FINDLAY, Ohio — Blanchard Valley Health System and Mayo Clinic announced Friday, Oct. 11, that Blanchard Valley Health System has joined the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

Blanchard Valley Health System is the first Ohio-based health care facility to become a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, a group of carefully vetted, independent health care systems that have special access to Mayo Clinic's knowledge and expertise.

Physicians from Blanchard Valley Health System will be able to combine their understanding of their patients' medical needs with Mayo Clinic expertise so patients get exactly the care they need, close to home. There is no additional cost to patients.

"Blanchard Valley Health System is excited to become a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network," says Scott Malaney, president and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health System. "The opportunity to collaborate with Mayo Clinic and 40 plus other independent organizations from around the world working to improve the care we provide patients is compelling. The knowledge, resources and commitment that stand behind the care network is truly impressive. We are honored to join the quest for an unparalleled level of clinical quality for our patients."

"Mayo Clinic is pleased to welcome Blanchard Valley Health System to the Mayo Clinic Care Network," says Mark V. Larson, M.D., medical director, Midwest region, Mayo Clinic Care Network. "Blanchard Valley Health System has a long-standing commitment to serving the health care needs of its community. Collaboration has been part of that vision, and we look forward to working closely together."

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, Blanchard Valley Health System will have access to:

• AskMayoExpert
  AskMayoExert is a point-of-care tool that offers concise clinical information on hundreds of medical conditions, and includes medical protocols, treatment recommendations and medical references. The database can be used wherever health care is provided.

• eConsults
  eConsults enable Blanchard Valley Health System physicians to contact Mayo Clinic specialists for second opinions on specific patient cases when they believe additional input will benefit their patients.

• eBoards
  The live video conferences enable Blanchard Valley Health System's medical teams to review and discuss complex cases with a Mayo Clinic multidisciplinary panel and other doctors in the Mayo Clinic Care Network.

• Health Care Consulting
  Blanchard Valley Health System can access Mayo's extensive experience, knowledge and subspecialty expertise to attain clinical, operational and business goals.

Staff from Blanchard Valley Health System also can use Mayo Clinic's patient education materials, and access opportunities for professional development and continuous medical education.

Created in 2011, the Mayo Clinic Care Network has more than 40 member organizations across the U.S., and in Asia, Mexico and the Middle East.

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About Blanchard Valley Health System
Blanchard Valley Health System is a non-profit, integrated regional health system based in Findlay, a unique micropolitan community in Northwest Ohio. Governed by a community board of trustees representing large and small business, education, law, medicine and finance, BVHS oversees all operations. BVHS is one of the largest employers in the area with more than 2,500 associates and serves an eight-county area that includes Hancock, Allen, Putnam, Henry, Wood, Seneca, Wyandot and Hardin Counties. The Blanchard Valley Health System mission is to provide "Caring for a lifetime."

About Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network for additional Mayo Clinic news and An Inside Look at Mayo Clinic for more information about Mayo.

Media contacts:

• Madison Essinger, Blanchard Valley Health System Public Relations and Marketing, 419-423-5385, messinger@bvhealthsystem.org

• Rhoda Madson, Mayo Clinic Public Affairs, 507-284-5005, newsbureau@mayo.edu

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