Dear Save UTMC Coalition,
Over the last couple of months, the Coalition steering committee has been hard at work. We would first like to report that Senator Fedor and the rest of our Ohio legislative leaders have been working with the University to put language in the budget for additional Medicaid dollars that could amount to around $27.5 million dollars for UTMC.
The leadership of the hospital has started training sessions that involve the Epic software that was a significant expenditure for the University. This software will help the University communicate with other facilities and clinics to enhance the patient care experience. Additionally, the University approved monies to upgrade our medication dispensing system. We are hearing that we may be seeing a new MRI machine soon. Just recently the hospital received a three-star rating for overall quality of care from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services. Our hospital also received a [B] rating in the spring 2021 Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a mark that recognizes the Hospital’s continued focus on patient safety. UTMC is among Toledo’s top metro hospitals in this recent leapfrog report. UTMC CEO Rick Swaine said the hospital’s entire workforce deserves credit for these improved rankings.
On Monday, May 3rd, President Postel delivered his 2021 State of the University address. In his remarks, President Postel reiterated his vigorous support for our hospital and our South Toledo medical campus. President Postel also highlighted a new partnership between the Dana Cancer Center and the Toledo Clinic. The DCC is thriving since partnering with the Toledo Clinic by advancing our resources to help our cancer challenged patients. Dr. James Willey was recently appointed the Medical Director of our Dana Cancer Center.
During the 2020-2021 pandemic our Rockets adapted and triumphed, especially our hospital and it’s health specialties. With a sense of urgency, we became a leader regionally and nationwide. UTMC is currently one of the first sites in the country to enroll patients in a national study aimed at identifying promising COVID-19 treatments. UTMC also continues to serve as one of Ohio’s COVID-19 vaccination sites providing vaccines to the public through its partnership with the Lucas County Health Department. Additionally, the University has hosted several vaccination clinics exclusively for our students, faculty, and staff. Our new advertising states “We are open for you.”
Lastly, our “Save UTMC Coalition” has a new supply of our popular “We Love UTMC/MCO” yard signs. Please call Carty or Randy to get your new yard signage. May you all be safe and blessed as we work together to grow and strengthen our South Toledo campus and hospital.
Carty Finkbeiner
419-309-5636
Randy Desposito
419-671-8001