Briefs: Avita bariatric accreditation, free Shred-It event, COVID info, upcoming meetings

USA TODAY NETWORK
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Avita earns accreditation for bariatric weight-loss program

GALION — Dr. Thomas Smith, metabolic and bariatric surgery director at Avita Health System, has announced that the Avita Center for Bariatric Surgery at Galion Hospital has been accredited by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP), a joint Quality Program of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

MBSAQIP-accredited centers offer preoperative and postoperative care designed specifically for patients with obesity.

Thomas Smith, DO, with the certification of accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).
Thomas Smith, DO, with the certification of accreditation from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP).

Dr. Smith has performed more than 1,000 weight loss surgeries during his career and is fellowship-trained on robotic-assisted surgical techniques that may reduce pain and scarring, and often result in shorter recovery times. As of Sept. 1, he is joined by bariatric surgeon Dr. Justin Eagleston.

To earn MBSAQIP Accreditation, the Avita Center for Bariatric Surgery met essential criteria for staffing, training, facility infrastructure and patient care pathways, ensuring its ability to support patients with obesity. The center also participates in a national data registry that yields semiannual reports on the quality of its surgical outcomes and identifying opportunities for quality improvement.

After applying for MBSAQIP Accreditation, the Avita Center for Bariatric Surgery had to undergo an extensive site visit by an experienced bariatric surgeon who reviews the center's structure, processes and clinical outcomes data.

Individuals interested in weight loss surgery can make an appointment at the Avita Center for Bariatric Surgery in Galion or Ontario by calling Dr. Smith at 419-462-3839 or Dr. Eagleston at 567-307-7854.

Free drive-thru 'Shred-It' event set at Hawkins Corner

ONTARIO — The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc. is hosting a drive-thru "Shred-It" event for a kickoff to Medicare Open Enrollment in the parking lot of Hawkins Corner from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. This event is free and open to the public.

This event highlights the need to securely shred important documents or mail that may contain personal information to help older adults avoid becoming victims of fraud, scams, and identity theft.

COVID-19 information moving to ODH, DataOhio websites

COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Bruce Vanderhoff has announced that all COVID-19 information from coronavirus.ohio.gov is moving to the ODH website. All COVID-19 statistics and weekly reports are moving to the DataOhio COVID-19 reporting page. Visitors to coronavirus.ohio.org will be automatically redirected to the ODH website.

The new site contains links to the COVID-19 statistics and dashboards that will continue to be updated weekly, as well as the latest guidance on prevention, testing, treatment, and vaccines. That information will continue to be updated, as well.

Upcoming meetings:

● Bucyrus City Schools Board of Education, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Board of Education Office, 170 Plymouth St., Bucyrus,

● From Citizen to Patriot, 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Galion Grace Point Life Activity Center, 683 Portland Way North (Ohio 598), Galion. The focus of the forum will be the celebration of life, liberty and U.S. Constitution Week (Sept. 17-23).

Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum

This article originally appeared on Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum: Avita bariatric surgery accreditation, Shred-It event, ODH COVID info