System News: May 2025
System News: Donor Recognition, Health Fair, Drive Smart Program
The following are informational updates from across Premier Health that you might find of interest:
Employee Engagement
Two Premier leaders were recognized as Dayton Business Journal “40 Under 40” honorees: Erin Covey, system director of operations for the Premier Health Hospital Foundations, and Amber Washington, vice president of operations, Miami Valley Hospital.
Patient Experience
In recognition of Donate Life Month, Miami Valley Hospital hosted the Premier Health Donor Recognition event for friends and families. Organ donors were recognized in the Chapel during a special ceremony; afterwards, family members were invited to the hospital to see their loved one’s names displayed on the Donor Wall of Excellence.
Partnerships
CareFlight once again launched its Drive Smart program at local high schools. For more than 20 years, CareFlight has offered Drive Smart, a nationally recognized mock crash program that provides high school students with a realistic look at the consequences of poor decisions made behind the wheel.
Premier Health hosted the Dayton Public Schools Student Senate at Miami Valley Hospital. The Student Senate includes student leaders from each district high school. Shelly Smith, senior human resources consultant, and Melora Waltman, nurse manager of the Regional Adult Burn Center, served as keynote speakers. Students also toured the burn center.
Premier Health Foundations
Atrium Medical Center Foundation has reached a milestone, surpassing the halfway point in its $2 million campaign to establish the Help Endure a Loss (HEAL) Endowment. This endowment will ensure sustained support for the HEAL program at Atrium, allowing it to continue offering free bereavement services and resources to families grieving the loss of a child.
Community & Government Relations
The 15th annual University of Dayton and Miami Valley Hospital Healthcare Symposium took place on April 12. This year’s symposium, Evolving Healthcare Environment: Navigation, Resources, and Partnerships, featured real-life scenarios presented by patients and their care teams to illustrate the partnerships and resources modern health care systems rely on to achieve positive patient outcomes. At the event, health care providers earned continuing education credits, and Dr. Andy Hawk, retired CareFlight medical director, was honored.
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce hosted a community reception for Dr. Raj Mitra, the new Premier Chief Academic Officer and Dean of the Boonshoft School of Medicine.
State Representative Desiree Tims, who represents Ohio House District 38, visited Miami Valley Hospital. During her visit, she met with Dr. Chad Whelan and Marquita Turner and toured the hospital.
Premier Health hosted a Community Baby Shower in Middletown, offering resources, education, and gifts to about 90 expectant and new mothers. The event supported families while fostering connections with health care providers and community organizations, promoting healthy starts for babies and mothers.
In recognition of Black Maternal Health Week, Premier Health hosted a panel discussion featuring system providers and other local maternal health experts. The event provided a platform to address disparities in maternal outcomes, share resources, and engage the community in dialogue aimed at improving health equity for Black mothers.
Representatives from Premier Health participated as vendors in an employee health fair at Edison State Community College. The college also hosted a meet-and-greet event at the hospital for Upper Valley Medical Center caregivers, highlighting the educational opportunities available through the college.
Want More News?
Read our Inspire newsletter to learn more about what’s happening in employee engagement, patient experience, academics and research, partnerships, community relations, and Premier Health Foundations.
Back to the May 2025 issue of Premier Pulse
