Community Involvement

Throughout the year, working physicians, clinicians and educators reach out voluntarily, beyond the examining room and surgery suite, to bring useful health information and answers directly to our community through the Van Wert Health Speakers Bureau.

An important mark of our patient and family experience is how much our neighbors know about risk, prevention and management of illness and injury. That is why Van Wert Health’s outstanding speakers provide this service voluntarily to you at your workplace, community center, church or school.

These speakers and topics are available, at no charge to adult education programs, schools or civic, social or church groups and other organizations.

Topics include, but are not limited to

• Advance directives
• Diabetes
• Allergies
• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Stress management
• Cancer education
• Healthy aging
• Urology
• Heart health
• Sleep disorders
• Nutrition, diet, and exercise

Helpful Information

• Our Speakers Bureau finds volunteers from the hospital and brings them into your community. Interested in a health care topic not listed? Send us a message! Most of the time, we can find a speaker to discuss your interest. 
   
• This service is available at no charge to civic groups, social clubs and other non-profit organizations.
   
• Van Wert Health has expert speakers who are available to educate you on almost any health and wellness subject.
   
• Each presentation is a unique opportunity to talk with a health care expert, ask questions and get immediate answers.
   
• The average presentation is about 30 to 45 minutes, and the speakers offer extra time for questions and comments. Finds volunteers from the hospital and brings them into your community.

Athletic Trainers

Van Wert Health offers athletic training services to three local high schools as a free benefit to the school. Our full-time Ohio Licensed Athletic Trainers provide training room, practice, game and special event coverage for athletes at Van Wert High School, Lincolnview High School, and Crestview High School. More information about this free benefit to local schools.

Kids Health Fairs

Van Wert Health hosts health fairs at five local schools for students in grades 3-5.  These action-packed events include child-friendly activities that encourages movement, exercise, safety, and a positive attitude toward lifelong wellness.  Some of the topics we present at the fairs include nutritition, anti-bullying, internet safety, bike helmet safety, and stress management, among others. 

C.E.O. Program Host Site

The Career Education Opportunity program (C.E.O.) provides "real-life" exposure and experiences for students interested in a career in health care.  Senior students attending Van Wert, Crestview, or Lincolnview High Schools may sign up for the program through their guidance counselor.  Students spend 75-80 minutes per day at one of the Van Wert Health locations throughout the semester.

Get a behind-the-scenes look and explore health careers by job shadowing at Van Wert Health!

Where can I observe?

• Nursing
• Physician
• Patient Care Technician
• Respiratory Therapy
• Imaging
• Physical & Occ. Therapy
• Pharmacy
• Lab
• Athletic Training

Interested in another area?  Send us a message!

Who can participate?

Any individual 16 years of age and older, is eligible to job shadow. Documentation of the following is required:

• Influenza vaccination (shadow experiences between October 1 and March 31)
• Current TB test

How do I apply?

Please contact the Human Resources Department to speak with a staff member about job shadowing.

419-238-2390
HR@vanwerthealth.org

Mental Health First Aid for Youth is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people.

The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

This course is offered select times throughout the year as a benefit for community members who work with youth.  For a list of class times, please check our Classes and Events section.  For more information, please contact Anne Dunn, Community Wellness Coordinator at 419-238-2390 or info@vanwerthealth.org.

We want our communities and the people who live here to thrive. Van Wert Health goes outside of our buildings' walls and into parks, schools, community centers and other places people gather, helping local groups meet the needs that exist within our community. Some of the many ways that we give back to our communities include:

• Premiere sponsor of the Market at the Wass farmer's market
• First aid stations at large, community events, free of charge
• Annual supporting sponsor of the Niswonger Performing Arts Center and Main Street Van Wert
• Partnership with the PLC Health Clinic, including donation of an ultrasound machine 
• Support of the Children's Garden at Smiley Park
• Athletic Trainer services provided free of charge at three local high schools