August 9, 2024, Press Release from Mercy Health - St. Rita's: LIMA, OHIO (August 9, 2024) - Mercy Health – St. Rita's and Ohio Northern University are pleased to announce an expanded collaboration to enhance mental health services at ONU. Beginning August 1, 2024, the ONU Student Counseling Center is being staffed and managed by Mercy Health, a division of Bon Secours Mercy Health, recognized as one of the Top 20 health systems in the United States. All current staff members have been invited to continue in their roles under Mercy Health's management, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of care for students. Mercy Health first partnered with ONU to oversee its on-campus Student Health Center in 2023.

August 6, 2024, Press Release from the American Heart Association: TOLEDO OH, 2024 — 11 hospitals in Northwest Ohio are among the more than 3,000 nationwide that participate in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® (GWTG) and other programs to improve outcomes for Americans who experience heart disease or stroke. Heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. These health crises require swift and proven treatment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. The American Heart Association, celebrating 100 years of work to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere, sets the standards for high-quality, science-based care and access that all patients deserve.

Mercy Health-St. Rita's gets recognized for their efforts to help improve the enviroment. 

June 3, 2024, Press Release from Mercy Health: Lima, Ohio (June 3, 2024) – Mercy Health Foundation – Greater Lima will be hosting its fifth annual Red Door Gala benefiting Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center on Thursday, June 6^th. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the Birth Place at St. Rita’s Medical Center. During the formal program, the Foundation will present the Mercy Club Award. The award honors those who provide support to Mercy Health – St. Rita’s, as well as those who make a significant impact in our community. Mercy Club is the Foundation’s annual giving club established in 1977.

May 23, 2024, Press Release from Mercy Health-St. Rita's: LIMA, Oh. (May 23, 2024) – Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has achieved redesignation of its Magnet^® recognition for nursing excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). The Magnet Recognition Program® is one of the most prestigious and coveted recognitions in the country that a hospital can achieve for nursing excellence and distinguishes health care organizations that meet rigorous standards for nursing excellence. St. Rita’s Medical Center first received Magnet recognition in 2019 as a reflection of its nursing professionalism, teamwork, and superiority in patient care. Receiving Magnet recognition for the second time reaffirms St. Rita’s Medical Center’s nursing team as one of the most advanced and exceptional organizations in the country. This recognition comes following a document submission in April 2023. ANCC appraisers visited St. Rita’s in March 2024, for a rigorous 3-day appraisal where they met with nearly 350 nurses, interdisciplinary team members, and members of the community over the course of the three days. The appraisers’ goal was to “verify, clarify and amplify” what was written in the documents.

The Ohio National Guard has arrived in Lima to address staff shortages and patient load at Mercy Health St. Rita's Medical Center. On Thursday morning, members from the guard were introduced to the hospital and underwent training.

With Thanksgiving around the corner, many families are looking forward to spending the holidays with family. However, some individuals from Lima will not be able to make it to the kitchen table, as they occupy a hospital bed after they were infected with COVID-19. 

Two people were taken to the hospital following a rollover car crash in Lima this afternoon. First responders were called to the intersection of Pearl and Jackson Streets at 5 PM for a two-car crash resulting in one on its side. The Ford Bronco was heading west on Pearl and stopped at the posted signs. Police say the driver thought it was a 4-way stop and entered the path of Lexus LS heading south on Jackson Street. The two collided, sending the Bronco to spin and roll onto its side. Both drivers were the only occupants in their vehicles. They were each transported to Mercy Health - St. Rita's Medical Center and Lima Memorial Health System with minor injuries.

Mercy Health - St. Rita's has completed the first month of their summer Community Care Fridays initiative, and donated the earnings to a local school. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the medical center allows its employees to pay to dress casual on Fridays. This month's contributions from dressing down were donated to Heir Force Community School in Lima, totaling $2,000. Beth Keehn, the Government and Community Relations Director for St. Rita's, says they wanted to donate to and help a group they related to over the last year.

Many vendors suffered from cancelled events in 2020, but now they can get out again as the Downtown Lima Farmers Market gears up for another year. Last summer, the market was held in the empty lot behind Old City Prime to accommodate a drive-thru and social distancing. Now, they are back to their normal location in front of the Veterans Civic Center in downtown Lima. Market manager Jennifer Fickel says everyone is excited to return for the first day, and this year will bring a chance to incorporate activities again.