SEPTEMBER 2024 

Impact Insider, News and information from Mount Carmel Foundation

Business community welcomes CEO Tauana McDonald

Business and community leaders from throughout central Ohio welcomed Mount Carmel’s new CEO, Tauana McDonald, FACHE, at a special reception held August 29 at the Columbus Club.

Hosted by Kenny McDonald, CEO of the Columbus Partnership and Jim Karam, chair of the Mount Carmel Foundation board, who introduced Tauana McDonald as “uniquely qualified to lead Mount Carmel to even greater future success.” He added, “She’s so great, we were willing to overlook the fact that she’s a Wolverine leading a health system in the home town of the Buckeyes.”

Tauana described her football alliances as “blended,” noting that her daughter is a Buckeye and her son is a Wolverine, so she knows how to navigate this landscape.

Highlighting the collaboration that makes central Ohio healthcare so successful, she said, “Mount Carmel, with our MediGold health plan, hospitals and outpatient care sites, nursing college, and physician networks, is the whole healthcare package. Even with all of those great things in place, we need partnerships with businesses and individuals like you to truly improve care on a sustainable basis. We can learn from each other and work together to solve challenges in our community. If I could ask one thing of you tonight, I’d like you to partner with Mount Carmel, in whatever way you choose, to help remove health disparities and improve the well-being of our community.”

Nursing scholars and donors connect at annual dinner

Mount Carmel nursing students and their benefactors connected in person at the Annual Scholarship and Donor Recognition Dinner held September 19, 2024, at the Grand Event Center in Columbus.

Attendees were welcomed by Foundation President Deanna Stewart who said, “This is an evening I look forward to all year long. Tonight is all about our amazing scholars and our generous donors who make it possible for these students to pursue their nursing career dreams. It’s the primary opportunity we have each year to publicly recognize and personally thank you and connect you directly with your students.”

“Through the Mount Carmel Foundation, we have been able to provide scholarships to deserving students, enhance our state-of-the-art facilities, and expand our academic programs,” said Dr. Todd Ambrosia, president, Mount Carmel College of Nursing. “Ninety percent of our students receive financial assistance to pursue their nursing education. This year we have provided 217 scholarships, and the total awarded is $545,175, with $488,175 coming directly through the Mount Carmel Foundation.”

“As we look to the future, let us remember that each thoughtful gift, each scholarship awarded, and each moment of encouragement is shaping the next generation of nursing leaders. Together, we are not only cultivating individual success but also investing in the health and well-being of our communities,” said Ambrosia.

NICU reunions welcome back more than 100 families

Mount Carmel Grove City and Mount Carmel East recently hosted a reunion for NICU patients and families. More than one hundred families attended. The kiddos were treated to all kinds of fun and games, including face painting and balloon animals, as well as refreshments and plenty of hugs and smiles from Mount Carmel caregivers.

Many of the families at Mount Carmel Grove City also took advantage of the pop-up event to get their car seats safety checked.

Our expert team of medical professionals deliver nearly 9,000 babies each year. Mount Carmel St. Ann’s and Mount Carmel East feature Level III NICUs staffed by an expert team of neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners should your baby need it.

Registration is open for the Dr. O Memorial 5K Walk/Run

Join us on Saturday, November 2, for a Memorial 5K Run and one mile walk in honor of Dr. John “Jack” O’Handley. Known fondly as “Dr. O,” he was the embodiment of Mount Carmel’s mission and the face of our Street Medicine program for more than 25 years. He passed away last summer but his legacy continues.

This run falls on what would have been Dr. O’s birthday and we are looking forward to honoring him on that day. He ran a 5K nearly every weekend with colleagues, students and friends, inspiring many to lead a more active life.

Saturday, November 2
9:00 a.m.
Mount Carmel Fitness, 7100 Graphics Way, Lewis Center, Ohio 43035

Join us by registering online here.

Sponsorship and individual gift opportunities are available. Proceeds benefit the Mount Carmel Street Medicine program. All participants will receive a time results, an official event t-shirt, and finisher medal. A post-event celebration inside the Fitness Center will include hot chocolate, coffee and light snacks.