Speakers from Belpre Medical Campus Women’s and Children’s Hospital perform groundbreaking work to scoop the first mound of dirt at the future hospital site. (Photo courtesy of Gwen Sower)
BELPER — Memorial Health System (MHS) held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for its planned Women’s and Children’s Hospital at the Belpre Medical Campus.
Groups from local school districts performed to open the event. The Belpre High School Marching Band, which includes two members of the color guard, Parkersburg High School’s Red Wings and Marietta High School’s Vocal Point.
J. Scott Cantlay, president and CEO of Memorial Health System, thanked the countless elected officials in attendance and thanked Sherrod, who was unable to attend the groundbreaking ceremony due to scheduling conflicts. – Apologized on behalf of Senator Brown (Democrat, Ohio).
“It’s this community that makes this possible in terms of gratitude and starting,” Cantley said. “To all of you who care deeply about health care and building great communities…I appreciate you being here today as we embark on the next transformation of our region. Thank you.”
About a year ago, MHS announced its intention to partner with Akron Children’s Center to build a women’s and children’s campus. The estimated cost of the campus is $125 million, Cantley said, and funding for the effort came from the state of Ohio as well as private donations.
Robin Barrow, secretary and treasurer of the Joe Barrow Foundation, speaks about the importance of the new Women and Children’s Hospital as a community resource. (Photo provided)
“The state is committing $30 million,” Gov. Mike DeWine said, adding, “I think the partnership between Memorial and the Akron Children’s Center makes a lot of sense…This is a testament to the world-class services offered here. It’s care,” he said.
DeWine also said he believes this will improve the quality of life in southeastern Ohio. Several of Mr. DeWine’s colleagues echoed this sentiment in speeches. To access specialized care and neonatal intensive care units, many must travel to Columbus, Akron, or even out of state to Charleston, West Virginia. Our facility aims to provide localized care.
“What this hospital represents is a major commitment by all of us to dramatically improve health care in southeastern Ohio,” DeWine said. “Our goal is very simple…we want every child in this state to live to their fullest God-given potential…whether it’s mental health issues or addictions. We know that it’s important to break down health barriers and seek help, whether it’s a medical issue or something else, for that person. ”
Dan Breese, vice president of physician services and chief medical officer, along with his wife, Leah, announced a campaign for MHS called the “Togetter Campaign.”
The Together campaign aims to provide funding and establish an endowment fund for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Center on the Belpre campus. Breese said the funding will ensure MHS can move forward with other medical projects in the Mid-Ohio Valley. The campaign aims to raise $50 million, and has already raised $37 million from local businesses and individual donors.
Trimble Local Schools Superintendent John Hurd talks about healthcare access and primary care providers available within the school. (Photo provided)
“We received $2.5 million from People’s Bank. We also have a $1 million gift from Hall Financial Group and Chris Hall, as well as a $1 million gift from the family of Dave and Arlene Archer. ” Brees said.
Breese emphasized that $13 million is needed to reach the campaign’s $50 million goal. Donations to the Together campaign can be made at togethertermhf.org.
Memorial Health System expects the facility to open within about two years.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (left) receives a commemorative plaque from Memorial Health System President and CEO J. Scott Cantlay (right). The plaque honors Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. (Photo provided)
Marietta High School’s Vocal Point performed Tuesday at the groundbreaking ceremony for Memorial Health System’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital. (Photo provided)
