The Freedom Center completes technology overhaul supported by Knox County Foundation and The Energy Cooperative Operation Round-up Grant.
With thanks to the grants from the Knox County Foundation and The Energy Cooperative, The Freedom Center completed a major technology overhaul aimed at improving security, maintaining HIPAA compliance and supporting business and clinical operations. Aging hardware and obsolete software necessitated the upgrade, and HIPAA requirements demand that organizations like The Freedom Center abide by strict security protocols such as having current EOL software and strong cyber security defenses.
The technology overhaul consisted of replacing and upgrading the existing computers, server, backup system, email/exchange, firewall, networking equipment, and phone system. The Freedom Center contracted with Mega-Byte Computer Services to successfully complete this project. Originally scheduled to finish in April, the IT upgrades were delayed until July 2020 due to the COVID-19 crisis.
In addition to replacing the aged server and physical hardware, important software upgrades to the Server operating system ensure that it has the most current (supported) version. The Freedom Center’s IT operations are under warranty and in compliance with HIPAA.
Replacement of aging devices with Windows-based laptops and desktops that are fully compatible with the Freedom Center’s EMR software has improved workflow and ensures client privacy and confidentiality. The switch to the new phone system greatly expanded the capacity for telehealth services.
Afet Kilinc, Executive Director of the Freedom Center, stated “the technology overhaul was long overdue and the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for robust IT infrastructure that supports telecommuting and telehealth to minimize any unplanned disruption in service. The Freedom Center is committed to prioritizing future technology upgrades to improve security, compliance and productivity.”
For additional information about this press release, please contact Afet Kilinc, Executive Director of the Freedom Center at 740-397-2660.
Corrigan new Commercial Lender at The Peoples Bank (Gambier)
GAMBIER —The Peoples Bank (Gambier) is pleased to announce Tom Corrigan has joined the bank as a Commercial Lender.
Corrigan first got his start in banking in 1996 and worked his way up to Vice President with one of the Midwest’s largest banks. Along with a diverse retail banking experience, his background includes creating training programs for business development, community service, and operating his own business.
In his new position, Corrigan will be responsible for commercial lending and business development. This includes helping businesses attain both their lending and depository needs with the goal of building long lasting customer relationships with healthy financial futures.
When asked what he looks forward to most in his new position with The Peoples Bank, Corrigan said, “As a member of the Knox County community for over 35 years, I look forward to expanding current and new relationships with a focus on the community.”
He is married to Tina Corrigan and has two grown children (Jason and Joe) and two grandchildren (Kaia and Miles).
Area Agency on Aging presents awards at annual meeting
ONTARIO – In accordance with the Ohio Governor’s guidance to social distance and limit large gatherings, the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging Inc. will hold the 2020 Annual Meeting virtually on their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/aaa5ohio/ on Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 at 11 a.m..
Mechanics Bank, as the Exclusive Platinum Sponsor for the 2020 Annual Meeting, is proud to partner with the Area Agency on Aging. A portion of the proceeds from sponsorships will be designated by the Board of Trustees for the Scholarship Program. The 2021 Scholarship Program invests in deserving individuals for higher education benefiting the field of aging.
Chief Executive Officer Duana Patton and President of the Board of Trustees Jeff Polzin will preside over the program and meeting which will highlight accomplishments of the Area Agency on Aging for 2020.
The Area Agency on Aging will also present annual awards which include:
- The Project Collaboration award will be presented to the Ohio Highway Patrol and Ontario Stingel Elementary.
- The Community Partnership award will be presented to the senior volunteers who sewed masks for community older adults.
- The Advocate of the Year award will be presented to Dr. Robert Santiago of Galion.
- The Award of Excellence will be presented to the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance.
Orthopedic Surgeon and Shoulder Specialist, Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO to Join OrthoNeuro in November 2020
COLUMBUS — OrthoNeuro announced today that Dr. Ben W. Szerlip, DO, Orthopedic Surgeon and Shoulder Specialist will join their multi-specialty physician practice in November of 2020.
Dr. Szerlip is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in all aspects of the shoulder, including total and reverse shoulder replacement, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, fracture care, sports medicine injuries, as well as non-operative treatments.
"OrthoNeuro is extremely pleased to announce the addition of Ben Szerlip, DO to our shoulder division," said Dr. Larry T Todd Jr., OrthoNeuro President. "His extensive background and experience in shoulder replacement, surgery, and non-operative care will be a great asset, and we are very fortunate to have Dr. Szerlip return to the Central Ohio area to help serve our patients."
Dr. Szerlip graduated from Mount Vernon High school and earned his bachelor's degree from the College of Wooster. After college he received additional training in clinical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He attended medical school at the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Athens, Ohio, and completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland. Afterward, Dr. Szerlip pursued a nationally renowned fellowship in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery with the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston.
"My family and I are thrilled to come back home to central Ohio,” said Dr. Szerlip. “I consider it a privilege to serve our patients in hopes to make a difference in the community I grew up in. I also look forward to working beside the exceptional team at OrthoNeuro."
Dr. Szerlip has authored multiple research publications and given national presentations on shoulder replacement design and technique. He also currently serves as an instructor to educate surgeons on advanced principles of shoulder replacement. While in Texas, he co-founded the Austin Shoulder Institute where he practiced for the past 5 years.
"I believe it’s essential to educate my patients, so they feel empowered by their treatment plan based on the best medical evidence and personalized goals to achieve their optimal outcome." said Dr. Szerlip.
He will be treating patients at the OrthoNeuro Dublin, Grandview, Grove City, and Pickerington offices starting on Nov. 16.
