MANSFIELD, Ohio — Avita Health System plans to further develop its Ontario location, making it a full-service medical facility.
Avita moved one step closer in creating that full-service facility Tuesday morning when the county commissioners approved a resolution.
Drew Linnenbom, an associate with Dinsmore and Shohl, explained, “The resolution gives Richland County’s approval to the issuance by Crawford County of not to exceed $92 million in possible facility revenue notes for the benefit of Avita and certain other nonprofit affiliates. It also approves the county’s execution and agreement with Crawford County, which allows proceeds of the notes to be spent in both Crawford County and Richland County.
“Proceeds of the notes will be used to finance construction at the Avita facility at the Ontario mall, as well as refinance certain other debt of Avita.”
He added, “These notes are not general obligations of Richland County, Crawford County, or any other political subdivision, but are solely payable by Avita Health System.”
Eric Draime, CFO of Avita Health System, said Avita intends to add inpatient services, a 24-hour emergency room and surgical services at its facility in Ontario.
Commissioner Marilyn John commended Avita, noting, “The work that you’ve done at the mall has really been amazing and it’s such a unique concept.”
Commissioner Gary Utt said Richland Mall associates have reported that they’ve seen an uptick in traffic at the mall.
“With the numbers they’ve given us, foot traffic’s gone up anywhere from seven to 17 percent,” Draime said.
“This [project] will enhance that even further,” he said.
Wellness contract
The commissioners also approved a wellness contract with Richland Public Health. The contract allows Richland Public Health to provide wellness services for Richland County employees.
“There are very little changes from last year,” Director of Health Promotion and Education at Richland Public Health Selby Dorgan said about the contract. “We did take into account the fact that spouses would not be on the insurance this year so you’ll see that the overall cost is now at $60,105.68 to continue to offer the same services that we have offered in the past.”
Dorgan estimated that last year’s cost for services was around $80,000.
John commented, “Twenty thousand dollars may not seem like a lot [in terms of savings], but it really is in the big scheme of things.”
