Join us in helping the residents of Vinton County fight this terrible disease!
Some Information About Vinton County
A small county with a low population
Founded in 1850 and formed by taking parts of other counties. Vinton is the least populated county in Ohio. In 2022 the population was 12,800 In 2022 it was the next to lowest county in Ohio per capita income. Major employers in the county are in the following order of large to small: Government, Austin Powder Corporation, Vinton County National Bank, Sand Hills Coal, Huston Nursing Home, McArthur Lumber and Post, Twin Maples Nursing Home, Village of McArthur and Crownover Lumber. The largest of these employers in 2011 employed 246 while the smallest employed 26. With a large area of Forest and State Parks, recreation and tourism are also providers of income.
A higher cancer rate
Per the Ohio Department of Health 2023 Vinton County Cancer Profile: The cancer incident rate for the county from 2016 to 2020 was 502 per 100,000 population. The Ohio rate was 465.3 per 100,000 and the National rate was 438.7 per 100,000. This places Vinton with a higher rate than the rest of the state and Ohio with a rate higher than the rest of the nation.
The 2016-2020 cancer mortality rate in Vinton County was 217.2 per 100,000 population, compared with the Ohio rate of 166.1 per 100,000 and the U.S. rate of 149.4 per 100,000. Again Vinton is higher in deaths from cancer than the rest of the state and the state higher then the nation.
How this group came together
In 2017 Randy Yates, Barb Prater and Kim McManis got together and started discussing what they believed was a higher cancer rate in Vinton County, Ohio. They prepared a survey and asked residents to complete it. After receiving 235 responses the group reached out to the Ohio University Office of Research for help in redesigning their questionnaire and moving the study forward. They teamed with Dr. Melissa Thomas, of Ohio University, who became the primary investigator. Members of the Vinton County Cancer Research group underwent training to become certified researchers through the Collaborative Institutive Training Initiative program. Three leading organizers of the group were Randy Yates, Kim McManis and Barb Prater, though the team has many other volunteers and supporters. Finding a cancer cluster is rare, the study offered the community resources and tools to further understand the disease. After receiving the study results the group started discussing ways they impact residents of Vinton County who have cancer. The group grew in size and continues to add new members. The group decided to raise money through fundraisers and grants. The money would then be used to provide gas cards for those who are undergoing cancer treatment. What started out as a small way to help has grown into something much larger. Food cards are also given out now. This is meant to be a way to help with the shock of being diagnosed and suddenly having to face possibly months or years of illness and treatment. Cards are given out regardless of income. Recipients only have to show they have appointments related to cancer and are Vinton County residents. All the monies raised by the group go to Vinton County residents and stay local. The group felt that there are many larger organizations that raise funds but they have very little direct impact locally. The group wanted to do something to directly help our local residents.
Connect With Us
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and events from our organization. Follow us on social media on Facebook at Vinton County Cancer Research by clicking the tab below.. Have a question? Have a recommendation for one of our roundtables?
Email us at vccrgoup@gmail.com
Vinton County Health Department
Check out what is going on at the Vinton County Health Department. A lot of useful information including smoking cessation.
Who are the Vinton County Cancer Research Group
Vinton County Cancer Research Group
We are a non-profit 501c3 organization dedicated to supporting residents of Vinton County, Ohio who are facing the challenges of cancer treatment. Our mission is to provide resources and information to those affected by this devastating disease. Through our research efforts, we aim to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment and improve outcomes for our local community. We provide gas and grocery cards to residents traveling for cancer treatment and appointments. For travel distance less than 30 miles we provide 2- $25 gas cards and 1-$50 grocery card per month. For distances greater than 31 miles we provide 2-$50 gas cards and 1-$50 grocery card per month. The only requirements are proof of residency and appointments. No income or personal information is necessary! All monies collected stay in Vinton County!
A Gift That Keeps Growing
In 2024 VCCRG gave out $25,500 in gas and food cards to Vinton County Residents with Cancer appointments! We gave out our first gas card in June of 2021. $1500 was given out that year. This is an endeavor that continues to grow each year. This is only possible through the generous donations of our supporters and those who support our fundraisers! On average we are helping 29 people each month now. We are actively reaching out to spread the word of what we do so any Vinton County Resident with this disease knows this is available. Please help us continue this worthy cause. If you know someone in Vinton County with cancer please tell them about this benefit.
What We Do: EVENTS
Cancer Walk
Fishing Tournament
Vendor Fair
What Happens to the money?
Monies raised by these events are used to provide gas and food cards to Vinton County residents undergoing cancer treatment. All Vinton County residents are eligible, regardless of income.
