Helping athletes stay in performing condition is one of the main jobs of an athletic trainer, and Erica Anderson is one of those trainers in our area, working with UNOH athletes on site at Mercy Health St. Rita's. There are a lot of different services that Anderson and her team can bring to the table for athletes at the university.

The event is a celebration of health and community.  There were resources, food, games and screenings for people to take part in. 

600 runners or walkers took part in the 3rd annual I Pink I Can 5K at Mercy Health - St. Rita's on Saturday.  

Daylight savings time is just around the corner. Mercy Health St. Rita's recommends everyone sleep at least a half-hour earlier than usual to help the body adjust to the time change. It is also recommended that you get exposed to sunlight after waking up, along with avoiding alcohol consumption before sleeping.

Mercy Health St. Rita's and Lima Memorial Hospital have both reported increasing numbers of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the past few weeks. The delta variant is one cause of the increase, according to both health systems. Both hospitals are recommending that everyone stay safe by following state guidelines, as well as getting vaccinated.

The first baby of 2021 to be born at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s, waited to the second day of the year to come into this world. Ryleigh Jade Upshaw was born Saturday morning to the parents of DeAndre Upshaw and Keyairra Jones.  Ryleigh was two weeks early, but she and her mother are doing good.  Her parents though it could be a possibility of her being a New Year’s baby, but even though she didn't make it on the first.  Her mom thinks it is special to have the first baby born in 2021 at St. Rita’s.

“It’s a great day for Wapakoneta.  The YMCA positively impacts the quality of life in our community,” says Deb Zwez Board Pres. Wapakoneta Family YMCA.  “And this addition plus all of the new relationships we forge with all of our partners just kicks that up another notch.” 

Some Mercy Health St.  Rita’s employees will be placed on furlough since the medical center is unable to do some primary care, and outpatient and surgical services because of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

According to a media release from their parent company Bon Secours Mercy Health, the furlough will not affect any services that directly involve the care of  COVID-19 patients.  They admit that the outbreak has caused an unprecedented demand for health services, the pandemic has also caused a decline in other areas.   Of the 60 thousand associates in their 51-hospital system, Bon Secours Mercy Health says around 700 associates will be placed on furlough, they will not release the number for just St. Rita’s.  The temporary furlough is expected to last 30 to 90 days, the workers will be paid until Friday and then can file for unemployment.  There is a fund set up to help the furloughed associates.