LIMA, OH (December 16, 2025) – Mercy Health Regional Transport (LACP) is pleased to announce the opening of a new ambulance station located on-site at OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to enhancing timely access to tertiary and specialized care for patients across the region.
“Time is often the most critical factor for patients needing high acuity care,” said Allison Twining, Director of Field Operations for Mercy Health Regional Transport/LACP. “With this new station, we are improving our ability to deliver prompt medical transport, which can make the difference in outcomes, especially for those needing urgent or specialized interventions.”
By establishing a dedicated ambulance base at Van Wert Hospital, LACP is strengthening its ability to rapidly respond to emergencies and coordinate interfacility transfers. This strategic placement is expected to reduce transport delays significantly, enabling patients who require advanced treatment to reach specialized care more quickly and safely.
“This agreement with Mercy Health Regional Transport strengthens our shared commitment to doing what’s best for patients,” said Paula Stabler, president of OhioHealth Van Wert Hospital. “By working together, we are ensuring patients get the right level of care quickly. It’s about delivering seamless, patient-centered care close to home.”
The new station builds on LACP’s long history of providing comprehensive medical transportation services. As part of Mercy Health’s network, the service has demonstrated excellence in emergency and interfacility care for decades.
By improving transport times and expanding availability of medical transport, the collaboration ensures that patients — whether in rural or urban settings — have reliable access to advanced care when they need it most. This also strengthens community confidence in the region’s capacity to deliver high-quality, timely health services.
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About Mercy Health - Lima
Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center, is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH) one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by nearly 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia, as well as in Ireland and the Philippines. BSMH provides care for patients nearly 14 million times annually through its network of more than 1,200 care sites, which includes 47 hospitals. In 2024, BSMH provided more than $600 million dollars in community investments across six states, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to health care for our patients in need. Locally, Mercy Health – St. Rita’s Medical Center has been providing quality health care to the people of Allen County and west central Ohio since 1918. The mission of Mercy Health is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. With more than 3,000 employees, physicians and volunteers in the area, the ministry provides quality, innovative, compassionate care to the greater Lima community. For more information, visit mercy.com.