us all proud,” HVCH President and CEO Stacey Gabriel said.

HVCH employees cast ballots to select Healthcare Worker of the Year and Clay won by popular vote.

“Our employees had to make a difficult decision this year. They had three excellent nominations for Healthcare Worker of the Year,” Gabriel continued. Other nominees included Jenni Enderle, Clerical Support Specialist, Specialty Clinic; and Tresa McLaughlin, Environmental Services Supervisor.

“Clay is one of the nicest, easy going people you will meet. He always steps up whenever needed and goes to almost every department/clinic to help. Often, instead of asking others, he will just do what needs done himself. Not only does Clay help his teammates here, he is always willing to help his coworkers outside of work, too. In addition, the patients always show their appreciation for Clay. He always puts others first and he always does the right thing. He’s fair and honest. He does a great job explaining the procedures to our patients in a way that is easy for them to understand. He is a great team player, respectful of others, and puts himself last. He would likely do almost anything if he knew someone was in need,” Gabriel said of Meyer.
The Excellence in Leadership Award also was given during the ceremony. The award was introduced to recognize hospital directors, managers and supervisors for exemplary behavior in their leadership role. This year’s award was given to Jillian Kline, Director of Outpatient Clinics.

“Jillian has been a rising star at Hocking Valley Community Hospital. She took over the role of Director of Outpatient Clinics during the very beginning of this pandemic. To say she was baptized by fire would be no exaggeration. She quickly adapted to every move we made with all the clinics and staff to accommodate the surge planning we had to do. Jillian has a collaborative approach with staff and speaks to them in a manner that sparks their own passions, inviting them to join her in getting goals accomplished. This year, Jillian was tasked with creating the COVID Vaccine Clinic. She took this challenge with the same passion and commitment that she has taken every challenge. With more than 50 people a day funneling through the vaccine clinic, she and her team did more than their part to ensure the safety of our community through their vaccination efforts. She can see the big picture when it comes to the mission and vision of Hocking Valley Community Hospital and does not lose sight of the individuals who help to achieve this mission and vision,” Gabriel said.

“In every organization, the people who show up every day are the greatest assets and these employees have been showing up for many years. We all know healthcare is a tough industry, but knowing that our patients and customers have so many staff members with this kind of dedication makes it all worthwhile,” Gabriel concluded.

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Hocking Valley Community Hospital recently celebrated National Rural Health Day. The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate the contribution of rural healthcare facilities. As part of the celebration, Logan Mayor Greg Fraunfelter presented the hospital with a proclamation recognizing National Rural Health Day as well as the hospital’s 55th anniversary this year.

The proclamation reads: ” Whereas the National Organization of State Offices and Rural Health sets aside the third Thursday of every November to celebrate National Rural Health Day in order to honor the selfless and community -minded spirit that prevails in local, rural hospitals; and Whereas Hocking Valley Community Hospital first opened its doors as a brand new, state-of-the-art medical facility in February 1966 in order to meet the healthcare needs of Logan and Hocking County communities; and Whereas Hocking Valley Community Hospital continues to provide extraordinary care close to home, now and into the future; Now therefore I, Greg Fraunfelter, Mayor of the City Of Logan, urge all citizens to join me in recognizing Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, as National Rural Health Day and in celebrating the 55th anniversary of Hocking Valley Community Hospital.”

The hospital also held a HVCH Healthcare/First Responder Career Expo at Logan High School Chieftain Center for high school students. Many hospital departments, clinical and non-clinical, were represented to help give students an idea of the careers available in healthcare right in their own community. First responders including fire, EMS, police and highway patrol also were in attendance as well as representatives from Hocking College providing information on health-related majors.

“We appreciate the willingness of our participants to share their knowledge, insight, and experiences with our students in their chosen career field or training program. We are lucky to have so many willing professionals and partner organizations to share with our staff and students,” Brice Frasure, Logan-Hocking School District Director of Student Programs, said.

Employees celebrated the week with free Rural Health Day t-shirts, pizza and treats, and the recognition of Healthcare Worker of the Year and Excellence in Leadership award winners.

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Hocking Valley Community Hospital recently received a generous donation of patient comfort items in memory of Morgan Lynnae Enderle from her family.

This is the fifth year the family selected HVCH for the toy donation. The toys are collected annually in honor of what would have been Morgan’s birthday. Ginny Hamilton, Morgan’s grandmother, and Heather Hughes, Morgan’s mother usually host a toy drive event, but were unable to do so this past year due to COVID. Although the annual toy drive was not held, many generous people still donated some items and cash to purchase toys. These toys are used to help soothe those young patients during difficult encounters while visiting the hospital.

