On Tuesday, April 7th, members of Paulding County Hospital, the PCH Payne office, along with members of the village of Payne gathered at the site of the future PCH Payne Regional Medical Center, 100 S Hyman St., Payne, OH, for a groundbreaking. 

The new facility will be very similar to the Regional Medical Center that is currently in operation in Antwerp. The Paulding County Hospital board overseeing this new project took feedback from the Payne community and learned that people do really want a full service medical facility that will also include a fitness center like the one in Paulding and Antwerp.

Dr. Nigel Hogan and his family were there to take part in the ceremony, along with recently retired Dr. Joseph Kuhn, welcoming the addition to downtown Payne. Other local participants included Payne Mayor Lora Lyons, council members, County Commissioners, Township representatives, along with the Paulding County Hospital CEO Ron Goedde, and the Hospital Board of Trustees (pictured above).

The completion of the new facility is anticipated for Fall of 2026.

My Calvary Lutheran Church members from Antwerp recently collected items for the Hands of Hope Pregnancy Center in Paulding. Items donated were diapers, baby wipes, rash cream, office supplies, and a monetary sponsorship for the Hands of Hope upcoming banquet.  

We hope to see many of you at the banquet on March 27th.

Contact Hands of Hope for more information. 

Mercy Health – Defiance has recently received a $1,500 grant for their Defiance Pathways Hub.

This grant will cover the cost of a laptop and cell phone for the program. Congratulations on this grant from our DAF Community Fund!

HICKSVILLE — The former Community Memorial Hospital (CMH) property in Hicksville was sold this week following a 48-hour online auction that ended with a last-minute surge in bidding, resulting in a final sale price of $1.8 million. The identity of the winning bidder has not yet been released.

The auction, conducted by Crexi (CXTTechnology LLC), drew little activity for much of its duration before escalating rapidly in the final two minutes. Hicksville Village had entered a reserve bid of $399,000, which remained the only bid for several hours before a late bidding war pushed the price up by approximately $1.4 million.

“We thought we had it until those last two minutes,” Hicksville Village Administrator Cory Wann said following the close of the auction.

As of Friday morning, Crexi had not disclosed the name of the successful bidder. Wann said village officials hope the new owner will have an interest in returning some form of healthcare services to the community, noting the hospital’s long history serving Hicksville and surrounding areas, including many residents from neighboring Paulding County who relied on CMH for care.

Even as recently as Tuesday, Hicksville Village Council heard a presentation from Chris Fisher of Fisher Health System outlining possible options if the building were leased for healthcare-related use. That presentation led council into executive session to discuss whether the village should place a bid in the auction.

When council returned to open session, members Toni Egly, Eric Bassett and Kent Miller voted against submitting a bid, while Bo Gonwick, Mike Villena and Brian Zeedyk voted in favor. Mayor Mike Barth cast the tie-breaking vote in support of the village bid.

The auction ran from noon Tuesday through noon Thursday and included the 99,912-square-foot hospital building located at 108 Columbus Ave., along with 20.56 acres of land zoned for public use. The potential closing date is on or before Feb. 24.

The auction followed the termination of a previously proposed village purchase agreement for $2.35 million on Nov. 7, after a deal with a prospective healthcare end user fell through. Wann described the village’s involvement as an effort to act as a “gatekeeper” for the property, with the goal of finding an owner committed to bringing healthcare services back to the community.

Community Memorial Hospital suspended operations in May 2024 due to financial difficulties. In August 2024, the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS) filed a civil case in common pleas court against the Mark, Milford, Hicksville Joint Township Hospital District seeking to recover approximately $3 million in unpaid retirement and health contributions, including employee withholdings dating back to 2022.

Citing the hospital’s financial condition, the court appointed Gibbons Advisors (Ohio), LLC as receiver on Aug. 23, 2024. It was at that time acting through co-founder and managing director Winters Gibbons who then authorized the permanent shutdown a little over a week later.

To coincide with National Breastfeeding Month, Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel signed a proclamation recently declaring August as Ohio Breastfeeding Awareness Month.

Breastfeeding is widely accepted as an effective strategy to promote positive health outcomes for both mothers and their babies. Research has shown that breastfeeding is a key factor in reducing risk of disease for both mothers and infants, including respiratory illness, ear infections, allergies, and some cancers. A woman’s early experience with breastfeeding can affect whether and how long she continues to breastfeed, and providing support at every level can help reduce barriers to breastfeeding.

This year, Ohio will adopt the World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7) theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” This theme focuses on meeting families where they are while highlighting the need to improve breastfeeding support from all areas.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life and continued breastfeeding with the addition of appropriate complementary foods for 2 years or longer. Communities and related programs play a vital role in helping parents reach these breastfeeding recommendations by providing education and support at the most crucial times in the perinatal period.

The Ohio Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program offers breastfeeding support to Ohio families by providing prenatal education as well as appointments with lactation professionals.

