LIMA—The Northwest Ohio Colorectal Cancer Task Force, of which St. Rita’s Medical Center is a leading member, has been named one of 14 national finalists for the American Heart Association’s NOVA award.

The award recognizes “bright stars in the health care field that improve community health status, and are collaborative efforts among health care systems ... hospitals and other community leaders and organizations.”

An Ohio Health Department letter of support stated, “Through the efforts of the Northwest Ohio Colorectal Task Force, with St. Rita’s as a leading member, and with their early success and others following that lead, Ohio is beginning to see its statewide colonoscopy rates increase, and hopefully soon will see the impact statewide of a shift in stage at diagnosis and a reduction in colon cancer incidence and subsequent mortality.”

Dr. Richard Capone, St. Rita’s cancer liaison, served as project co-chair and champion.