Meetings
Monthly Meetings
We meet on the second Monday of the Month at 6:30PM. New attendees are welcome! Meetings are held at the McArthur Fire Department 303 West High St. McArthur, Ohio
Round Tables
Round Tables are usually held quarterly. Guest speakers are invited to share information on the different aspects of the disease and treatments. Attendees are encouraged to participate but are welcome to just sit and listen.
Donations
VCCRG depends entirely on money raised from fundraisers and donations.
If you are thinking of making a donation in memory of a loved one or for any reason.
Please think of us!
We promise it will be used to help someone in Vinton County!
There are many organizations to donate to that do great work. But most if not all of their funds have little local impact.
Donations can be sent to:
Vinton County Cancer Research Group
410 McArthur Ave.
McArthur, Ohio 45651
Octoberfest Vendor Fair 2024 Photos
Hurricane Helene Relief
Some photos from our 2024 Bink Fox Fishing For Vinton County Cancer Research Tournament
Educational
Information about Colorectal Cancer
Click the photo above for information about colorectal cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Breast Cancer
Click on the image above for information about breast cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Lung Cancer
Click on the image above for information about lung cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Prostate Cancer
Click on the image for information about prostate cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Skin Cancer
Click on the image above for information about skin cancers from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Bladder Cancer
Click on the image above for information about bladder cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Non Hodgkins Lymphoma
Click on the image above for information about Non Hodgkins Lymphoma from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Thyroid Cancer
Click on the image above for information about Thyroid Cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Leukemia
Click on the image above for information about Leukemia from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Pancreatic Cancer
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Click on the image above for information about Pancreatic Cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Click on the image above for information about Sarcoma Cancer from the James Cancer Center.
Information about Childhood Cancer a term for cancers that develop in children between birth and 14
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Information about Sarcoma, a type of rare cancerous tumor that can occur almost anywhere in the body
Click on the image above for information about Childhood Cancer from The National Cancer Institute.
Please Support Vinton County Cancer Research Group's Mission
Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers account for almost half of all new cancer cases in the United States. Lung, colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers are responsible for nearly half of all cancer deaths. The cancer mortality rate is higher among men than women. Non-Hispanic black men have the highest rate of new cancer diagnoses for all cancers combined. 41.6 percent of Men will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime! This almost 1 out of 2 men. 39.6 percent of Women will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime! That's 1 out of every 3!
What's going on in the community
OSU Mammogram Unit
Monday February 3, 2025
Vinton County Health Department
31927 OH-93, McArthur, OH 45651
Call to schedule an appointment. 740.596.5233
Heritage Community Care Clinic: Primary Care Clinic
Wednesday February 5, 2025 9AM-3PM
Campbells Market
6:30 W. Main St. McArthur Ohio 45651
Duration: 6 Hr.
Are you uninsured or underinsured and between the ages of 18 and 64? Do you need healthcare? The Heritage Community Clinic is here for you. Call for your appointment: 740-593-2432.
Chinese Auction for Shawn Betts
Saturday March 8, 2025 10AM-3PM
Hamden Community Building
138 E. Railroad St, Hamden, OH 45634
Duration: 5 Hr.
Drawing begins at 3PM. Must be Present to Win Chinese Auction Items
Food Raffles Silent Auction
Shawn is scheduled for surgery and, as a result, will be unable to work for an unspecified period.
Vinton County turns 175!
Sunday March 23, 2025
McArthur, Ohio
104 W. Main Street, McArthur, OH
An exciting celebration as Vinton County turns 175! There will be plenty of fun activities, storytelling, and great company. Don't miss out on the festivities! More details to come!
Heritage Community Care Clinic: Women's Health Clinic
Thursday April 24, 2025 9AM-3PM
Campbells Market
6:30 W. Main St. McArthur Ohio 45651
Duration: 6 Hr.
Are you an uninsured or underinsured woman between the ages of 18 and 64? Do you need healthcare? The Heritage Community Clinic is here for you. Call for your appointment: 740-593-2432.
Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival
August 7-10, 2025
Vinton County Fairgrounds
31471 St Rt 93 McArthur Ohio 45651
BeaOutdoors Hocking Hills Bigfoot Festival in McArthur, Ohio (just south of Logan, deep in the Hills) with 4 DAYS of 'BIG' Fun on a 'BIG'GER playground at the Vinton County Fairgrounds, August 7-10th, 2025!! $10 Parking Pass includes EVERYTHING!
Discounted (whole event) parking passes are available for a limited time on the website!!!
