Mercy Health

09/11/2026

As we mark the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, we offer this prayer of remembrance, comfort and hope.

God of Peace and Mercy,
Today we remember those who lost their lives at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. We lift up their families and loved ones, asking for your comfort and peace.
We thank you for the courage of the first responders and all who selflessly helped others in a time of great need. May their example inspire us to live with bravery, compassion and kindness.

Replace hatred with love, fear with faith and division with unity. Help us be instruments of your peace and shine your light in a world that needs hope.
Amen.

09/09/2026

Brian’s story is a powerful reminder of how life-saving technology, made possible by generous Mercy Health Foundation donors, can make all the difference when every second counts. Thanks to an upgraded MRI at Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth’s, Brian got the care he needed — right when he needed it most.

Brian May remembers having a headache that wouldn’t go away. He assumed it was something minor, but it persisted for several days. He finally went to the emergency department at Mercy Health — St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital. What doctors discovered showed just how much donor gifts to upgrade MRI imaging was worth.

“It’s a good thing I went in,” says Brian. “Another 12 or 16 hours and I probably would have died.”

Brian had a brain aneurysm that was beginning to rupture. Doctors rushed him into emergency surgery. Neurosurgeons performed a delicate procedure that prevented a catastrophic bleed. Brian spent several days in the stroke ICU. His follow-up imaging showed that everything went exactly as planned.

“The second MRI showed that what they did worked about as well as it possibly could,” Brian says.

For Brian, who lives in a small rural community outside of Youngstown, having access to advanced technology likely saved his life. Without the upgraded MRI at St. Elizabeth’s, which donors made possible, he would have faced a much longer trip to Pittsburgh or Cleveland.

Learn how you can support advanced health care technology in your community by visiting https://bit.ly/44c8pWF

09/07/2026

Wishing you and your family a very happy Labor Day!

09/04/2026

Join Anthony Berdis, DO, as he answers your top questions about ACL tears, healing and recovery!

09/02/2026

A sports physical does more than check a box for participation. It can help identify hidden health concerns, prevent injuries and keep young athletes safe on and off the field. Learn why this simple appointment is one of the most important plays you can make for your child's health: https://bit.ly/4gxz9HR

08/31/2026

Small changes can lead to life-changing results.

That's what motivates Makenna, a physical therapist in Maumee, Ohio, where she helps patients regain confidence, mobility, and quality of life through specialized pelvic floor therapy.

“My passion is seeing small changes in patients' lives week after week until all the small things come together to make a big change in a patient's life,” says Makenna.

For Eric of Maumee, those small changes made a remarkable difference.

After undergoing several surgeries to treat a painful infection, Eric faced a difficult recovery and significant limitations in his daily life.

“I was struggling to leave the house, and I had changed my life to dictate how far we could travel,” Eric explains.

Following a recommendation, he landed with Mercy Health and Makenna, whose specialty is pelvic floor rehabilitation. The pelvic floor is a wide and growing field. It is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps strengthen, relax and improve coordination of the muscles that support the bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs. It can also help reduce pain and improve function after surgery, injury, or certain medical conditions.

“I wanted nothing to do with going to therapy,” Eric admits. “My first impression was that she was young and could do nothing to help me.”

But Eric decided to listen to what Makenna had to offer, and to his surprise, she not only knew what she was talking about, but the results were astounding.

“I followed what she told me to do,“ he says. “She set me up with a regimen, she adjusted, she made recommendations, and in four weeks' time, she absolutely changed my life. I told her in person that she made a difference in my life. I don't need any more visits, and I have all the tools now — it just clicked.”

Today, Eric is traveling again and enjoying activities that once seemed out of reach. He credits Makenna's skill, dedication and compassionate care for helping him achieve a positive outcome.

Makenna is one of many talented therapists at Mercy Health dedicated to helping patients live healthier, fuller lives.

08/28/2026

Curious about why some people lose their sense of taste and smell? Dr. Kiefer Hock, MD, breaks down the causes and shares tips on treatment.

08/26/2026

The generosity of Rabbi Zachary Goodman and the generous Mercy Health Foundation donors helps provide hope, comfort, and healing across our community through the Greatest Needs Funds and many other vital programs. Lives are touched in meaningful ways when patients and families need it most.

Thank you for helping Mercy Health care for the whole person and for making a lasting difference in the lives of so many.

For Rabbi Zachary Goodman, giving to the Mercy Health Foundation is a natural expression of his Jewish faith. He sees compassion and a shared lived experience in acts of philanthropy.

“Caring for one another — especially in moments of vulnerability — is sacred work,” he says.

In his role, he often guides individuals and families through illness, recovery and loss. He has seen first-hand how health care affects not only physical healing, but dignity, hope and family stability.

“Mercy Health represents a model of care that understands healing as something holistic,” he says. “Healing tends not only to the body, but also to the emotional and spiritual well-being of each person.”

He supports the Greatest Needs Fund because it allows Mercy Health to respond quickly to those in need. It is vital to help patients without resources.

“Compassion should be nimble, not restricted,” he says. “That flexibility is what makes generosity truly impactful.”

Learn how you can support compassion in your community by visiting https://bit.ly/3wdFCEF

08/24/2026

Start your day strong with these three energizing stretches perfect for your morning routine!

08/20/2026

Is your first-aid kit ready for the unexpected? From everyday cuts and scrapes to bug bites, burns and outdoor adventures, having the right essentials on hand can make all the difference when injuries happen. Find out what experts recommend keeping in your kit and make sure your family is prepared: https://bit.ly/4hvUEuW.