O'Bleness Hospital

O'Bleness Hospital
OhioHealth
Geography
Location	55 Hospital Drive, Athens, Ohio, United States
Organization
Funding	Non-profit hospital
Type	General
Services
Emergency department	Yes, 24-hour
Beds	144
Helipad	FAA LID: OH23
History
Former name(s)	Sheltering Arms Hospital
Opened	1921
Links
Lists	[[List of hospitals in Ohio |Hospitals in Ohio ]]

OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital is a 144-bed community hospital located in Athens, Ohio. It is part of the OhioHealth network and operates as a non-profit organization. The hospital offers general healthcare services and has a 24-hour emergency department. It is equipped with a helipad for air medical transportation. O'Bleness Hospital was originally established in 1921 and was previously known as Sheltering Arms Hospital.

The hospital is situated on Hospital Drive, overlooking the Hocking River. It consists of several wings, including the Cornwell Center, which houses medical offices, and the Castrop Center, a separate office building. The Hopewell Health Center, formerly known as Tri-County Mental Health Services, is located nearby.

The current President and CEO of OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital is LeeAnn Helber. Under OhioHealth's management, the hospital has undergone various expansions and renovations. This includes the addition of a new state-of-the-art ICU and the expansion and renovation of the ER with upgraded equipment and facilities. In 2021, a new two-story, 40,000 square foot expansion was constructed.

History

The predecessor to O'Bleness Hospital was Sheltering Arms Hospital, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Sheltering Arms began as a birthing center in a private house on Clark Street. Over time, the hospital expanded by connecting neighboring houses and adding additional areas. In 1921, O'Bleness Hospital was established.

In January 2014, OhioHealth took over control of O'Bleness Hospital, leading to the name change to OhioHealth O'Bleness Hospital. This acquisition has allowed for continued growth and improvements to the hospital's facilities and services.