“We hope to keep Morgan’s memory alive by bringing a little joy into the lives of children who come to HVCH for treatment,” said Morgan’s family.

The new toys, including coloring books, games, stuffed animals, dolls, trucks and books, were distributed to the Laboratory, Radiology, Emergency and Urgent Care departments at the hospital and at the pediatric, primary care and orthopedic offices of the Hocking Valley Medical Group, to utilize for young patients when needed.

“The Emergency Department and Urgent Care would like to once again thank the family of Morgan Enderle for their generous toy donation. They have been helping to put smiles on our pediatric patients for the last several years through their enormous donation of toys,” Michelle Matheny, Director of Emergency Services, said.

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Hocking Valley Community Hospital is excited to offer 3D mammography exams, using utilizing Hologic advanced breast tomosynthesis technology. These Genius 3D Mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, and also decrease the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis technology, the Hologic system creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast structure, which enables radiologists to more clearly see through overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an earlier stage.

Mammograms with this technology include both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time.

“This requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam,” Faith Todd, Director of Radiology, said.

“Hocking Valley Community Hospital is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the 3D exam, we are able to provide a more accurate tool for breast cancer screening,” Todd concluded.

If you would like to schedule a mammogram at HVCH, or have questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact our Radiology department at 740-380-8204.

The Hologic system is the first FDA-approved breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S. To date, more than 8 million women have been screened with this advanced screening system.

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The first weekend of October, 150 Jeeps and 300 participants drove into the Hocking Hills to join a day of Jeepin’ fun for a good cause. The event was organized and hosted by Hocking Hills Podcast and managing partners Michele Mauder and Mary McMartin with proceeds benefiting Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation.

Jeepers gathered at Campbell Cove Campground to prepare for a day of cruising through the beautiful hills of Hocking County. Guests came from seven different states to engage in the fundraiser, as far away as Tennessee.

Participants’ first stop of the run was at Muddy Boots, a petting farm located in Laurelville. After an hour of snacking on donuts and cider and enjoying their new furry, four-footed friends, the Jeepers moved on, arriving at a future campground owned by Roger Shaw in Rockbridge. With sandstone and dirt hill obstacles, guests maneuvered through more of Hocking Hills. Brave Jeepers completed the mud pit challenge for a chance to win up to $500.

The day ended back at Campbell Cove Campground for a grilled out dinner donated by Home Tavern, M&M Diner, Hocking Hills Diner, Rent to Own, and The Max Bar & Grill. A park golf tournament was held at the Wormburner Park Golf course on the campground. Following dinner, Jeepers had the opportunity to win 50/50 and other raffle gift baskets adding to the overall fundraising total donated to Hocking Valley Community Hospital Foundation of $14,520.82.

“We are so thankful to Hocking Hills Podcast and all the guests who registered for this event to support our hospital. Additionally, special thanks to all who volunteered or donated food, cash/items to make this event happen. Much time and effort was put into this fundraiser and we are humbled once again by the support of our community,” HVCH CEO Stacey Gabriel said.

Next year’s event date has been set for the first weekend of October.

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Hocking Valley Community Hospital is promoting health and wellness in our community by hosting pool parties this summer at Logan City Pool.

The parties will be held in August, one for senior citizens age 50 and older and the other for children of all ages. The senior citizen pool party is scheduled for Monday, August 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The children’s pool party will be held Thursday, August 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“Logan is blessed to have a number of facilities to help people stay healthy and well and the new city pool is one of them. One of our priorities during our 55th anniversary this year is to help individuals find ways to stay active,” Stacey Gabriel, HVCH President & CEO, said.

The senior pool party will feature aquatic exercises led by the HVCH Rehabilitation team every 30 minutes with free swim available as well. Snacks will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to register by calling 740-380-8336.

The first 150 kids to attend the children’s pool party will be given back-to-school supply packs and DJ Rockville will be spinning the tunes. There also will be games, prize drawings and snacks.

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The 2021 Annual Hocking Hills Jeep Run will take place the first weekend of October in celebration of the fall spectacular vivid colors in the beautiful scenic wonderland of Hocking Hills, Ohio!

The Jeep Run will welcome Jeep enthusiasts and passengers to enjoy a colorful fall ride to include, 3 fun-filled stops and cover miles of picturesque roadways throughout the Hocking Hills region.

Hosted by Hocking Hills Podcast with all profits to benefit the non-profit Hocking Valley Community Hospital, one of our most treasured community assets!

All registered participants are invited to the Urban Grille Friday evening from 5-9 p.m. for a meet & greet reception, enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar! Pick up welcome bag, itinerary, road map, goodies, and t-shirt. Saturday will be a fun-filled day of festivities to include: colorful fall ride, off-road challenge, flea market shopping, raffles, drawings, park golf tourney, and finally celebrate Oktob33rfest at Brewery 33.

