Wayne HealthCare to Be Recognized for Community Outreach

Award Commemorates Dedicated OHA Associate

(COLUMBUS, OH) – A small hospital in western Ohio reaching thousands of people in its area through large health fairs and wellness initiatives is the 2010 recipient of the David Hendershot Rural Health Promotion Award. Wayne HealthCare in Greenville will receive the award from the Ohio Hospital Association’s Foundation for Healthy Communities. 

The award will be accepted by Wayne G. Deschambeau, president and CEO of Wayne HealthCare, and will be presented during the Leadership Luncheon as part of OHA’s Annual Meeting at the Hilton Columbus at Easton on June 16. The award comes with a $1,000 check made possible by contributions to the charitable foundation in memory of past OHA Field Services Director David Hendershot.

A regional, full-service primary care facility in Darke County, Wayne HealthCare has reached out to the community to improve health and wellness knowledge through a number of programs. Since 2008, it has been designated as an American Heart Association Fit-Friendly Business and is working with other businesses in the community who also seek to achieve that designation. Each fall, it partners with more than 50 area businesses to host a health fair for more than 1,000 adults. Wayne HealthCare also hosts a youth health fair in the spring, which draws more than 500 students.

The Wayne Hospital Foundation, along with Midmark Corporation, also expanded a program started in 2008 to place up to 50 automatic external defibrillators in libraries, churches and other large public gathering places in the community. The hospital started quarterly Senior Suppers where physicians and health care professionals speak about health care issues, as well as organizing a speaker’s bureau to present health-related topics to local organizations.

The award is named for David Hendershot, a field service director for OHA for more than 26 years before his death in October 2006. Hendershot was a passionate supporter of Ohio’s small and rural hospitals and often worked with OHA’s Foundation for Healthy Communities to help provide support and resources to help those hospitals better serve their communities. The foundation presents the David Hendershot Rural Health Promotion Award annually to honor his work and maintain his passionate support of Ohio’s small and rural hospitals.

About the Foundation for Healthy Communities
The Foundation for Healthy Communities was established in 1994 with a mission to advance good health for all Ohioans. It initiates and champions health improvement and education by engaging partners, promoting proven strategies and advocating for wellness. Learn more about the Foundation for Healthy Communities at www.HealthyCommunitiesOhio.org.

About OHA
The Ohio Hospital Association was established in 1915 and currently represents 169 hospitals and 18 health systems throughout Ohio. OHA is a membership-driven organization that provides proactive leadership to create an environment in which Ohio hospitals are successful in serving their communities. Visit OHA’s Web site at www.ohanet.org. Follow OHA on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OhioHospitals. 

 ###