Pike Community Hospital Recognized as Wellness Leader

Award Commemorates Dedicated OHA Associate

(COLUMBUS, OH) – With a vision to provide health care excellence close to home, Pike Community Hospital in Waverly was honored today for its community outreach program by receiving the 2011 David Hendershot Rural Health Promotion Award from the Ohio Hospital Association's Foundation for Healthy Communities.

A rural hospital in Southern Ohio, Pike Community Hospital strives to promote health and wellness through community outreach initiatives aimed at all residents - young and old.  The hospital partners with the local YMCA, schools, health department, civic organizations and local business to promote healthy lifestyle principles in its communities through education, activities and service.

The hospital accomplishes this through several annual activities – preschool tours; Cyclemania; health fairs; speaking and educational opportunities; diabetic education; serving on area boards; teen volunteer program; clinical opportunities; and much more.

The award was accepted today by Craig Solle, president and CEO of Pike Community Hospital, and was presented during the OHA Annual Meeting at the Hilton Columbus at Easton. The award comes with a $1,000 check made possible by contributions to the charitable foundation in memory of past OHA staff member David Hendershot.

Hendershot, a field service director for OHA for more than 26 years, was a passionate supporter of Ohio’s small and rural hospitals and often worked with OHA’s Foundation for Healthy Communities to 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 vision to help hospitals lead Ohioans to better health. 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 166 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. 

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