YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Meridian HealthCare has been committed to providing healthcare to the Youngstown community for more than 50 years.
On Wednesday, Meridian cut a ribbon for a new primary healthcare clinic at the Judge Joseph Donofrio Center, 550 Chalmers Ave.
“We’re really proud to open our primary healthcare facility here in Youngstown,” said Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HeathCare. “We’re always just trying to meet the needs of the local community. This part of town as we all know has been an area where they’ve lacked access to good primary healthcare, and we’re happy to do that.”
The new facility will continue to expand Meridian’s efforts to care for the traditional needs of its patients, and their other needs as well.
“This has been long needed in this area, and we’re proud not only to be able to provide primary healthcare with walk-ins, but also to provide supportive services like chiropractic and mental health services,” Moliterno said. “We are happy that we’re able to serve the entire person, recognizing that mental health and physical health work together for everyone.”
Tarah Lattanzio, site director at the Judge Joseph Donofrio Center, said the center focuses on treating the whole person. Someone who comes in for primary care because of a stomach ache may also receive needed drug or alcohol treatment, while a patient seeking mental health services because they feel overwhelmed can be connected with case management, housing assistance and other support.
“While they’re here, they’re connected to care teams that help their entire being,” said Lattanzio, stating that placing all those different providers under one roof is an advantage for the community.
“This is an underserved area, and we are super excited today and moving forward to be able to educate the community about instant access to resources, because people don’t know what they don’t know,” Lattanzio said. “They don’t know what’s out there. They don’t know what’s available to them. And walking in here, they truly have everything at their fingertips to be able to get the help that they need.”
Meridian HealthCare also offers pharmacy services. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the pharmacy allows patients to fill their prescriptions immediately after an appointment, obtain any required preauthorization and receive medications at discounted prices, according to Sarrah Hein, Meridian HealthCare’s director of pharmacy.
Hein said the primary care facility takes a holistic approach by allowing patients to receive comprehensive care where they live, including filling their prescriptions on-site instead of needing additional transportation to pick up medications elsewhere after treatment.
To celebrate the opening of the Meridian HealthCare Primary Care clinic, Meridian hosted a health and wellness fair in the parking lot Wednesday. Residents of Oak Hill and surrounding neighborhoods could receive free cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, as well as learn about financial assistance, healthy food options and housing resources available to them. Mobile units offering mammograms and dental screenings were also on-site.
Children participated in activities while their parents toured the Hidden in Plain Sight room, a teenager’s mock bedroom designed to help adults identify warning signs that may indicate substance abuse.
“This [room] is just one of those educational things that give parents an opportunity to learn a little bit more and to see what they need to look out for with their kids,” said Jasmine Phillips, lead prevention specialist at Meridian.
The room is portable and can be set up for events to help make caregivers, teachers, parents and educators aware of the signs.
Phillips said Meridian offers prevention programs focused on substance use, suicide prevention and gambling addiction. Those interested in the services can contact her through the Meridian HealthCare call center.
Pictured at top: From left are Darla Gallagher, vice president of Meridian HealthCare; Dr. Lewis Spirtos, chief medical officer; Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HealthCare; Mark Gallagher, COO; Tarah Lattanzio, site director of the Judge Joseph Donofrio Center; and Duane Piccirilli, executive director of the Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board.