Vistula neighborhood recipient of Mercy Health award 2024

TOLEDO, Ohio (January 22, 2023) – In support of the vision to address critical health disparities in Toledo’s oldest neighborhoods, Mercy Health is collaborating with the newly aligned Vistula Foundation and The Friendly Center to create a Community Hub to provide access to resources and programming for area residents. 

The Mercy Health Foundation awarded a Community Health Fund award of $290,000 to help revitalize The Friendly Center located within the historic Vistula neighborhood. The Vistula Foundation will assume operational control of The Friendly Center and leverage the network and expertise of Mercy Health and other partners to provide resources that address community needs.

The collaboration will focus on high-priority initiatives that both tackle social determinants and rebuild vitality in the neighborhood. Together, the partners will strive for improved educational outcomes, increased community engagement, economic advancement, health and wellness promotion, and preservation of culture and history.

“Mercy Health is committed to addressing our community’s health and wellbeing needs beyond the walls of our medical facilities. The work being done within the Vistula neighborhood demonstrates a vision for a healthier community and Mercy Health is proud to a part of these transformative efforts,” said Bob Baxter, president, Mercy Health – Toledo.

The Vistula neighborhood, roughly bordered by Champlain, Summit, Walnut and Magnolia streets, has faced increasing health disparities, including higher rates of diabetes, obesity, and heart-related diseases. Challenges identified by residents include erosion of social infrastructure, the lack of maintained parks and recreational opportunities for youth and adults, a safe place for youth, health clinics, and access to healthy foods.

To address these concerns, the partners are looking to reinvigorate programming at The Friendly Center including well-being programs, empowerment programs, a financial opportunity center, food pantry, resource center and after-school programs. Mercy Health is also committed to provide regular on-site health screenings and help develop other health related programming.

“In partnership with Mercy Health, the Friendly Center and others, the Vistula Foundation aspires to breathe new life into a shared vision of a thriving, interconnected, and resilient community,” said Andrew Newby, president, Vistula Foundation. “We believe that a formal collaboration now would mutually benefit our efforts, creating a synergistic relationship that magnifies the positive impact we can have on the Vistula neighborhood. Given our shared objectives, we are excited about the prospect of working closely with Mercy Health to achieve tangible, long-lasting community betterment.”

In supporting the Vistula neighborhood, Mercy Health continues its efforts to address the social determinants of health and improve overall well-being in the communities we serve. Additionally, the work expands the support of the Getting Healthy Zone, a community-driven initiative working to increase infant vitality, improve the health of residents, and create a community where people want to live, work, and visit within the zip codes of 43608, 43610, and 43620.