Come celebrate the Jeep brand, with it’s 80 years of capability, innovation, and underlying sense of adventure!
Jeep is fundamental to Toledo, Ohio, heritage. In 1941, Willys-Overland won a significant United States Military contract to design the Willys MB, a four-wheel drive utility vehicle that was manufactured throughout World War II. Today, Toledo is the only place in the world making the iconic Jeep Wrangler. Fiat Chrysler Automobile’s Toledo Assembly Complex is one of the region’s largest and most modern manufacturing plants. For 80 years, Jeep has been touching the lives of Toledoans and Jeep Enthusiasts around the world.

We’re excited to celebrate that rich history and the Jeep brand with the Annual 2021 Hocking Hills Jeep Run!

REGISTER HERE

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“Our community is blessed because of the courage and resilience of the employees at Hocking Valley Community Hospital,” said President & CEO Stacey Gabriel as they celebrated hospital week May 9-15, 2021.

In the annual recognition ceremony, Gabriel shared with staff their importance at HVCH and the challenges they faced over the past year. “You embraced a year where you were challenged physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. You wore copious amounts of PPE to ensure protection from an unknown virus. We processed information and abided by guidance that seemed to change hourly on some days. We asked families to remain home when loved ones were admitted, and turned to visitation through a window to keep patients, staff, and family as safe as we possibly could. All of this felt very strange to us but we did what was necessary for our community and each other.”

Gabriel also thanked families of staff for their selflessness as “It did not go unnoticed your families played a significant role in your ability to continue doing what you do. As hard and scary as it was at times, they supported you in your efforts to make a difference. For that, we are grateful.”

“The last year has been uncomfortable to say the least, but we can finally see light at the end of this long, proverbial tunnel,” Stacey reminded staff. “The fight against COVID is not quite over, but we get closer with each passing day. We were unable to celebrate hospital week in 2020, and I am so glad we are able to gather together today. Today we celebrate all of you for what you have endured over the past year. I will never be able to thank you
enough for your unwavering dedication to serve those in need.”

HVCH recognized staff who have given 889 years collectively to the hospital.

Celebrating 10 years of service are:

• Robert Wentz, Physical Therapy Assistant
• Elizabeth Coulardot, Operating Room Technician
• Lisa Jordan Castle, Nursing Supervisor
• Laura Bentley, RN, ED
• Karla Good, RN, SCU
• Sarah Kilbarger, RN, Outpatient Clinic
• Austin Walton, Respiratory Therapist
• Amanda Rose, Patient Registration Clerk

Employees with 15 years of service are:

• Rajeshri Ram, MHT, Behavioral Health Unit
• Alison Herges, RN, Behavioral Health Unit
• Brian Longnecker, Director Information Services
• Molly Ellinger, Physical Therapy Assistant
• Gina Burgess, Dietary Aide, Nutrition Services
• Cheryl Sampson, Rehab Office Coordinator
• Matthew Davis, Operating Room Technician

Employees who have served at HVCH for 20 years are:

• Mindy Davis, Director of Infection Control
• Karen Standiford, Physical Therapy Assistant
• Eileen Grywalski, Physical Therapy Assistant
• Rebecca McCarty, Physical Therapist
• Julie Freeland, Occupational Therapy Assistant
• Andrea Wright, Occupational Therapist
• Rebekah Driscoll, Medical Records Coder
• Romona Delong, Dietary Aide, Nutrition Services
• Andrea Canale, Unit Secretary, Emergency Dept
• Ward Murrey, Nuclear Medicine

30 year honorees are:

• Peach Hutchison, Medical Records Clerk
• Janelle Green, Director of Performance Improvement and Environmental Services
• Mary Chorniak, RN, Surgery

And, staff who have worked at HVCH for more than 30 years are:

• 31 years – Crescent Rooker, RN, Emergency Department
• 31 years – Rana Goss, RN, Inpatient Services
• 31 years – Missy Poling, Director Social Services
• 31 years – Jane Shannon, RN, Behavioral Health
• 32 years – Kandy Fizer, Director of Education
• 32 years – Teresa Downs, RN SCU
• 34 years – Holly Gompf, RN Outpatient Clinic
• 35 years – Lori Linton, Nursing Supervisor
• 37 years – Sheri Thompson, Payroll Coordinator
• 39 years – Geoff Perry, Director Plant Operations
• 39 years – Letha Burrell, RN Surgery
• 42 years – Marilyn Johnson, Office Assistant Surgery

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