ORRVILLE, Ohio (June 25, 2012) – In 1951, Dunlap Memorial Hospital opened its doors to serve the health care needs of the Orrville and Wayne County community. Now a subsidiary of Aultman Health Foundation, and known as Aultman Orrville Hospital, the organization has seen significant growth and change over those 61 years. Remarkably, only 15 of those 61 years of operation have been without employee Carol Horst.

Horst has been a dedicated employee with Aultman Orrville Hospital for more than 45 years. She even remembers the exact start date. “On August 1st, it will be 46,” Horst stated with a grin. In May, Aultman Orrville held an employee recognition luncheon to celebrate its employees and their years of service.  Aultman Health Foundation President and CEO Ed Roth and Aultman Orrville Hospital President and CEO Dr. Marchelle Suppan both attended the luncheon and spoke about the teamwork and value of the employees. With 45 years at Aultman Orrville Hospital, Horst was the highlight of the celebration.

“The most amazing thing about Carol is that after 43 years of service, she went back to the University of Akron Wayne College to get her pharmacy tech certification,” Dr. Suppan said. “She is an excellent example of one who practices lifelong learning and adapts to the demands of the environment.”

Always knowing she wanted to work in health care, Horst was hired as a nurse aide in 1966 while still attending Orrville High School. She spent two years working in the nurse aide role, and then went on to work for 21 years as a ward secretary. In 1989, a manager approached Horst about taking an opportunity as a pharmacy tech. “The guidelines changed for pharmacy, which developed the need for a pharmacy tech,” Horst stated. “I happened to be the first one Aultman Orrville ever had.”

Today, Horst continues to work as a pharmacy tech. Her primary responsibilities include medication delivery to the units and filling the Pyxis stations, which are automated medication dispensing units. She noted the vast changes and advances in health care over the last 45 years, but also mentioned that the culture of Aultman Orrville has remained the same.  “It has always been a very friendly environment,” said Horst. “People in this community depend on us, and it’s a special feeling knowing you’re helping people who live in your community.”

Carol Horst has personified the goals of her organization and service to the community. The recognition luncheon gave Aultman Orrville the opportunity to thank her for that commitment and dedication. “People always ask me if I’m going for 50 years,” she said again, smiling. Horst did not make a commitment either way to what the future holds. But after almost half a century, her commitment to Aultman Orrville has been perfectly clear.

About Aultman Orrville
Aultman Orrville Hospital is a not-for-profit, critical access hospital serving Orrville and surrounding communities. As a subsidiary of Aultman Health Foundation, Aultman Orrville Hospital provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services; employs 250 healthcare professionals and has a medical staff of 125 active and courtesy physicians. For more information, visit www.aultmanorrville.org.