Circleville, Ohio — When we joined OhioHealth almost two years ago, our goal was to secure
local healthcare in Pickaway County – and this is what we’ve accomplished. Independent rural
hospitals, like Berger, were struggling financially to survive. We knew timing was of the essence
to join a larger system.
However, we had no idea less than a year after joining, we would be entering a global pandemic.
We couldn’t be more blessed with the timing of our integration. Without OhioHealth’s support
throughout COVID-19, Berger wouldn’t have been able to persevere and the impact would have
been devastating. Put simply, we wouldn’t have been able to serve our community as well or had
access to crucial COVID-19 resources, like we have this past year.
2020 was a year of true hardship for many and our community was no exception. However, we
have been incredibly fortunate to have had OhioHealth’s support. Our slogan at OhioHealth is,
“Believe in WE.” I now truly understand the magnitude behind our mantra. WE are a family of
30,000+ passionate healthcare associates, fiercely dedicated to the communities we serve.
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Today I hosted a live broadcast with local community leaders. We discussed OhioHealth’s
impact on our community, our accomplishments this past year and COVID-19. Below is a recap:
OhioHealth’s Commitment to our Community
April 2019, OhioHealth committed $46 million in Circleville over a five year span in new capital
projects. These projects included a new medical records system, eICU investments, robotic
investments, vital sign and infant monitors, an updated and expanded emergency department,
infrastructure work to the facility and much more. Since joining, we have invested in our
associates financially and through their education. We have also had tremendous physician
recruitment success. In 2020 alone, we on-boarded 12 new physicians here in Pickaway County.
Success during a Challenging Year
Although we had incredible success at OhioHealth Berger Hospital in 2020, it wasn’t easy. The
U.S. has surpassed 400,000 COVID-19 deaths, nearly one year after the first confirmed case.
The emotional toll this put on our associates and their patients is indescribable.
For years to come, when I reflect on 2020 these words and phrases will quickly come to mind:
“flatten the curve, wash hands, wear a mask, social distance, new normal, stop the spread,
quarantine, trying times, etc.” While we grew tired of these phrases and talking about COVID-19
every day, I didn’t grow tired of commending our heroic healthcare workers. They have been
there for patients and families like mine, throughout this entire pandemic. I am immensely
grateful for our healthcare heroes.
COVID-19 Vaccines are Here!
Calendar year 2021 will not be a complete return to normalcy but thanks to the arrival of the
COVID-19 vaccine, I am optimistic for a healthier, more normal year. Hope has become tangible
within OhioHealth and healthcare associates across the country. Knowing the vaccine will allow
us to better control this disease is a priceless feeling.
At OhioHealth, we have proudly vaccinated over 20,000 associates and volunteers and I am
excited to say, COVID-19 vaccines for the community are here! On January 19, we began rolling
out vaccines to eligible community members. OhioHealth is distributing COVID-19 vaccines
according to state and federal guidelines. Eligible community members can schedule an
appointment through OhioHealth MyChart or by calling the OhioHealth COVID-19 Vaccine
Hotline, (614) 533.6999. For more information visit: https://www.ohiohealth.com/covid19/covid-19-vaccinations/
Please continue to follow the guidance of the CDC for the health safety of our community and
loved ones. Thank you to all who have supported us throughout this year. We are grateful for the
opportunity to serve our amazing community.
We look forward to a healthier year in 2021!
Tim Colburn
OhioHealth Berger Hospital President