Delivering on a Promise

The Delivering on a Promise campaign supports the renovation and expansion of our Childbirth Center. The goal is to kick off the project as soon as possible however, additional donations are essential to provide further support. As of February 1, 2024, the campaign donation total is at $1.5 million.  A successful campaign will ensure adequate funds to initiate the project.

The Walter & Evelyn Braun Childbirth Center

The generous $1 million donation received from the Walter and Evelyn (Severt) Braun Family in July 2023 was a catalyst for a growing need to renovate and expand Mercer Health’s Childbirth Center. The Brauns raised their 11 children in Coldwater – Bill, Mary, Ann, Dan, John, Tony, Peg, Roger, Ken, Susan and Mike.

Pictured standing, from left to right is Lisa Klenke, CEO at Mercer Health; Danielle Dues, Childbirth Center Manager at Mercer Health; Tony Braun; Mary (Braun) Kirkman; John Kirkman; Mike Braun; Susan (Braun) Fennig and Linda Finke, Director of Inpatient Services at Mercer Health. Seated is Bill Braun and Ann (Braun) Wolf.

This project ensures:

  • Safer space for cesarean procedures, particularly in emergent situations
  • Increased space for increasing births
  • Enhanced nursery allowing for dedicated space for unique situations
  • Continuation of local, compassionate, quality childbirth services

Why is a renovation and expansion of the Childbirth Center needed?

The cesarean suite for the Childbirth Center remains in the original Surgery Center on the 2nd floor of the East Wing. It did not move to the new Surgery Center as regulation requires it to be on the same floor as the Childbirth Center.  By expanding into the space adjacent to the Childbirth Center we will create a new cesarean suite within the Childbirth Center.  This allows for:

  • Faster transfers from the Childbirth Center to the cesarean suite in emergent situations
  • Elimination of patients being transported through public spaces into the cesarean suite
  • Overall cohesiveness for staffing coordination and patient/family comfort

Births at Mercer Health have steadily increased over the past 10 years.

  • A quality birthing center is important to families looking to move back or stay in the area. When our families stay and/or come back our community benefits.

Your Support Matters

Having local healthcare is something we often take for granted but for many it is nearly a luxury.  Over a dozen birthing centers in Ohio closed in 2023, including one very close to home in Van Wert.  Most of these closures are due to the financial situations healthcare systems find themselves in as reimbursement for care continues to decrease at the same time the cost of care increases.

In short, childbirth centers close to help the bottom line of these organizations while leaving their communities with a void in services.  Mercer Health is blessed to have the support of the local community who understands the importance of local, quality healthcare and is willing to support the organization to ensure local, quality healthcare continues, ensuring our way of life (strong schools, strong industry, strong families) in our community continues.

Donate Now

Jack & Lexi Hemmelgarn

“Thank you to everyone in the OB department for taking such good care of us. We knew we were in good hands! Thank you for answering any and all questions and making sure we were doing well and taken care of. Otto was very lucky to have such a wonderful staff making sure he was doing well our whole stay. A BIG thanks to all the on call team for keeping me calm and having the unplanned cesarean section go smoothly. We were very lucky to have all of you!”

Josh & Kelly Werling

“Thank you all so much for making Tessa’s birth such a great experience. Even as a third time mom, there are still new challenges with a newborn and your knowledge, caring, compassion, and professionalism was so appreciated. You are all truly angels on earth!”

Your support is appreciated.

To discuss a possible donation or to learn more, contact Deb Hemmelgarn, Director of the MED Foundation and Volunteer Services at 419-678-5679 or dhemmelgarn@mercer-health.com.

The Medical, Educational and Development Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and contributions to the MED Foundation are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

Learn more about the MED Foundation here.

Make a Donation

Deb Hemmelgarn, Director of the MED Foundation and Volunteer Services

Phone: 419-678-5679

Email: dhemmelgarn@mercer-health.com

 

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