15 | February | 2021 | Litter Media

Watch the news conference here.

Adena Health System and Fayette County Memorial Hospital made their agreement official on Monday which brings FCMH into the Adena Health System. The Washington Court House facility becomes known as Adena Fayette Medical Center.

Adena assumes operation management of the 25-bed critical access facility today (Monday), while the acquisition becomes official on May 2nd, 2021.

“In today’s healthcare landscape, strong, regional networks are vital, and we are excited about Fayette County Memorial Hospital becoming part of our Adena family”, said Adena President and CEO Jeff Graham. “By adding FCMH, we ensure close to home access to critical medical services for the residents of Fayette County and further advance our delivery of care across the region. Our goal is to grow the care here and not to have people leave the county.”

Adena President & CEO Jeff Graham shares what the agreement means for the region.

Graham also set a vision for what the future of healthcare in Fayette County will look like in the coming years, “A key component of this agreement is what the future holds for the physicians, advance practice providers and caregivers at Adena Fayette Medical Center and the residents of Fayette County. Through the course of our due diligence, we looked at the investment needed for the current hospital and it really changed our discussions about the future. And that future involves building a new critical access hospital at the current site. We understand the impact localized healthcare has on a community and how a new hospital drives the local economy. Having facilities that allow new services for patient care.”

Graham says further details around Adena Fayette Medical Center’s construction project will be announced at a later time. The new agreement deepens a collaboration between Adena and FCMH and builds on that existing partnership that started in 2018.

Fayette County Commissioner Jim Garland says the agreement is big for the community. “We are very pleased to come to this agreement with Adena Health System. Adena’s commitment to keeping healthcare local and their demonstrated years of partnership in providing specialty care in Fayette County, we believe presented the best possible outcome for our residents. We look forward to a long, successful relationship.”

Fayette County Commissioner explains the benefits to healthcare for county residents.

Fayette County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees Chairman Brian Ream said the agreement is a great one for the Fayette County community. Ream says “Financially, the hospital would not exist. We had overtures from other hospital systems and talking to them they said, O yeah, we”ll triage here and send you to Dayton or Columbus. With Jeff and Adena he said- I’m not interested in building more beds in Chillicothe. I want to keep them where they are. And that was a perfect fit for us.”

Brian Ream, Chairman of the Fayette Memorial Board of Trustees talks about the agreement

Presented by McDonald’s, I’m Lovin’ It!

Pictured: Pat Olaker displays a frame promoting volunteerism at the Chillicothe VAMC. Submitted photo

CHILLICOTHE, OH —The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will mark Feb. 14-20 as National Salute to Veteran Patients in effort to honor hospitalized Veterans.

VA will honor Veteran patients by encouraging communities seek opportunities to volunteer at their local VA facilities.

“VA values the contributions of our volunteers, donors and partners in helping us keep the promise to America’s Veterans,” said VA Acting Secretary Dat P. Tran. “These community resources demonstrate that we are a nation that cares and remembers their sacrifices every day.”

Last year, schools, community groups and youth organizations nationwide sent more than 109,000 valentines to VA medical centers, which were distributed to Veteran patients at facilities across the country. Additionally, more than 2,900 volunteers and 521 community organizations contributed to events and activities recognizing hospitalized Veterans.

Nationwide, over 46,000 volunteers provide more than 4.4 million volunteer hours serving Veterans. Volunteers are a priceless asset to the nation’s Veterans and to the department.

Locally the Chillicothe VA Medical Center uses volunteer drivers to transport Veterans to their health care appointments. These volunteers drove 9,000 hours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chillicothe VA volunteers can also be found bringing in donations to support our VA Food Pantry to fight food insecurities among Veterans. Volunteers are addressing the serious and significant issue affecting many Veterans when financial resources are exhausted.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to join the mission to honor the sacrifice and service of America’s Veterans during the National Salute or any time of year, visit the nearest VA facility or contact Voluntary Service online at www.volunteer.va.gov or locally at www.chillicothe.va.gov/giving/index.asp. For more information about the Chillicothe VA, visit their webpage (www.va.gov/chillicothe), follow them on facebook (facebook.com/ChillicotheVAMC) and twitter (@chillicothevamc).