(Photo Provided) Dr. Daniel E. O’Connell, Memorial Health System neurologist and stroke director, speaks during the inaugural Conversations of Care event in late October at the Tower Event & Conference Center.

The Memorial Health Foundation and Memorial Health System’s Department of Therapy Services welcomed more than 70 community members at the Tower Event & Conference Center Oct. 28 for the launch of Conversations of Care.

According to a release from Memorial, each event will spotlight a different area of care in partnership with departments throughout the system, showcasing how philanthropy is driving meaningful change in the community.

“The inspiration behind Conversations of Care came from a simple idea that the best health care happens when people truly connect,” Memorial Health Foundation Director Jarrett Stull said in the release. “We wanted to create a space where patients, providers and benefactors could come together to share stories, celebrate progress and learn from one another.”

For the inaugural event, “Exploring Parkinson’s Care and Therapy Services,” attendees heard

insights from neurology and therapy providers on the latest treatments and innovations in Parkinson’s care and how Memorial Health System teams are helping patients.

“I was beyond honored to assist with the joint endeavor of providing a Parkinson’s educational update while highlighting the visionary philanthropy of our Mid-Ohio Valley patrons,” said keynote speaker Dr. Daniel E. O’Connell, Memorial Health System neurologist, neurohospitalist and stroke director. “It was especially inspiring to hear firsthand stories from the community regarding their benefit with the combination of old and new treatment options alike, and I am now strongly looking forward to the next symposium of the series, given the high impact of this first gathering.”

The event is one way the foundation fulfills its mission to provide education, Stull said.

“By offering programs like this at no cost, we’re helping ensure that more people across our region have access to the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their health,” he said.

The event also highlighted one of the newest additions to the Department of Therapy

Services’ equipment lineup: the Solo-Step. Thanks to foundation donor Judy Heinrich, Memorial Health System is now one of the only therapy programs in the region to offer Solo-Step, a safety harness system designed to help patients move with confidence and without fear of falling, the release said.

“My hope is that everyone left not only informed, but inspired by the incredible collaboration happening within our health system,” Stull said.