By Stephanie Stanavich, OhioHealth
OhioHealth is proud to be recognized by the Delaware Public Health District for its two-decade-long partnership with the City of Delaware, working together to strengthen health outcomes and improve access to care across the county.
As a freestanding hospital, the OhioHealth system and OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital, have collaborated closely with the City of the Delaware, Delaware Public Health District and The Partnership for a Healthy Delaware County to align community health priorities to ensure that assessments and improvement plans are coordinated and effective. Initiatives include the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) with The Partnership’s Community Health Assessment (CHA, along with aligning its Implementation Strategy (IS) to the county’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). These collaborations have focused on access to care, health literacy, and workforce development, helping community members get the care and resources they need.
“Partnering with the City of Delaware has allowed us to better serve our community and address critical health needs,” Cherie Smith, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, president of OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital and OhioHealth Dublin Methodist Hospital. “From expanding access to care to supporting educational opportunities, these efforts have strengthened health and wellness throughout Delaware County.”
The City of Delaware team shared how over the past year, OhioHealth has prioritized expanding access to care and promoting health literacy, leveraging technology, enhancing education and training, and supporting policy updates that make healthcare more accessible and understandable for all residents.
A key part of this work has focused on preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals. OhioHealth and Grady Memorial have supported experiential learning opportunities for students and young adults throughout the county, including work-based learning placements, classroom speakers, career fairs, summer camps, and Project Search programs.
“Investing in students today build the healthcare workforce of tomorrow,” said Rick Kelley, senior director of nursing at OhioHealth Grady Memorial Hospital. “Watching young people explore healthcare careers, gain experience, and grow professionally is incredibly rewarding. It ensures Delaware County will have skilled, compassionate providers for years to come.”
Grady Memorial associates also play a role in community health planning, particular in committees, sharing system updates, and guiding strategies based on local data.
“We’re proud to be part of a community where partnerships like this make a real difference,” said Smith.
Image: OhioHealth
