July 14, 2025, Press Release from Mercy Health - St. Rita's:
LIMA, Ohio – Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center is excited to announce that enrollment for its new childcare center, Mercy Tots, is now officially open to families in the Lima-area community. The center, located on the first floor of the Perry Building at 545 West Market Street, is on track to welcome children this fall, with a ribbon cutting and open house celebration planned for September 2nd. The specifics of that event will be released at a later date.
Mercy Tots will offer high-quality childcare and early childhood education for children ages six weeks through five years (children enrolled in kindergarten are not eligible). The facility includes eight bright and inviting classrooms, two of which are specially designed for infants. In addition to dedicated learning and play areas, the center will feature a safe, age-appropriate playground designed for all children enrolled.
The center will follow the “Experience Early Learning” curriculum, meeting all required areas for state childcare licensing, and will offer a variety of enrichment activities throughout the year, including a Christmas and spring program held in the Mercy Health - St. Rita’s Medical Center Auxiliary Conference Rooms.
“We know access to safe, reliable childcare is critical for working families, and we are thrilled to be able to open Mercy Tots to our greater Lima community,” said Aimee Kuhlman, director of Mercy Tots. “This space has been thoughtfully designed to provide a nurturing, engaging environment where little ones can learn, grow, and thrive.”
In addition to Kuhlman, the center will be led by Mercy Tots Manager Andrea Stout, an experienced early childhood education professional who brings more than 35 years of experience. The facility will operate Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will only close for two holidays each year – Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Mercy Tots has been enrolling the children of Mercy Health employees but is now ready to welcome additional families from the community. Families are encouraged to apply soon, as space is limited, and enrollment will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Those interested in applying for enrollment should contact Aimee Kuhlman with questions by phone at 419-996-5788 or by email at alkuhlman@mercy.com.
About Mercy Health - Lima
Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has been providing quality health care to the people of Allen County and west central Ohio since 1918. The mission of Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. With more than 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers in the area, the ministry provides quality, innovative, compassionate care to the greater Lima community. For more information, visit mercy.com.
