By Paula Scott

The January breakfast meeting of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce provided guests with a preview of coming attractions on the organization’s calendar and an update on Bluffton Hospital.

Chamber director Jim Enneking noted that a February 16 Chocolate Walk has been scheduled, as well as an April 1 trivia night at Southgate Lanes.

The December breakfast sponsor, Greenhorn restaurant, was hampered by illness on that date and therefore provided the breakfast in January and an update from owner Jonah Agner. The restaurant now has Chef Michael Bulkowski on staff, allowing Jonah more time outside the kitchen to plan more entertainment and catering.

The January breakfast sponsor was Bluffton Hospital-Blanchard Valley Health System, which also provided the morning’s program. Myron (Ron) Lewis, the BVHS president and CEO, talked about some of the challenges that have been faced in his two years with the healthcare provider, which include workforce shortages, economic turmoil, COVID and even war. One of the drugs that the hospital purchases is only made in two countries–and war has closed one of the manufacturing facilities.

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Lewis reported on the new and busy “swing bed” unit at Bluffton Hospital in the former labor and delivery space. Swing beds are a type of billing that allows patients to receive care in the hospital after leaving units such as surgery, intensive care or even the emergency departments at other hospitals. Among the anecdotes that Lewis shared was his experience riding along on an evening ambulance shift and taking a patient from Findlay to the Bluffton Hospital swing bed unit.

The recent dedication of the Ring of Remembrance, a memorial for those lost to COVID-19, was also highlighted by Lewis. This art installation was dedicated on November 1, 2022 at the Findlay hospital. Lewis stressed the importance of recognizing the losses suffered by the hospital staff and the community, as well as the post traumatic stress that still affects area healthcare workers. He urged the audience to watch the video, with a box of tissues.

The video can be viewed HERE.

The next meeting of the Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce will be held on Friday, February 10 at Bluffton Town Hall.