
FMC Celebrates 100th WATCHMAN Procedure to Reduce Stroke Risk
In 2024, Fairfield Medical Center committed to reducing the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation by offering a new, minimally invasive procedure called the WATCHMAN FLX Pro. Now, they are celebrating – and quickly exceeding – a major milestone.

Cancer Care Run & Walk on Oct. 11 Supports Patients, Community
When Lancaster resident Rich Martin was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, he committed to living healthier, showing gratitude and educations others. True to his mission, he will speak at the annual Cancer Care Run & Walk on Saturday, Oct. 11.

FHP Cardiology Expands to Meet Growing Demand, Welcomes New Physician
To meet the needs of its expanding practice, which includes the addition of cardiologist Dr. Steven Mould, FHP Cardiology is adding a new office suite within the River View Medical Office Building, located at 2405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster.

Community Heroes Answer the Call: Neighbors Saving Neighbors Program
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, a remarkable display of community teamwork unfolded when members of Fairfield Medical Center and local resident Lydia Fratta, a staff member at the Family YMCA of Lancaster and Fairfield County, leapt into action to aid a neighbor in distress. Their swift response was powered by the innovative Avive AED (automated external defibrillator) system, which connects in real-time with emergency dispatch to alert nearby devices and trained users of a possible cardiac arrest.

FMC Temporarily Relocates Services Following Damage From Recent Flooding
Several Fairfield Medical Center offices that were impacted by flood damage over the weekend have been temporarily relocated to ensure that patients can continue to receive these services without interruption. The impacted offices were all located in FMC’s Main Street Lancaster location in the Kroger shopping plaza off East Main Street. FMC’s Main Campus, located adjacent to these offices, remains open and was not impacted by the flooding.

Cath Lab Team Cuts the Ribbon on Renovation
On June 9, FMC cut the ribbon on its newly renovated cath lab, a project made possible thanks to a $1 million donation from the FMC Foundation.

Community Education with Resa Tobin
From CPR to first aid to baby-sitting and child safety, Resa has offered a variety of community classes over the years, helping hundreds of residents earn certifications or learn new skills. Her classes also fulfill the need for clinical education via the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), which strives to identify and improve health needs in the community. In 2024 alone, Resa taught more than 150 classes and participated in 30 events, all while being an active member of 15 community initiative groups.

TWIG 7 Supports Continuity of Care Clinic
On May 13, the Frank S. Benson TWIG 7 celebrated their 75th anniversary with a luncheon attended by members of TWIG 7, the Inter-TWIG Council, and the FMC and FMC Foundation leadership teams. The luncheon included a presentation of TWIG 7’s history and legacy of support and concluded with a check presentation for $10,000 that was dedicated by TWIG 7 to support the FMC Continuity of Care Clinic.

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week!
Who are the people in blue smocks who help give our patients, visitors and staff a great experience? It’s elementary, my dear Watson! Fairfield Medical Center’s volunteers are truly clued in to caring, and we are honored to call them members of our team.

APP Symposium Welcomes Record Turnout
Fairfield Medical Center hosted a spring symposium on April 4 at the River Valley Campus that was specifically geared toward advanced practice providers in rural practice. The symposium offered education on a variety of topics that had been recommended by past symposium attendees and APPs in the community, as well as an opportunity for attendees to network with local specialists and vendors.

TWIG One Presents Cancer Care Run Check to FMC Foundation
On Tuesday, March 25, TWIG One presented a check for $10,000 – proceeds from its 2024 Cancer Care Run – to the FMC Foundation.

Heartstrings Reunited at The Beat Goes On Event
The Beat Goes On is an event that reunites survivors of major cardiac events with the first responders and Fairfield Medical Center team members who cared for them. March 6, 2025, marked the third year FMC has hosted this celebration, which highlights the gift of second chances, the joy of new milestones and the long-lasting bonds that caregivers form with patients and their families.

The new FHP Continuity of Care Clinic officially opened
Getting back on your feet after a stay in the hospital or visit to the emergency room can be overwhelming. The FHP Continuity of Care Clinic will help you navigate recovery after your discharge by allowing our care team to remain by your side throughout your health journey, keeping you on track to feeling your best.

Strike Out Breast Cancer Donates $20,000 to FMC Foundation
The Southeastern Ohio United States Bowling Congress (USBC) #80771 recently presented a check for $20,000 to the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation’s Cancer Care Fund, which supports patients receiving cancer treatment at FMC. The money was raised through a single event called Strike Out Breast Cancer, which is hosted by the Southeastern Ohio USBC and held every October at Tiki Lanes in Lancaster.

