Coplin Health Systems Shares Community Milestones and Meaningful Moments from a Season of Growth

A look at the meaningful work, partnerships, and progress shaping Coplin’s impact this spring. 

By Rob Dudley, Chief Executive Officer, Coplin Health Systems

The past few months have highlighted just how dynamic and interconnected the community and healthcare can be. Everywhere our teams went, we saw people eager to engage, ask questions, and share what matters most to them. This season was shaped by meaningful conversations and interactions that reminded us of the impact Coplin Health Systems has every day. 

We saw several long-planned efforts make giant steps forward, from construction for our future school-based wellness center at Fort Frye to design work on the new Camden Avenue office and campus. At the same time, our staff continued expanding access in ways that meet people where they are, whether through mobile care, pharmacy delivery, or outreach that helps children feel more comfortable with healthcare. 

Here’s a closer look at what made these past few months so impactful. 

Showing Up in the Places People Live and Gather 

Launching our mobile health unit location at Homecrest Manor was a great event from this spring. Residents, Coplin staff, and Aunt Kay’s food truck came together for a warm, community-centered event that set the tone for ongoing engagement. 

Our mobile and outreach team – Sarah Casseday, James Liebau, Jennifer Gustafson, and Tristan Murray – spent time listening to residents about the services they hope to access. This provided valuable insight as we continue shaping future service offerings. 

In Jackson County, Sarah Casseday visited Cottageville Elementary to read the children’s book she wrote about Coplin’s mobile health unit. Her visit helped students understand what mobile healthcare looks like and made the experience feel familiar rather than intimidating. These connections are so important to help ensure children feel safe, confident, and supported when receiving care outside traditional clinic settings. 

Planning for Tomorrow’s Spaces 

Coplin received notification of a $1.5 million Congressionally Directed Spending award to support the planned new Camden Avenue office and campus on the former Roosevelt School property in Parkersburg. While additional funding and development work remain, this award provides meaningful momentum toward transforming the site into a long-term healthcare and community resource. 

We also received some exciting news regarding the Fort Frye School-Based Health Center. With support from the Ohio Department of Health’s Year Two grant, the project moved from planning into construction. The anticipated opening is late winter, and our team is working closely with the school district to ensure the clinic is welcoming, functional, and designed with both students and staff in mind. 

Moments of Wellness and Connection 

This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Dash for Diabetes, a milestone that reflects Coplin’s long-standing commitment to diabetes awareness and prevention. Organized by James Liebau and the Wellness Committee, the event brought together staff, families, and community members for a day of movement, education, and connection. You can read more about the event here. 

Coplin staff also participated in several community events this spring, including the Wood County Community Baby Shower and the Jackson Middle School Wellness Expo. These gatherings allowed us to meet with families outside traditional healthcare settings, share resources, and strengthen relationships with local partners. 

Growing the Next Generation of Healthcare Talent 

As Coplin continues to grow, investing in local talent pipelines will be essential to sustaining high-quality care for years to come. To ensure we are ready for the future, Coplin became a Partner in Education with the Caperton Center for Applied Technology, which opens new opportunities for student engagement, career awareness, and workforce development. This partnership has the potential to introduce young people to the wide range of clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles available within community health. 

Services That Remove Barriers 

Medication access remains a critical need for many patients, especially those facing transportation barriers. Hiring Kevin Bunner as our new pharmacy and mobile unit driver allowed Coplin to resume pharmacy delivery services this spring. Kevin’s work ensures medications reach patients reliably and safely, while also supporting the transportation and operation of the mobile unit. 

Carrie’s Garden continued to take shape thanks to the leadership of Emily Cavender and additional members of the internal Coplin team. Emily has championed new ideas for the garden’s future use and has worked closely with staff to ensure the space remains accessible, deer-resistant, and welcoming for patients and community members. The garden is becoming a place of wellness, connection, and creativity, reflecting Coplin’s commitment to whole-person health. 

The People Behind the Progress 

This season continued to highlight the extraordinary dedication of Coplin’s staff. Our teams continue to demonstrate what it means to serve with compassion and purpose. 

I want to recognize: 

• Mobile Outreach Team for launching the Homecrest Manor location and engaging directly with residents. 
• Sarah Casseday for helping children feel comfortable with mobile care through her book and school visit.
• Emily Cavender for her continued leadership and creativity in developing Carrie’s Garden. 
• Kevin Bunner for restoring pharmacy delivery and supporting mobile operations. 
• Rick Crispen for guiding the design and development of both the Fort Frye clinic and the Camden Avenue facility. 
• James Liebau and the Wellness Committee for delivering a successful 10th anniversary Dash for Diabetes event. 

What’s Ahead for Our Communities 

The past few months demonstrated that when Coplin pairs long-term planning with direct community engagement, meaningful results follow. We have great momentum across several areas: 

• Strengthening relationships at Homecrest Manor and exploring expanded mobile services 
• Preparing for the Fort Frye School-Based Health Center opening 
• Advancing the Camden Avenue facility design and funding strategy 
• Building our Partner in Education relationship with the Caperton Center 
• Completing the next phase of Carrie’s Garden 
• Continuing reliable pharmacy delivery services 
• Expanding outreach that makes healthcare more familiar and approachable for children and families 

Each of these efforts reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are and ensuring that Coplin’s growth remains rooted in community needs. 

As we move into the next stretch of the year, I am very optimistic about the work ahead. The foundations built this spring will help us deliver sustainable services, deepen partnerships, and strengthen the health of the communities we proudly serve.