Business briefs: AEP Ohio assistance grants, May TechCred results
University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center awarded for efforts to improve rural stroke care
ASHLAND — People who live in rural communities live an average of three years fewer than urban counterparts and have a 40% higher likelihood of developing heart disease and face a 30% increased risk for stroke mortality — a gap that has grown over the past two decades. University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center is committed to changing that.
For efforts to optimize stroke care and eliminate rural health care outcome disparities, UH Samaritan has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines - Stroke Rural Recognition award.
The award recognizes hospitals for their efforts toward acute stroke care excellence demonstrated by composite score compliance to guideline-directed care for intravenous thrombolytic therapy, timely hospital inter-facility transfer, dysphagia screening, symptom timeline and deficit assessment documentation, emergency medical services communication, brain imaging and stroke expert consultation.
University Hospitals Samaritan Medical Center also received the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll Elite award. To qualify for this recognition, hospitals must meet specific criteria that reduce the time between an eligible patient’s arrival at the hospital and treatment with the clot-buster alteplase.
In addition, UH Samaritan received the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Honor Roll award. Target: Type 2 Diabetes aims to ensure patients with Type 2 diabetes, who might be at higher risk for complications, receive the most up-to-date, evidence-based care when hospitalized due to stroke.
AEP accepting applications for summer cooling assistance
GAHANNA — The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is now accepting applications for utility assistance grants for the 2023 summer cooling season.
Through a partnership between AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund, the Neighbor to Neighbor Program supports families in need with a grant applied directly to their AEP Ohio account to prevent disconnection of, or to restore their electric service. Cooling assistance is available once per program year on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible account holders may apply through Sept. 26 while funds are available.
Since AEP Ohio and Dollar Energy Fund launched the Neighbor to Neighbor Program in May 2009, more than $19.2 million in assistance has been granted to more than 77,000 Ohio households.
To apply, customers may contact one of the AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program's network of more than 120 Ohio community-based organizations, or apply online using the link available at Neighbor to Neighbor (aepohio.com).
To qualify, an applicant’s total gross household income must be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines. For example, a family of four earning up to $90,000 per year is income-eligible for the program. Households must have an outstanding balance on their bill of at least $50 and be behind on bill payment 30 days or more. Full eligibility guidelines and application instructions can be found at AEPOhio.com/helpaneighbor.
The AEP Ohio Neighbor to Neighbor Program is funded by public contributions that are matched dollar-for-dollar by AEP Ohio. Utility customers may make a contribution through their monthly AEP Ohio bill.
Husted announces TechCred results for May
COLUMBUS — Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who serves as director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, has announced the results of the May round of TechCred, in which 367 employers were approved for funding, providing the opportunity for Ohioans to earn 4,297 tech-focused credentials. This most recent round marks the 20th application period of the program.
The program helps businesses address their workforce needs by upskilling current and prospective employees. Businesses of all sizes, from any industry, are eligible for up to $30,000 per round and up to $180,000 per year. Some of the top industries awarded during this round include manufacturing, transportation and warehousing, and educational services. The recently signed state operating budget invests $50 million over the biennium into the program, which will help thousands of Ohioans upskill and reskill.
The current application period for Ohio employers opened July 3 and will close on July 31 at 3 p.m. Apply now at TechCred.Ohio.Gov.
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: AEP Ohio offering assistance grants, May TechCred results
