Last week, Jason Wilson, director of the Governor’s 
Office of Appalachia, along with ACMC President & CEO Michael Habowski, ACMC Board of Directors Chairperson Dr. Susan Stocker, Dean of Kent State University – Ashtabula, and local officials announced a grant for $100,000 to the Ashtabula County Medical Center. The grant is from the State Appalachian Development Program and will help purchase equipment for ACMC’s oncology infusion program.
“We are in the midst of a building renovation project that will allow more patients to have access to cancer infusion services. This money will go right to the heart of the program – the equipment that delivers the medicine they need,” Habowski said.
The grant will purchase infusion pumps, monitors and equipment for a new on-site pharmacy to be located in the oncology building at ACMC’s main campus. Additionally there will be more private exam rooms and physician office space.
The project responds directly to the needs of the community revealed in a recent Community Health Needs Assessment report conducted by ACMC. The report shows that Ashtabula County residents suffer from high rates of cancer.
“Cancer is the second largest killer in Ashtabula County. The expanded services at the oncology center will mean patients do not have to leave the county for treatment. This money is helping us meet the needs of our county right here where it is needed most,” Habowski said.
Stocker said the grant will be matched by other funds raised throughout the community by ACMC and ACMC Foundation.
“We are grateful for this grant, as well as other money raised by community members, ACMC Caregivers, and corporate donors. We have all been touched in some way by cancer. Each donor has a story to tell. This renovation project will ensure many more patients will have positive stories to tell about cancer treatment in Ashtabula County,” Stocker said.
“We are proud to see ACMC and the ACMC Foundation reach out to us for a project like this. We are here to help you and we look forward to strengthening this relationship as you move ahead,” Wilson said.
The Governor’s Office of Appalachia works to enhance the quality of life for those living in the region. Working with companies, local governments, and nonprofit organizations, the Governor’s Office of Appalachia promotes economic and community development throughout the 32 county region.
Also on hand for the grant presentation was Ashtabula County Commissioners Peg Carlo, Dan Claypool and Casey Koslowski.
Carlo, who is the board of commissioners’ president and also serves on the ACMC board of directors, said they appreciate the collaborative effort between the state and ACMC.
“We are very grateful for the grant coming to ACMC. This means our residents can receive their cancer treatment close to home. They will not need to incur extra expenses during travel to Cleveland or elsewhere,” she said.
The renovation at ACMC oncology services will be complete and open to the public later this fall.
Habowski said there will be no disruption of treatment during the renovation.
For more information on donating to the ACMC Foundation, call Executive Director Tami Netkowicz, CFRE at 440-997-6605 or visit www.foundation.acmchealth.org.