Orleans Community Health

03/24/2026

Spotlight: Mrs. Barbara Waters was honored with the Bowen Award in recognition of her visionary leadership and enduring advocacy for seniors and community healthcare. As the founder of The Willows Adult Home and Orchard Manor, she expanded essential senior living services in Medina, ensuring older adults could remain in their community with dignity and support. Through her longtime service on the Medina Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, she helped shape the strength and direction of local healthcare, leaving a lasting impact on access and quality.

The award was presented by retired nurse and OCH Foundation President Jeanne Crane to Kassie Smith on behalf of her mother.

“Tonight we have the profound privilege of honoring a woman whose leadership helped shape not only this hospital, but the very fabric of healthcare in our community,” Crane said. “The Bowen Award recognizes those who see beyond the moment – who build for the future… Barbara Waters was one of those rare visionaries.”

Crane highlighted Waters’ trailblazing leadership, including becoming the first woman to serve as president of the hospital board in 1971.

“But what defines her legacy is not simply that she held the title,” Crane said. “It is what she did with it. She led during periods of financial instability and physician shortages… and helped recruit physicians who made Medina their home.”

In a letter read by her daughter, Waters reflected on her unexpected journey into healthcare leadership and her deep connection to the hospital.

“You know I always enjoyed a good party, and at 95 years of age, I still do,” Waters wrote. “Preparing these remarks gave me the opportunity to… remember the good, the frustrating and the rewarding times in my healthcare career.”

She also recalled her early involvement through the Tupelo Twig and her years of leadership during pivotal moments, including physician recruitment and expansion efforts.

“Our board was active and committed,” she wrote. “Looking back, I’m glad I was involved… and for all that we accomplished in the community. Thank you so much for this honor.”

The Bowen Award recognizes Barbara Waters’ lasting legacy of leadership, innovation, and commitment to ensuring quality healthcare remains strong and accessible in Medina.

03/23/2026

Spotlight: Dr. Arthur Mruczek, Recipient of the Bowen Award

Dr. Arthur Mruczek’s name has become synonymous with compassionate care, clinical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the Medina community. Recently honored with the Bowen Award, Dr. Mruczek is being recognized for decades of service as a respected ophthalmologist and former Medical Director of Medina Memorial Hospital.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mruczek has combined exceptional surgical skill with a deeply personal approach to care. Generations of families across the region quite literally see the world more clearly because of his work. But as many who worked alongside him will tell you, his legacy extends far beyond the operating room.

Kim Gray, head of surgery at Medina Memorial Hospital, reflected on the presence Dr. Mruczek brought to the hospital each day.
“Anyone who worked with Dr. Mruczek knew that his impact wasn’t just clinical,” Gray said. “He had a laugh that carried down the hallway, a sense of humor that could lighten the busiest day in surgery and a warmth that made staff and patients feel comfortable the moment he walked into the room.” She continued, “I think the thing that matters most isn’t written on a plaque or certificate,” she said. “It’s the thousands of people in this community who see better today because of him… and the lasting mark he left on this small rural hospital and this town that he chose to call ‘home.’”

In accepting the honor, Dr. Mruczek shared his deep gratitude. “It means the world to me,” he said. “George Bowen was also known as ‘Doc,’ and I am humbled to follow in his footsteps.”

He reflected on his journey - from early encouragement to stay in larger medical centers, to ultimately building a life and practice in Medina. “After my training, I could have gone anywhere,” Dr. Mruczek said. “But Medina became a wonderful place to live and raise a family. What truly shaped my experience here was the warmth of the people. This town welcomed us, celebrated our joys and supported us through challenges.”

He also recognized those who supported him along the way, including his wife of 56 years, Donna, his family, his dedicated staff at Lake Plains Eye Care Center, and mentors who helped guide his path.

Dr. Mruczek helped so many in the community, feel free to share any stories you have about his impact.

03/19/2026

"Uplift. Defend. Transform" is the theme of this year's Social Work Month, which is celebrated during the month of March. We'd like to recognize our social worker team at Orleans Community Health:

Randi Ingersoll (Director of Care Management)
Marisa Levine (RHCF/ER)
Emily Tylock (Renal)
Ellen Tynan (Renal)

These individuals go above and beyond to enhance the well-being of our community members. Thank you for all you do!

(Randi Ingersoll is pictured here)

03/16/2026

Medal Monday hits differently when it's race week! Get one of these sweet medals on Saturday in Albion. Choose from the kids race, classic 3.17 miles, or our new 10K distance.

Where else can you run through a colon at the finish?

Runforwayne.com

03/14/2026

We're looking forward to seeing so many of you at tonight's OCH Foundation Gala. The evening will include the presentation of the 2026 Bowen Awards, honoring Dr. Arthur Mruczak and Mrs. Barbara Waters for their extraordinary contributions to healthcare in our community. Their decades of leadership, compassion, and dedication have helped ensure that quality care remains close to home for generations of families.

See you there! Thank you all for your support.

03/12/2026

Today we recognize World Kidney Day, marking the 20th anniversary of this global effort to raise awareness about kidney health.

Kidneys play a vital role in keeping our bodies healthy, yet kidney disease often develops quietly without early symptoms. World Kidney Day is a reminder to take simple steps to protect your health - stay active, eat well, manage blood pressure, and talk with your healthcare provider about kidney screening if you’re at risk.

Together, we can raise awareness, encourage prevention, and support those living with kidney disease.

03/11/2026

Happy Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! Special shoutout to Hannah and Anna from out of Dialysis Center and Medina Memorial Hospital.

Thank you for all you do for our patients, residents, and community members.

03/04/2026

02/20/2026

Several opportunities to join the Orleans Community Health team. Take a look!

https://orleanscommunityhealth.org/job/it-clinical-systems-analyst/

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Abby Wells, Ronnie DePaul, Savanna Wells, and Sierra MacLeod on being part of the Practical Nursing Graduating Class of 2025-2026.