The parent organization of both Blanchard Valley Regional Health Center campuses will change its name to "Blanchard Valley Health System" at the start of 2007.  More visible to the public, though, will be name changes for the hospitals themselves.  The Findlay location will become "Blanchard Valley Hospital," while Bluffton will be re-named, "Bluffton Hospital." 

"This change wasn't undertaken lightly," says Scott Malaney, president and CEO of what will soon be Blanchard Valley Health System. "After an initial report issued by branding consultants, we formed a local Branding Committee; held focus groups, and, finally, allowed our associates and the public to vote on the names through our website."

Regarding the change from Blanchard Valley Health Association (BVHA) to Blanchard Valley Health System, the Branding Committee felt that "Association" no longer defined the true structure of the organization. 

"As our organization has expanded over the past several years and added new services and locations, it's thought that 'system' more aptly describes the direction we're headed," adds Malaney.  "The initial consultant's study showed that many of our area residents aren't aware of the scope of what we offer in health-related services.  Putting 'system' into our name is more descriptive of an organization that encompasses several different entities."

With new and distinctive names, both hospitals will be able to establish their own unique identities. 
BVRHC, Findlay, is actually returning to a name it held for several decades, from 1950-1995.  BVRHC, Bluffton, had been known as Bluffton Community Hospital prior to its merger with Blanchard Valley.  Now, it will be known as "Bluffton Hospital."

Implementing the name changes has taken nearly two years, involving almost every department in the system.  Since new signage was needed for the opening of the Donnell Patient Pavilion in Findlay, it was obvious to all involved that 2007 would be the most appropriate time to initiate the changes.  In addition to signs, the name change has also affected uniforms, linens, carpeting, and countless letterheads, and printed forms. 

Name changes will be "virtual" as well, with the Health System's web address changing to www.bvhealthsystem.org. The e-mail addresses of all BVHS personnel will also change, although messages sent to current e-mail addresses will still be delivered.

In addition to posting a new name, Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay will also have a new address.  Because the newly constructed patient facility now fronts on South Main Street, the address will change from 145 W. Wallace Street, to 1900 South Main Street.

"Hopefully, our new names will make it easier for our area residents to identify specific services within our organization," adds Malaney.  "It's been a lot of work on this end, but announcing a new name, along with opening a new inpatient facility seems like a great way to start a very healthy new year!"