LiveWell

A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Winter 2026

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Heathy start.

Healthy heart.

As we’ve turned the calendar to 2026, the choices we make for our health can shape a stronger, healthier year. Every day at Genesis, we see patients take charge of their health, by asking questions, taking action, making changes and seeking help to improve their lives.

February is National Heart Month, a reminder to focus on heart health. High blood pressure is a common risk for adults, and even when we feel well, paying attention to the warning signs of heart disease can make all the difference.

Stories like Julie McClure’s show the importance of acting quickly. When her blood pressure was high, she trusted her instincts and sought care. She received treatment for a heart attack and has regained her strength, moving forward with renewed purpose.

Annie Ferguson and Diane Wills are also making the most of each day. Annie, who received treatment for stage IV lung cancer, has returned to the job she loves. Diane remains in remission following lymphoma and continues regular checkups. She is back to her exercise routine and enjoys time with her grandchildren.

Early detection of lung cancer saves lives. Taking charge of your health can start with a simple, fast, low-dose CT scan. This screening is designed for people who have a history of smoking and are between 50 and 80 years old. Choosing to get screened is a way to protect your future and continue being there for the people who count on you.

These examples of taking action remind me why patients are at the center of everything we do. We’ve added new physicians in Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Vascular Surgery and Hematology/Oncology, making it easier for you and your family to access the expertise you need when you need it.

You are the hero of your health story. We’re honored to care for you and support you along your journey.

In good health,

CEO Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:00

"As we’ve turned the calendar to 2026, the choices we make for our health can shape a stronger, healthier year."

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Helping our community one playhouse at a time

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Local nonprofits are leaders in strengthening our community, and Genesis team members take pride in supporting their efforts.

One great example is Project Playhouse. Habitat for Humanity of Southeast Ohio’s Project Playhouse brings sponsors and volunteers together to build playhouses for local families. The playhouses provide children with a safe place to play, dream and feel at home.

Genesis Quality Management team members Maggie Palko, Bailee Hampton, Kimberly Johnson, Dana Woodruff, Heather Hartman, Dee Clapper, Cynthia Lanning and Michelle Huff built a playhouse for a local family in October 2025.

Heather Hartman, R.N., B.S.N., R.N.F.A., Surgical Clinical Reviewer for Genesis Quality Management, shared her team’s excitement about participating in Project Playhouse.

“Our team has looked forward to this project for the past year,” said Heather. “Working alongside our community, we built more than a playhouse. We created a safe, joyful space for a child, strengthened local connections and experienced firsthand the meaningful impact this project can have on a family.”

Share local opportunities with us

Need a volunteer for your organization? Our team can help. Eligible local nonprofit organizations that meet the guidelines can complete the online request form at genesishcs.org/request-volunteers.

Opportunities that support Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Guernsey, Noble or Morgan counties.
Church events that benefit the entire community.
Submit requests at least 30 days before your event.
Requests are reviewed weekly.

Contact Genesis Community Relations at 740-454-5913, option 2, with questions.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:00

Local nonprofits are leaders in strengthening our community, and Genesis team members take pride in supporting their efforts.

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Spotlight on Alex K. Kemei, M.D.

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Genesis Primary Care welcomes Alex K. Kemei, M.D., specializing in internal medicine.

Dr. Kemei supports patients with wellness visits, acute illness care and chronic disease management.

“I love working with patients in small communities,” said Dr. Kemei. “I wanted to join Genesis because it reminds me of the rural area I was raised in.”

Dr. Kemei chose internal medicine because he wants to help patients manage their chronic diseases and improve their overall health.

“The heart of internal medicine is compassionate care,” said Dr. Kemei. “I’m always learning the best ways to treat patients. Internal medicine offers a lifetime of learning, because every patient’s needs are different.”

Dr. Kemei knows that explaining the causes of pain and what to expect from treatments is important to patients and their families.

When not caring for patients, Dr. Kemei enjoys exploring hiking trails, playing soccer and watching movies.

