Blanchard Valley Health System

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By Kayla Chapman, APRN-CNP
Certified Nurse Practitioner, Physicians Plus Urgent Care

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States, especially among young children, and it can happen quickly and silently. Children between the ages of 1 and 5 are at the highest risk of drowning, often due to inadequate supervision around swimming pools, bathtubs, lakes, or even small containers of water. Adult drownings can also occur, and are commonly seen in rivers, lakes, and oceans, with alcohol playing a major contributing role. 

Fatal drownings occur in six stages. First, the swimmer will struggle to keep their airway clear of the water, leading to panic and exhaustion. Once the swimmer goes underwater, they’ll attempt to hold their breath, but eventually they will gasp for air.

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By James Davidson, MD & Katie Fultz, PA-C
Blanchard Valley Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Rotator cuff injuries are a common adult shoulder condition that causes pain, weakness, and shoulder dysfunction. They are the leading cause of adult shoulder disability. Deciding what treatment pathway is right for you requires a discussion and MRI review with an orthopedic surgeon. 

Rotator cuff tears are evaluated by the depth of the tear, the width of the tear, the tear configuration/pattern, if there is retraction away from the attachment site, and if there is impingement on top of that area from bone spurring. When the tear is less than 50% of the tendon's depth, also known as a partial-thickness tear, nonsurgical treatment may be considered. Tears at a shallow depth can accommodate activity while healing. Conservative treatment would include oral and topical medications, ice, activity modification/rest, and physical therapy with a home exercise program. Partial rotator cuff tears with impingement or who have failed conservative treatment could consider surgical intervention for debridement of the torn portion of the tendon, removal of bursitis, and decompression of the bone spurs.

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MEDIA RELEASE_Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) is proud to announce that the computed tomography (CT) department at Bluffton Hospital has successfully achieved reaccreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR).

ACR accreditation is a nationally recognized distinction awarded to facilities that meet rigorous standards for image quality, personnel qualifications, equipment performance, and quality assurance processes. The reaccreditation affirms that Bluffton Hospital’s CT department continues to uphold these standards while providing exceptional diagnostic care to the community.

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MEDIA RELEASE__Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) has entered into a partnership with Lima Pathology Associates, Inc. to provide comprehensive anatomic and clinical pathology services across the health system.

As part of this partnership, Scott W. Wendroth, MD, will serve as medical director of the pathology department at Blanchard Valley Hospital (BVH), while Matthew T. Kuhn, MD, will serve as medical director of the pathology departments at The Armes Family Cancer Care Center (AFCCC) and Bluffton Hospital.

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Blanchard Valley Medical Practices (BVMP), a division of Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS), is pleased to announce that same-week appointments are now available at several regional primary care locations including Bluffton.

Primary care providers at BVMP assist with many acute and chronic health conditions, provide preventive care, and support patients in establishing long-term wellness goals. 

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By Myron D. Lewis
FACHE, President & CEO, Blanchard Valley Health System

This week, Blanchard Valley Health System (BVHS) had the honor of hosting Senator Jon Husted for a thoughtful discussion on the future of healthcare in rural Ohio. His visit was more than a courtesy call, it was a genuine demonstration of leadership and concern for the communities we serve every day.

In an era where rural hospitals face mounting challenges—financial, operational, and demographic—it matters when elected leaders take the time to listen and learn directly from those on the front lines. Senator Husted’s presence in Findlay and his willingness to sit down with our leadership team was not just appreciated, it was necessary.

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