During a community event on Sept. 18, Magruder Hospital President & CEO, Nick Marsico, left, publicly thanked Diane Hawk, center, and Hal Hawk, right, for their generous investment into the hospital’s new MRI. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Magruder Hospital’s commitment to provide care close to home isn’t marketing rhetoric. It is the foundation of the hospital’s daily decisions and of its vision for the future. That dedication to offer the best services possible took another step forward with the purchase of a new MRI machine which will greatly expand imaging services and allow patients to obtain care without traveling out of town.

The sweet paradox of healthcare in Port Clinton is that the hospital cares for the community, but the community also cares for Magruder. The $2.5 million MRI project, which includes an addition to the hospital to house the MRI department, would not come to fruition without the generous financial support of many community members who are invested – with their pocketbooks and their hearts – into Magruder’s mission to provide exceptional, local care.

year, Hal and Diane Hawk made the largest private investment in the history of Magruder Hospital, opening the door for the purchase of a new MRI. Shown here at the Catawba Island Township Community Hall are the Hawk family. Shown are, back row from left, Jacob Schott, Morgan Schott, Hal Hawk, Diane Hawk, Megan Colston holding Evelyn Colston, and Cory Colston. In front is William Thompson. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The MRI project would not be possible without a generous donation from Hal and Diane Hawk, who were Visionary Partners in the Making Real Impact (MRI) – Building for the Future Campaign.

Magruder Hospital President & CEO, Nick Marsico, and Magruder Senior Director of Ancillary Services, Robin Lemley, presented an update on the MRI project during a community event at the Catawba Island Township Community Hall on Sept. 16. During the event, Marsico publicly thanked the Hawks for their generosity that will impact thousands of patients for many years.

The Hawks’ donation was the most generous private contribution in the history of the hospital.

“Their generosity represents the largest private investment in this project and (the largest private investment) to date for anything towards Magruder Hospital since Howard B. Magruder put a trust in place in 1938 to start this hospital,” Marsico said.

Magruder Hospital President & CEO, Nick Marsico, left, and Magruder Senior Director of Ancillary Services, Robin Lemley, presented an update on the MRI project during a community event at the Catawba Island Township Community Hall on Sept. 16. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

To recognize the Hawks’ generosity, the MRI addition will be named the Hawk Foundation Advanced Imaging Suite.

Marsico said the Hawk Foundation is demonstrating a deep commitment to the care and wellbeing of the community.

“Their gift will benefit thousands of patients, many of whom probably won’t ever meet them, but they’re going to change their lives,” Marsico said.

The Hawks’ commitment to the community is a reflection of Magruder’s dedication to provide state-of-the-art care. The new MRI will transform imaging services at the hospital. Lemley said the MRI will allow Magruder to offer 45 exams it doesn’t currently offer, and it will reduce scan time from the current 40 to 45 minutes to 8 to 12 minutes. The machine is more comfortable and has a 680-pound weight limit to accommodate more patients.

Magruder Hospital displayed this artist’s rendering of the Hawk Foundation Advanced Imaging Suite which is expected to open in spring, 2027. (Submitted photo)

“This would not have happened without the Hawk Foundation,” Lemley said.

The Hawks are grateful to have the opportunity to impact the community.

“Healthcare is an important part of attracting people to a community, so when Nick approached us about the new MRI, we knew we wanted to help,” Hal said. “Patients can get their first images here. There’s no reason to drive far away for that.”

Magruder Hospital is an independent, non-profit, critical access hospital and the only 24/7 medical facility in Ottawa County, and the Hawks’ generosity enhanced the hospital’s impact.

“This was a way for us to continue to help the community,” Diane said. “How fortunate are we to have a hospital in our backyard?”

The Hawk Foundation Advanced Imaging Suite is expected to open in spring, 2027.