Dr. Kemei is accepting new patients at Genesis Primary Care, 1210 Ashland Ave., Zanesville. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 740-454-0370.

"I'm here to help patients experience relief and live healthier, fuller lives." - Alex Kemei, M.D.

Doctor of Medicine

Saint James School of Medicine

The Quarter, Anguilla

Residency

Internal Medicine

Mount Carmel Health System

Columbus, Ohio

Provider Spotlight

LiveWell

Mon, 02/02/2026 - 08:00

Genesis Primary Care welcomes Alex K. Kemei, M.D., specializing in internal medicine.

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Expanding care in Coshocton

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Healthcare should never mean going far from home. Therefore, Genesis HealthCare System has expanded access to specialty services in Coshocton.

Our new facility gives you even more ways to stay healthy. Designed to provide high-quality, convenient care, you and your loved ones can get the treatment you need, when you need it.

Genesis Coshocton Specialty Center

At the new Genesis Coshocton Specialty Center, you’ll find expert physicians ready to listen, guide and care for you.

Now offering:

Endocrinology
Lung care
Pain management
Rheumatology
Cancer care
Crohn’s and Colitis clinic

Call 740-722-9524 to ask if you need a physician referral and to schedule an appointment. We are located at 646 Chestnut St., Coshocton. Learn more about the Coshocton Specialty Center HERE.

Genesis Coshocton Medical Center

Find out more

Thanks to the community’s support, the Genesis Coshocton Medical Center has grown since opening in 2023. More than 200 dedicated team members work with you to keep you and your family healthy, cared for and supported.

Services include:

24/7 emergency care
Outpatient surgery
Cardiac diagnostics
Imaging services
Overnight observation
Rehabilitation services
Lab draw services

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

More options. Closer to your home. Because you matter.

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Spotlight on husband and wife Grant Lewis, D.O., and Alexandra Davies, D.O.

Read more about Spotlight on husband and wife Grant Lewis, D.O., and Alexandra Davies, D.O.

Genesis welcomes Grant Lewis, D.O., and Alexandra Davies, D.O.

Dr. Lewis and Dr. Davies met at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. They recently relocated to Dr. Davies’ hometown with their son and look forward to providing quality, patient-centered care at Genesis.

Dr. Lewis joined the Genesis Center of Surgical Excellence, specializing in general surgery. He is from Mason, Ohio, and became interested in surgery because he liked working with his hands and helping others.

“Patients want to feel better quickly,” said Dr. Lewis. “I appreciate guiding them to better health.” Dr. Lewis also performs emergency surgeries and provides sports hernia and core muscle repair.

Dr. Davies joined Genesis Digestive Disease Specialists, specializing in gastroenterology. She is from Newark, Ohio, and wanted to study medicine because of a family history of gastrointestinal issues.

“I work with patients to create personalized care plans,” said Dr. Davies. “I walk alongside them through each stage of treatment.”

In addition to their son, Dr. Davies and Dr. Lewis have two dogs. They enjoy daily conversations about their specialties to learn about each other’s fields.

“We make each other better,” said Dr. Lewis. “That bonus knowledge helps us help our patients even more.”

Dr. Lewis

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine Pikeville, Kentucky

Residency: Chief Resident General Surgery McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital Lansing, Michigan

Dr. Lewis is accepting patients at the Genesis Center of Surgical Excellence, 2916 Van Gader Drive, Zanesville. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 740-453-0661.

Dr. Davies

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine: University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine Pikeville, Kentucky

Residency: Internal Medicine McLaren Macomb Hospital Mount Clemens, Michigan

Fellowship: Gastroenterology McLaren Greater Lansing Hospital Lansing, Michigan

Dr. Davies is accepting patients by referral at Genesis Digestive Disease Specialists, 999 Garden Road, Zanesville. Patients can schedule appointments by calling 740-454-8193.

Provider Spotlight

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

General Surgery and Gastroenterology

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Because of your support, we keep improving for you

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How artificial intelligence is enhancing your healthcare

When it comes to your health, every second and every detail matters. That’s why we’re constantly working to improve the care you receive at Genesis. From the team member who checks you in, to the doctors and nurses who care for you, to those who work behind the scenes, everyone at Genesis is committed to providing you with exceptional care and innovative technology.