One of the most important ways businesses and communities can support breastfeeding is to help parents feel comfortable nursing in public. Businesses can show their support by placing a universal sign for breastfeeding support in their windows and educate their staff about the acceptance of Ohio law (Section 3781.55 of the Ohio Revised Code), which allows breastfeeding in public.

Businesses also have access to The Ohio Workplace PLUS Toolkit, which can help with supporting their employees and providing a private space (other than a bathroom) to pump. This will help increase employee retention and reduce medical costs.

Child care centers have access to training materials and can learn more about obtaining a breastfeeding friendly designation. These programs play an important role in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their infants by welcoming breastfeeding mothers and making sure staff members are trained to handle breast milk and follow mothers’ feeding plans.

Hospitals also can join the Ohio First Steps for Healthy Babies initiative as an indication that they are dedicated to supporting new mothers who choose to breastfeed.

Learn more about all of these initiatives and resources at https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/Breastfeeding. For more information about breastfeeding, Ohioans can call the Paulding County WIC Clinic at 419-399-2621, or the Free Ohio Statewide 24/7 Breastfeeding Hotline at 1-888-588-3423.

The public is warmly invited to join a joyful and supportive celebration of breastfeeding at The Big Latch On, scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at LaFountain Park, 700 Lincoln Avenue, Paulding, Ohio.

This family-friendly event is open to the public, with a special emphasis on welcoming children and families of all ages. Attendees can look forward to a fun-filled afternoon featuring free food, prizes, awards, and a professional photoshoot to capture the memories of this meaningful gathering.

The Big Latch On is part of a global movement that supports breastfeeding families by building community connections and raising awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and support networks.

In the spirit of celebration, community, and health, organizers encourage all attendees to bring their loved ones and be part of this uplifting event. Whether you’re a breastfeeding parent, supporter, or simply an advocate for family health and connection, your presence will contribute to the joy and impact of the occasion.

Please RSVP by August 18 by calling 419-399-2621.

Let’s come together to uplift, empower, and celebrate the nurturing bond that breastfeeding fosters in our community!

Flashing lights in your rearview mirror can cause anxiety for any driver. But for individuals with developmental disabilities, the fear and confusion during a traffic stop can be overwhelming. Thanks to a new initiative, a small blue envelope is helping ease that fear – and now it’s available in Paulding County.

The Blue Envelope Program is designed to support individuals with developmental disabilities in interactions with law enforcement. The program provides tools that improve communication, foster understanding, and promote safer experiences during traffic stops or emergencies. This program is being expanded throughout Ohio thanks the Southern Ohio Council of Governments (SOCOG), Southern Ohio Advocacy Group (SOAG), and grant funding from Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council made packets available for free to Ohio County Boards of DD.

The Blue Envelope Program is a simple yet powerful tool. It allows individuals to feel more prepared and confident on the road, while also helping first responders quickly understand how best to communicate.

Each envelope is printed with space on the outside for key information, such as the driver or passenger’s disability or medical conditions. Inside, users can store a copy of a ID/driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance card – all the materials needed during a traffic stop – organized and ready to hand over to an officer.

The program also includes a Blue Envelope Car Decal – a discreet 3-inch sticker for vehicle windows that lets law enforcement know the vehicle occupant may have a disability affecting their actions or communication style.

Blue Envelope packets are now available at the Paulding County Board of DD office, located at 451 McDonald Pike Paulding, OH 45879. Local law enforcement agencies have been informed of the program and are supportive of efforts to improve safety for all drivers.

For more information or to pick up a Blue Envelope packet, contact the Paulding County Board of Developmental Disabilities at (419) 399-4800 or speak with your Service & Support Administrator.

Paulding County Hospital is pleased to announce that with funds donated from the PCH Auxiliary, we were able to purchase our first Hercules Patient Repositioner for one of our patient beds on the Med/Surg floor. The generous donation will allow our patients to have a more comfortable experience when admitted as an inpatient at our facility, and will assist our staff with caregiver safety.

Thank you to all of the PCH Auxiliary volunteers for your continued support to Paulding County and to Paulding County Hospital. We greatly appreciate all you do!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Paulding County Mental Health Coalition (PCMHC) joined with Antwerp Local, Paulding Exempted Village, and Wayne Trace Local schools to raise awareness, fight stigma, and promote access to mental health resources for all individuals in our community.

This year’s theme, “Break the Silence, End the Stigma” emphasized the power of collaboration, compassion, and community. PCMHC a partnership of local providers, educators, advocates, and residents—believes that mental health is essential to overall well-being and that no one should face mental health challenges alone.

In May, PCMHC invited Paulding County students in grades 6-12 to participate in a creative ad/slogan competition aimed at:

• Raising awareness about mental health and wellness.

• Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health challenges.

• Promoting understanding, kindness, and support within the schools.

Almost 100 pieces were submitted to the school’s counselors over the first few weeks of May. Community members were then challenged via social media to vote on their favorite design. The submissions were full of heart, compassion and so much creativity making it hard to vote for only one. 

