Echoes of an Event to Remember

The grounds of Belpre Medical Campus were filled with activity and excitement on the afternoon of October 8, 2024, as over 700 guests gathered to witness a historic moment for healthcare in the Mid-Ohio Valley—the official groundbreaking of Memorial Health System’s (MHS) Women and Children’s Hospital.

 The festivities began with performances by local high school groups—Marietta High School’s Vocal Point Choir, Belpre High School’s Marching Band, and Parkersburg High School’s Red Wings— before MHS President and CEO Scott Cantley took the stage to deliver opening remarks, stating that the day “promises to transform healthcare in this community for generations to come.”

Following Mr. Cantley’s introduction, there were a variety of speakers representing both state and local leadership, such as Governor Mike DeWine and State Representative Jay Edwards, as well as members of outreach groups like Robin Burrow, Secretary and Treasurer of The Joe Burrow Foundation. While each speaker went on to voice their excitement surrounding this project, the sentiments expressed throughout their talks shared the same vein of thought—that this Women and Children’s Hospital will greatly improve the lives of those living in our region by securing the future of healthcare in Southeast Ohio.

“This is world-class care that will be provided here,” stated Governor DeWine. “This is something that’s going to make a difference.”

He then described the impact that Memorial Health System’s Women and Children’s Hospital is going to have on the community, emphasizing the importance of specialized care and a level two NICU coming to Belpre Medical Campus. “When we look at the future of the state…we know the importance of education, but what we also know is the importance of removing health barriers.”

In addition to being a level two NICU, the Women and Children’s Hospital will provide a variety of services and amenities such as a pharmacy, café, gift shop, lactation services, private delivery rooms, a special care nursery, family waiting and support rooms, operating rooms, and even a post-partum rooftop terrace.

 As the only hospital dedicated to the care of women and children in Southeastern Ohio, this 66,246 square-foot facility will allow 1,400 births to remain local, provide 400,000 patients with specialty care access, and keep 85% of previously transferred NICU infants close to home and with their families— ultimately removing many of the health barriers that Governor DeWine alluded to during his speech.

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