When you choose Genesis for your healthcare, you’re choosing more than a provider. You’re helping us reinvest in our health system. That means better tools, better care and better outcomes for you and your loved ones.

You’ve likely heard a lot about artificial intelligence (AI) over the past year. At Genesis, we’ve been keeping a close eye on developing technology for decades. Part of our strategy is to recruit the best physicians and talent and provide them with the best technology. Therefore, in October 2024, we became one of the early adopters in Ohio to begin using AI to help our clinical teams review radiology reports more efficiently and quickly share the results with providers.

When a patient receives an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, the goal is to find the issue that prompted the test. Sometimes, other concerns show up, like a pulmonary nodule, a small spot on the lung that could be an early sign of cancer.

With AI, we can now process more than three times as many reports in the same time. That means more patients can get follow-up testing sooner. In cases where something serious like cancer is found, we can start treatment faster, giving patients a much better chance at survival.

Think of AI as a tool, like a power saw that helps a carpenter work more efficiently. The expertise, care and decisions still come from our medical team. AI just helps them provide exceptionally high-quality healthcare for more people.

To learn more about how AI is enhancing your care, talk to your Genesis physician. We’re grateful to bring innovative technology to your community.

Technology

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

How artificial intelligence is enhancing your healthcare

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A letter from our President and CEO | LiveWell Autumn 2025

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Every beat matters

Each step we take at Genesis is guided by our commitment to you. Your well-being, your family and your future are the heart of everything we do.

We celebrated 25 years of open-heart surgery in October. This milestone was made possible because of your trust in Genesis. Thousands of friends, neighbors and loved ones have returned to healthier, fuller lives, one beat at a time.

Stories like Russ Fehrman’s remind us why expert heart care matters. A familiar face in Coshocton, Russ turned to Genesis for minimally invasive heart treatment and is now back to serving the community he loves. You can read more about his journey in this issue.

As we expand our services, high-quality care is coming closer to more families in our region.

In August, we opened the Genesis Coshocton Specialty Center, offering endocrinology, rheumatology, cancer care, pain management and more.

Thanks to the generosity of many donors, including the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation and the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, we’ve also broken ground on a new hospice care facility that will provide comfort and compassionate support to patients and their families for decades to come.

Join me in welcoming new physicians to the Genesis family, including Grant Lewis, D.O., and Alexandra Davies, D.O.

This married couple recently returned to Dr. Davies’ hometown of Newark, bringing their specialties in general surgery and gastroenterology to Genesis HealthCare System. They are dedicated to providing exceptional care in our community.

As the crisp autumn season has arrived, may you enjoy its renewal. Know that Genesis remains by your side through every season, committed to your healing and well-being.

In good health,

Matthew Perry signature

Matthew J. Perry

President & CEO

CEO Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

Each step we take at Genesis is guided by our commitment to you. Your well-being, your family and your future are the heart of everything we do.

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One team. Neighbors helping neighbors.

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Local nonprofit organizations are the heart of our community. Whether mentoring youth, feeding families or fostering animals, these groups serve our community with heart and purpose.

When local nonprofits need a helping hand, our 4,400+ Genesis team members are ready to step in. Together, we can spread more smiles and talents to make an ever greater impact.

Meet three Genesis team members who partner with nonprofits to help strengthen our community.

Emily Bailey

Genesis employee volunteering at Christ's Table

For Emily Bailey, Genesis Patient Access Manager, the Salvation Army’s mission inspired a family tradition of service. “My grandmothers volunteered at the Salvation Army,” said Emily. “I grew up learning how important it is to serve others.” Emily also volunteers at Christ’s Table, often alongside her Genesis Patient Access team. ”There’s strength in numbers,” she said. “Together, we can make wonderful things happen in our community.”