Local Nurse Who Saved Child’s Life Honored With Great Save Award
Two nurses were honored with a Great Save Award on Jan. 17 at Fairfield Medical Center after they rescued a family member from drowning over Labor Day weekend. Great Save Awards are presented by Community Heart Watch to individuals who provide lifesaving intervention in situations where a person’s heart stops beating.

FMC Offers Cutting-Edge TCAR for Carotid Artery Stenosis
Fairfield Medical Center is now offering TCAR (transcarotid artery revascularization), a hybrid treatment option for those living with carotid artery stenosis.

All Clear: Precautionary Boil Water Advisory
The City of Lancaster is no longer under a Precautionary Boil Water Advisory, and Fairfield Medical Center has returned to normal operations. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Fairfield Medical Center Explores Partnership
Fairfield Medical Center recently signed a non-binding letter of intent to explore the possibility of a formal partnership with OhioHealth. With this document in place, the non-profit organizations can begin sharing key information between parties to identify opportunities for expanded care and services in Fairfield County and beyond.

Local Banks Donate AEDs to Fairfield Co. Non-Profits
Three local banks – Fairfield Federal Savings & Loan, Friendly Bremen Banking Center and Park National Bank – donated a total of 30 AEDs to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County.

FMC Introduces New Ablation Technology
Fairfield Medical Center becomes first in state to use Medtronic’s new ablation technology, a quick and efficient treatment option for patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation.

FMC Reunites Cardiac Arrest Survivors with Caregivers
On Thursday, March 21, Fairfield Medical Center recognized eight patients – ranging in age from 10 to 72 years – who beat the odds of surviving cardiac arrest and honored the individuals who served as vital links in their chains of survival.

General Surgical Associates and their staff joins FHP General Surgery
As long-time community partners and excellent surgeons, we are proud to welcome Jeffrey Yenchar, MD, David Robertson, MD, and Margaret Sawyer, MD – along with their dedicated team – to FHP.

ED Nurses Partner With Police in Battle Against Frigid Temps
Emma Greeler and Lisa Craiglow, RNs in the Emergency Department, decided to lead the charge against the cold by collecting blanket donations for patients in need.
The FMC Police Department graciously joined the cause and took it upon themselves to keep several blankets in their cruisers and make deliveries to those who need extra assistance this winter.
Even a small blanket can really make a difference in someone’s life and help keep them moving forward.

Aces Against Cancer Donates $10,000
Aces Against Cancer (AAC) is Amanda Clearcreek School’s community effort to “support the fighters, admire the survivors, honor the taken, and never, ever give up hope” of finding a cure for cancer. This year, they raised almost $25,000 and over the past 9 years, this initiative has raised over $164,000 toward cancer research and patient care!

March 8 Blood Drive Open to Community Members
Kick off the Spring season by donating blood to those in need! Register to give on Friday, March 8, at FMC’s Main Campus. Appointments are available from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Reserve your spot by contacting Donna Stebelton at donnast@fmchealth.org or 740-687-8140.
According to the Red Cross, donors with all blood types are urgently needed, especially those with types O, A negative and B negative.

Fairfield Medical Center Hires Chief Financial Officer
Fairfield Medical Center is pleased to welcome Julie Grow as the new Chief Financial Officer. Julie joined the FMC team in August, and will manage the organization’s financial planning and accounting practices, as well as its relationship with lending institutions, board members and the financial community. She will also be responsible for evaluating FMC’s financial performance in regard to strategic goals, budgets and forecasts.

Community Heart Watch Donates AED to Perry Co. Gym
Through its Community AED program, which has placed more than 400 of the life-saving devices in community areas or public places, Community Heart Watch was able to donate an AED to Polly Pletcher, owner of New Dimensions Tan & Fitness.

Fairfield County Foundation Supports “Heart Safe” Mission
While Fairfield Medical Center serves as the fiscal agent for Community Heart Watch, many of their valuable initiatives are funded by donations and grants from organizations across the region. In 2022, the Fairfield County Foundation awarded the group $19,525 to further their lifesaving mission.

Celebrating One Year of Robotic Surgery at Fairfield Medical Center
Since its introduction in February 2022, more than 400 patients have benefitted from Fairfield Medical Center’s robotic surgery program, which provides access to advanced lung biopsy technology and minimally invasive surgical techniques.