AKRON CHILDREN’S ADDS NEW IMAGING SYSTEM: Akron Children’s Hospital is the first hospital in Northeast Ohio to provide X-rays for patients using the EOS imaging system, the first technology capable of providing full-body, 2-D and 3-D images of patients in a standing position with a low dose of radiation.

The addition means that young patients seeing orthopedic specialists who need regular X-rays, such as those with scoliosis, will be exposed to much less radiation as they are assessed.

According to the company, the EOS system offers 50 percent to 85 percent less radiation than traditional X-ray systems and 95 percent less dose than basic computed tomography (CT) scans, in accordance with the As Low As Reasonably Achievable principle for minimizing a patient’s exposure to radiation.

MERCY HEALTH AND FIRESTONE HEALTHCARE JOIN FORCES: Mercy Health-Youngstown and Firestone Healthcare, an independent practice in Columbiana County and southwestern Mahoning County, have announced they are joining forces to care for patients in the southern part of the Mahoning Valley.

The move will further optimize coordination of care, enhance communication and enrich the patient experience across Mercy Health and Firestone Healthcare locations.

Firestone Healthcare previously cared for patients through offices in Damascus and East Palestine. The Damascus practice has been relocated to a new, larger office 3 miles to the west at 605 E. Ohio Ave. in Sebring.

EVENT CENTER ACCEPTING BOOKINGS: The Eastwood Event Centre at the Eastwood Mall is taking bookings for functions starting Oct. 1.

To book or get more information, call 330-989-7225 or email

info@eastwoodeventcentre.com.

The facility, operated by Columbus Hospitality Management, has 30,000 square feet and can host up to 1,000 guests. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art audio, video and data transmission and kitchen.

CHAMBER DRIVING TO CAPITAL: The Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber’s third annual Columbus Drive-In will take place Wednesday. Breakfast and bus departure are at 7 a.m. The bus departs Columbus at 4 p.m.

Among whom the group will meet are House Speaker Larry Householder, Senate President Larry Obhof, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, Attorney General Dave Yost and Secretary of State Frank LaRose.

The cost is $250 for chamber members and $500 for nonmembers. The price includes transportation and reception. Attendees can make their own travel arrangements, but the price iss the same.

DOMINION RATE OFFERS: Dominion Energy Ohio’s standard choice and standard service offers rates will be $2.09 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) for February. The rates are 92 cents, or 30.6 percent, less than February 2019, and 28 cents, or 11.8 percent, less than in

January.

The average residential customer’s bill in February would be $80.45, down $11.20, or 12.2 percent, according to the company’s filing with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

People on the Move

LAW FIRMS ADDS TO STAFF: Attorney Vito Abruzzino recently joined Brouse McDowell’s Youngstown office in the estate and succession planning and probate administration practice group.

Abruzzino, a major in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, serves as vice president of defense programs for the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber and is director of the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission.

ONE HEALTH ADDS PERSONNEL: ONE Health Ohio has added counselors Nicolette Giordano as behavioral health supervisor and counselor, and Ashley Borovitcky as behavioral health counselor.

Giordano, who has more than 11 years working as a mental health and substance-use counselor, will provide service at the Youngstown Community Health Center, 726 Wick Ave., Youngstown. She also works with patients at RISE Recovery in Youngstown and Warren.

Borovitcky, who has been working as a licensed counselor since 2012, will also provide service at the Youngstown Community Health Center and ONE Ohio Health Alliance, 1390 S. Arch Ave., Alliance.

AMERICA MAKES ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS: Alexander Steeb joins America Makes as new operations director, and Andrew Resnick as the new communications and public affairs director.

As operations director, Steeb, who will report directly to John Wilczynski, executive director, will lead and coordinate the efforts of the America Makes leadership team, including education and work force, partnerships and community relations, membership, communications and public relations in executing the terms of the new cooperative agreement with the Department of the Air Force and manage all of its associated requirements.

As communications and public affairs director, Resnick will lead and manage strategic activities and opportunities that will further cultivate America Makes’ role as a convener, coordinator and catalyzer within its membership community, the additive manufacturing industry and government stakeholders. He will work closely with the entire America Makes leadership team and will report to Steeb.

AKRON CHILDREN’S ADDS VP: Tuli Banerjee has been named vice president of payor strategy for Akron Children’s Hospital, effective March 2. In the role, Banerjee will be the executive lead for all payor relationships and negotiations for Akron Children’s, including evaluation of reimbursement models, contract language and the impact of payor strategies on Akron Children’s overall strategic plan. Banerjee will evaluate and recommend an array of strategies for contracting, including fee-for-service, value-based and risk-based arrangements.

She will assume the responsibilities of Karen Richter, vice president of managed care, who is retiring after 27 years of service. Richter will remain at Akron Children’s through March 13 to assist in the transition.

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