New BVHS CEO shares first impressions

On his third day as CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System, Myron Lewis said he was most struck by the friendly attitude of everyone he has met. Lewis took the reins on Monday, following the retirement of previous CEO Scott Malaney. Lewis said Wednesday that he is still getting acquainted with the health system, but has been impressed with "just the genuine kindness" of people, the way that, as they walk the halls of the hospital, people smile and say hello to one another. "What I've just witnessed is how kind people are, and gracious," he said. Lewis said the friendly attitude is "contagious," and people are eager to pitch in and help. "That leads to great care," he said. He said his immediate goals are "getting to know the team — and listening." He has many meetings scheduled in the near future with board members, physicians and others at the health system, as well as with community leaders. "It's building those relationships," he said. He said Hancock County as a whole is "an exceptional community," with vibrant organizations, schools and businesses. He said it's apparent that businesses have made investments in the community, and "I think that's what makes a community stronger." Lewis is, of course, taking the helm at a time when health care is working to address the COVID-19 pandemic. He called the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine one of the biggest challenges in health care right now. After all, getting two doses to potentially 300 million people involves a lot of logistics. Lewis said he hopes to get as many people vaccinated locally as quickly as possible, and the health system will be partnering with Hancock Public Health to make this happen. And Lewis acknowledged that the pandemic has taken a toll on those who work in health care — some of whom might not only be facing the emotional strain of caring for COVID-19 patients, but also perhaps other things in their lives, like a family member being unemployed. He said Blanchard Valley is communicating to its employees about help and support that's available, including the employee assistance program. At the same time, while it has been an exhausting time, "I do feel that the vaccine gives hope," Lewis said, adding that now his team "can see an end in sight. … And I think hope is key." "The pandemic has taught us a lot," including the possibilities involved in providing care virtually, he said. Blanchard Valley Health System involves not just Blanchard Valley Hospital but a host of other sites, including Bluffton Hospital, two nursing homes, and many physicians' offices, among others. Lewis said he will be visiting some of the other sites on Friday. He said he is "very excited to continue the journey. ... We're going to continue to learn and get better and better." Arthurs: 419-427-8494 saraarthurs@thecourier.com