Darla Doss

Genesis employee volunteering at United Way Tax Clinic

Genesis HealthCare Foundation Development Consultant Darla Doss registers community members during the annual United Way Tax Clinic. She also helps with the hospitality team at her church, making guests and members feel welcome. “Volunteering makes it easy to meet great people,” said Darla. “I’m grateful that I can give back.” Darla is also part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women program, which raises awareness and promotes treatment for women with heart disease.

Andrew Luallen

Genesis employee volunteering at Scouting America Muskingum Valley Council

As a proud Eagle Scout, Genesis Education Services Consultant Andrew Luallen gives back to the program that shaped his youth. He volunteers with Scouting America Muskingum Valley Council, mentoring the next generation as a local Cubmaster and Assistant Scoutmaster in his daughters’ units. “Scouting is more than outdoor skills,” said Andrew. “Scouting empowers young men and women to develop into future leaders who will make a positive impact on the world around them.”

CONTACT US

Need a volunteer?

Share local volunteering opportunities with our team. Eligible local nonprofit organizations that meet the guidelines can complete the online request form at genesishcs.org/request-volunteers.

• Opportunities that support Muskingum, Coshocton, Perry, Guernsey, Noble or Morgan counties.

• Church events that benefit the entire community.

• Submit requests at least 30 days before your event. Requests are reviewed weekly.

• Contact Genesis Community Relations at 740-454-5913, option 2, with questions.

Genesis Updates

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

Meet three Genesis team members who partner with nonprofits to help strengthen our community.

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25 years of more heartbeats

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Your courage, our first step

On Oct. 30, 2000, something incredible happened. You made history. One of your neighbors became the first patient to undergo open-heart surgery at Genesis HealthCare System. That patient’s courage represented the trust our community placed in us. Trust that led to that person and many others celebrating more holidays, more birthdays and even more ordinary Monday mornings filled with extraordinary meaning.

Because you, our community, believed in us, thousands of your friends, family members and neighbors have since turned to Genesis for advanced heart care. Your commitment to choosing local care has made it possible for countless people to live longer, healthier lives while receiving care where they live.

Growing because you deserve the best

You asked for world-class heart care close to home, and we listened. With your support, Genesis has continued to expand and improve:

• Recruiting highly skilled and experienced physicians.

• Investing in innovative technologies like Cardiac CTA, robotic-assisted surgery platforms and SPECT/CT.

• Offering life-changing minimally invasive procedures such as transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), MitraClip, the convergent procedure and many more.

These advancements mean smaller incisions, faster recovery, shorter hospital stays and more time for you to get back to the life you love.

You are at the heart of it all

Genesis’ national recognition in heart care is not just our achievement. It’s yours. Every award, every innovation and every life saved started with your belief that great care could happen right here in our community.

Thank you for trusting us with your hearts for the past 25 years. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones, together.

Your heart matters. Visit genesishcs.org/heart for more information.

Heart & Vascular

LiveWell

Mon, 10/27/2025 - 08:00

elderly man and woman laughing outside amongst fall leaves

Thank you for trusting us with your hearts for the past 25 years. We look forward to celebrating many more milestones, together.

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The future of Genesis Hospice Care is getting close

Read more about The future of Genesis Hospice Care is getting close

We celebrated a special milestone in October with the groundbreaking of our new hospice care facility.

Scheduled to open in the fall of 2026, the new building will carry forward the mission of the Morrison House, which for 35 years has been a place of comfort and care for thousands of families during many of life’s most difficult moments. As the area’s only nonprofit, charitable hospice provider with a dedicated inpatient unit, it has played a vital role in our community.

While the Morrison House has served us well, time has shown the need for a new, modern facility to meet the growing needs of patients and families. In early 2025, we launched the Hospice Care Capital Campaign that will allow us to continue providing compassionate, high-quality care for generations to come.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, local businesses, physicians and the dedicated Genesis team, we’ve raised $7 million of the adjusted $7.4 million goal. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated or helped spread the word.

A special thank you goes to the J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation for its generous naming donation and to the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity for donating the land for the new facility.