Here is a statement from winner, Kaylee, on why she chose her design: “I wanted to make a poster that reminds people how important mental health is. Sometimes people are afraid to talk about their feelings, but I think it’s really brave to ask for help. I chose the words “Strong Minds Strong Futures” because I believe when we take care of our minds, we can do amazing things. I hope my poster helps people feel seen and know they’re not alone.”

Megan Wellman, Oakwood Elementary: As a school, we prioritize mental health because it is a crucial part of students’ overall wellbeing. Mental health not only affects social interactions but also academic performance.  By addressing mental health openly, we can reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage our students to seek help when needed. Therefore, allowing students to operate at their fullest potential academically and socially.

Diana Hammer, School Counselor at Antwerp Local School and a member of the Coalition Leadership Teams shares why stigma reduction is so important, “Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health is crucial in our schools.  Stigma prevents people of all ages from seeking the help they need, leading to prolonged suffering and sometimes isolation. By promoting conversations, education, advocacy, and empathy, we can all create an environment where people feel safe to prioritize their own mental well-being and seek treatment when needed.”

“Mental health is a critical component of student success, especially in a school district where many families face financial hardships that can contribute to stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. By prioritizing mental wellness and actively working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, our district has created a more supportive and inclusive environment for all students. This shift has encouraged more students to seek help without fear of judgment, leading to improved attendance, better focus in the classroom, and stronger relationships with peers and staff. As a result, we’re seeing not only academic gains but also a greater sense of community and resilience among our students,” says Chelsea Koester, School Counselor at Paulding High School.

Alex Arellano, School Counselor at PJHS shares, “Mental health is an overlooked component of student success. The pressure, and weight some students carry due to hardships at home, puts academics on the back burner. Reducing the stigma that surrounds mental health makes Paulding a much brighter and welcoming place to be. The change has encouraged kids to speak up and seek early intervention. This promotion fosters a school culture of understanding, and support, which in turn creates a positive environment for our students and community.”

Tricia Langhals, School Counselor for Wayne Trace Local Schools shared, “The stigma of mental health needs to be normalized and accepted. It is OK not to be OK, but people need to have the support and resources to help them heal. Broken bones, wounds, heart attacks and other diseases fill our hospitals and doctors’ offices, but our minds need to be healthy too. Taking the step to get help is the first and foremost important action. Challenges are faced every day and young people need to know how to tackle their feelings, emotions, and stress triggers in order to thrive in their personal relationships, work environment and communities.” 

The Paulding County Mental Health Coalition is a new community-based alliance dedicated to fostering a healthier, more resilient community by promoting mental wellbeing and eliminating stigma through education, advocacy, and collaboration. 

PCMHC is sharing resources, expertise, and manpower to expand Paulding County’s ability to address this important and complex issue.

If you would like more information about PCMHC’s mission, please contact Anne Dunn, Outreach Coordinator, Tri County ADAMHS Board at: anne.dunn@tricountyadamhs.org, or Dianna Hammer, School Counselor, Antwerp Local Schools at: Hammer_D@antwerpschools.org

 Parkview Health has been recognized among Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces in Healthcare in a new listing released.

Parkview was selected as one of 400 healthcare companies that appeared on the 2025 list and was among only six Indiana companies recognized by Newsweek.

Newsweek’s ranking was determined via a partnership with Plant-A Insights Group and other third-party vendors to create a comprehensive assessment involving employee interviews, company reviews, publicly accessible data and an analysis of over 120 key performance indicators.

“Our co-workers are the ones who make Parkview a great place to work,” said Dena Jacquay, chief administrative officer. “It’s their ideas, their feedback and their energy that fuels the amazing culture we’ve built in northeast Indiana and northwest Ohio. We’re constantly listening to what our co-workers want and need in both their workplace and their personal lives and we continually strive to incorporate changes and new benefits to deliver it.”

Parkview offers several innovative benefits to its co-workers, which have been driven by feedback gathered during listening tours and internal surveys. Most recently, Parkview partnered with DailyPay to provide flexible pay options, allowing co-workers to access funds from their paycheck before the typical two-week pay day. Parkview has also offered its unique lifestyle benefit program, providing co-workers a quarterly stipend to use on personal expenses of their choosing, since 2023. Other benefits, including a paid volunteer time off program, an award-winning well-being department tasked with promoting good physical and mental health, visits from Parkview Pups therapy dogs and more have helped make Parkview a top workplace in the region, state and country.

Parkview was previously recognized as Newsweek’s No. 7 Most Loved Workplace in 2024, was selected as the No. 18 in North America and No. 19 global best workplace by Inspiring Workplaces in 2024 and was chosen as a Forbes Best-in-State Employer for three consecutive years.

“A positive, supportive workplace culture is instrumental in creating an excellent care environment,” said Dr. Ray Dusman, president of physician and clinical enterprise, Parkview Health. “When our co-workers are cared for and inspired, they can focus their full energy and attention on their patients and provide the best care and best experience.”