PHOTOS PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
GUEST SPEAKER … Wade Patrick, Parkview Ohio vice president of operations, served as guest speaker for the Parkview Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary’s general meeting Oct. 12. Shown from left to right are auxiliary members Jill Beck and Sharon Simon, Patrick, and Sara Dye, Parkview Bryan Hospital community health improvement lead and volunteer coordinator.
SHARING THE SUPPORT … The Parkview Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary presented a $1,000 donation to Parkview Health Foundation, earmarked for the local Share Foundation, at the auxiliary’s general meeting Oct. 12. Shown receiving the donation is Sara Dye, center, Parkview Bryan Hospital community health improvement lead, with auxiliary historian Armeda Sawmiller, left, and auxiliary Vice President Linda Thornton.
The Parkview Montpelier Hospital Auxiliary gathered for the first general meeting of the 2026-27 year on Monday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m. in the hospital’s conference room with guest speaker Wade Patrick, Parkview Ohio Vice President of Operations.
Auxiliary President Lynn Watson welcomed everyone, and Sara Dye, Parkview Bryan Hospital community health improvement lead, volunteer coordinator and auxiliary liaison, introduced the speaker.
Workplace Violence In Health Care
Patrick has 34 years of experience in the health care/hospital field, including 12 years of service in hospital operations. His wife is a nurse practitioner and has approximately 30 years of experience in emergency and acute care nursing.
His topic was “Healthcare Workplace Violence,” and he shared concerns that were highlighted in an article titled “A Letter to My Abuser,” which was written by a 28-year-old nurse who died by suicide in 2023.
Some may remember a particular incident in Bryan Hospital’s emergency department involving a patient who reacted violently with health care workers suffering abuse.
In 2025, House Bill 452 became law in Ohio, which helps the state lead the nation in taking proactive steps to formally address verbal and physical abuse committed by patients and families against health care workers.
Parkview Health has two hospitals in Ohio (Bryan and Montpelier) that are actively using this legislation as part of their ongoing workplace violence prevention efforts. A workplace violence committee was created with at least 50 percent of the members being front-line caregivers.
Data showed 27 percent of nurses have reported being assaulted by patients, which is likely low since many events are not reported, and 75 percent of workplace violence incidents occur in hospitals.
Workplace violence incidents are reported electronically to track abuse occurrences, and the hospital works with local law enforcement in investigations.
These incidents may not only involve nursing staff, but also environmental services, transportation services, admissions personnel and others.
Abuse incidents are reported to the Ohio Department of Health. The first part of 2026 reflected 21 reported incidents with at least three requiring law enforcement involvement.
The workplace violence committee has created a brochure for Ohio on caring for people after an incident and resources available, driven largely by a coworker and committee member who was personally assaulted while working in the hospital.
Safety bulletins are posted throughout Parkview facilities on “What We Can Do,” and health care personnel are trained on safety and reporting incidents.
Safety officer coverage is provided 24/7 in Parkview facilities, usually consisting of one officer at Montpelier Hospital and two at Bryan Hospital during peak shifts.
Patient Services Updates
Patrick also shared that future plans include providing bedside iPads for patients to review their medical records using the Epic MyChart application. With regard to public lab services for non-Parkview lab orders, the Parkview Bryan PPG clinic is the Parkview Ohio lab location available for these services.
This LabCorp site is referred to as a “Patient Service Center,” meaning it can take all lab orders and not just Parkview orders. All Parkview outpatient lab services have been outsourced to LabCorp.
Donation And Business Meeting
Patrick was thanked for his presentation and presented with an appreciation gift on behalf of the auxiliary. The auxiliary also presented a $1,000 donation to the local Share Foundation, received by Sara Dye on behalf of Parkview Health Foundation.
The Share Foundation assists local hospital patients in need of assistance with hospital and medical bills, via submitted applications.
Following the program, Auxiliary President Lynn Watson conducted the business portion of the meeting and led all in the auxiliary prayer.
Thought for the day was “The best thing to hold on to in life is each other,” by Audrey Hepburn. Member donations were received for the “pig” and “mile of pennies.”
Roll call was answered to “Where is your favorite place to see the fall colors?” Reports were given by Secretary Connie Dunseth and Treasurer Joyce Schelling.
The auxiliary’s entry in the Montpelier Bean Days Parade in July won first place in its category, earning a $100 prize. Two new auxiliary pink smocks were purchased for inventory.
Patient favors for the hospital are in charge of Joyce Schelling for October and Sue King for November. Auxiliary members volunteering to provide patient favors will do so at their own expense.
No food or candy is allowed for patient favors, due to dietary restrictions. Puzzle books, pen and pad sets, playing cards, stuffed animals, flowers (real or silk) and small games are suggested ideas for favors.
Historian Ruth Cooley has served in this capacity for several years and has resigned her position due to personal health issues.
Auxiliary member Armeda Sawmiller has volunteered to fill the vacancy and was appointed by President Watson. The auxiliary thanks Ruth for her service and sends healing prayers to her.
The auxiliary Sunshine Committee includes Vice President Linda Thornton, chair, and members Sharon Simon, Shelley Repp and Sue King. Please contact them for sending cards to auxiliary members.
Membership Drive And Upcoming Events
President Lynn Watson thanked all who assisted with the auxiliary’s membership drive at Miller’s Market on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Four new members were signed up. The auxiliary’s membership drive continued through October with a display at the Montpelier Library Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17, held in conjunction with the local Chamber of Commerce “Harvest of Sweets Walk” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Joyce Schelling and Sue King were available to pass out flyers and sign up new members and help those renewing their dues. New program books are available.
Future plans by the auxiliary include memorial angels and luminaries order forms mailing and flyers in November, prior to the “Lighting the Way to Christmas” memorial program Sunday, Dec. 6; Christmas treats baskets for hospital staff; a Christmas luncheon Monday, Dec. 14; and the auxiliary silent auction March 22.
Any member wishing to serve as chairman for the Christmas baskets or silent auction is asked to contact President Lynn Watson at 317-370-0310.
The next auxiliary general meeting is Monday, Nov. 9, at 1 p.m. in the Montpelier Hospital conference room.
The speaker will be Aaron Dunlap, pharmacist and licensed Medicare agent, on Medicare updates. Roll call will be “What is your Thanksgiving tradition?” Guests are always welcome.
Story updated October 28, 2026 at 10:25 p.m.