OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital Break Ground on $38.4M Outpatient Care Center in Ontario
ONTARIO, Ohio — In a significant move to enhance healthcare accessibility for residents of North Central Ohio, OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital officially broke ground on Wednesday for a state-of-the-art outpatient care center in Ontario. The 42,000-square-foot facility, set to open on West 4th Street within the OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center campus, represents a $38.4 million investment aimed at bringing comprehensive medical services closer to home.
The new center is designed to address the growing healthcare needs of the region, offering a range of adult and pediatric services under one roof. OhioHealth will provide primary care for adults, obstetrics and gynecology, and advanced imaging services, including a dedicated mammography unit. Nationwide Children’s Hospital will deliver a suite of pediatric services, ensuring families have access to top-tier care for their children without the need to travel long distances.
Dr. Curt Gingrich, president of OhioHealth Mansfield and Shelby Hospitals, emphasized the significance of the project during the groundbreaking ceremony. “This isn’t just about constructing a new building—it’s about making a commitment to this community,” he said. “We’re investing in Ontario’s future by bringing more services, greater access, and stronger support for families right here at home. Together with Nationwide Children’s, we’re building a hub where patients can receive seamless, high-quality care throughout their lives.”
The collaboration between OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital highlights a shared vision of improving healthcare delivery in underserved areas. Libbey Hoang, vice president of planning and business development at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Our partnership is about meeting families where they are and surrounding them with the care they need. By expanding our presence in Ontario alongside OhioHealth, we can offer coordinated, specialized pediatric care in one convenient location. This means children and families can access nationally recognized expertise without leaving their community.”
The project has been met with enthusiasm from local residents, who have long sought more accessible healthcare options. The center’s strategic location on the OhioHealth Ontario Health and Fitness Center campus is expected to further integrate health and wellness services, fostering a holistic approach to community care.
Construction of the facility is set to begin immediately, with completion anticipated in the coming years. Once operational, the center is expected to serve as a cornerstone of healthcare in North Central Ohio, reducing the need for residents to travel to larger cities for specialized care.
This initiative underscores the ongoing efforts by OhioHealth and Nationwide Children’s Hospital to bridge gaps in healthcare access and provide cutting-edge medical services to communities in need. As Dr. Gingrich aptly noted, “This groundbreaking is more than a milestone—it’s a promise to make healthcare more accessible, more compassionate, and more connected to the lives of the people we serve.”
— Reported by Nexio News
