Aultman Orrville Hospital Runs

Running has become a team sport for employees at Aultman Orrville Hospital (AOH).

Three years ago, Jim Chaney, director of Canton Marathon, came to the AOH campus to spark interest in the marathon. From there, the hospital adopted it as part of their wellness initiative.

Tieryn Cotterman, AOH employee who serves as the Quality Coordinator for the hospital, started her involvement with the marathon by volunteering for the medical tent. “I wanted to be sure AOH was represented at the marathon,” said Cotterman.

Scott Reich, Director of Surgical Services, participated in relays last year and ran the ½ marathon this year.

“You don’t have to be a marathon runner to get out there and start running,” said Reich. “There are different opportunities for all levels of runners.”

“We advertise the marathon in staff meetings and encourage people to get out there and give it a try,” said Reich.

Cotterman took a lead in coordinating the AOH team. She provided helpful tips in regular communication and answered questions.

“Without Tieryn’ s support, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. She kept people motivated with positive emails,” said Beth Chenevey, Director of Quality & Infection Prevention. “Jen Kessel, President and CEO of Aultman Orrville Hospital, was 100% supportive, and having the hospital’s leadership behind us made it easier for staff to be involved.”

“You get to meet other staff from the different offices and see them outside of work. It creates an environment of better collaboration in the workplace when you know your colleagues on a personal level,” said Renee Alfred, HR & Communications Generalist for Aultman Orrville Hospital. 

Alfred, Chenevey, Cotterman, Pete Kandis, and Reich found the support from others at AOH while training to be encouraging. “We run in small groups and motivate others,” said Alfred.

“The support from other long distant runners was encouraging. I had a support system for every question from what my diet should consist of to how to mend sore muscles,” Kandis, Vice President of Operations, explained.

So how did these runners discover their passion for running?

Beth Chenevey started running in the last 10 years and started running with hospital colleagues. This year she ran 6.5 miles in the relay.

“I ran a little when I was younger. In 2018, I was gaining weight and had reached 275lbs. My wife and I changed our diet, but wanted to incorporate exercise into our life,” said Reich. “I started with a couch to 5K program and stuck with it.”

Reich ran his first 5K in 2018. He wasn’t setting records, but he was getting faster. “It was important to me to set a good example for my kids.” Reich went on to say, “my kids will look back and remember this.”

Cotterman said she needed to develop an exercise regime. When her twin sister started running, she knew she would have to take up running to keep up with their competitive spirit.

“I value the friendships that have been formed through running,” said Cotterman. “It’s important to me that I set a good example for my children.”

Chenevey said seeing her kids participate in sports pushed her to want to do better. “I had been a sprinter in my earlier years and now enjoy long distance runs.”

“Bee Healthy” is the AOH wellness program. It’s a points system based on activity, nutrition, and wellness checkups. Meeting certain deliverables throughout the year provides employees with discounted health insurance.

This year, 20 staff from AOH participated in the marathon, whether it be the relays, half marathon, or the full marathon.  They were a force with their matching t-shirts.

Join us for a NetWalk with the Chamber on Wednesday, July 6 at Aultman Orrville Hospital and Wednesday, August 3 at University of Akron, Wayne College. For more information and to register visit www.orrvillechamber.com.

The Orrville Area Chamber of Commerce has identified wellness as one of the organization’s top priorities for 2022. This Wellness Spotlight is part of the Chamber’s Wellness Initiatives. One business leader will be spotlighted each month to raise awareness about the impact wellness in the workplace can have on an individual’s overall health and the steps taken towards a healthier work life balance. Would you like to share your wellness journey? Please contact chamberoffice@orrvillechamber.com to express interest in the Wellness Spotlight.