Join us in helping the residents of Vinton County fight this terrible disease!
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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.
VCCRG has no affiliation with any medical providers or facilities
VCCRG is not affiliated with any medical provider or facility. Our goal is to provide Vinton County Cancer patients with as much information as possible about care that is available in our area.
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-$25 grocery card per month. For distances greater than 31 miles we provide 2-$50 gas cards and 1-$25 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.
Great Session at our last Roundtable
O'Bleness Cancer Center Athens, Ohio
At our last Roundtable we had a great visit from Deb Riley (Breast Cancer Navigator) and Jensyn Cousins (Oncology Social Work Navigator) from O'Bleness Cancer Center in Athens. They talked about the cancer treatments that are available at O'Bleness. O'Bleness is part of the Ohio Health Network which also includes the Bing Cancer Center at Riverside Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. We learned that most standard treatments including chemotherapy and radiation can be done at their facility in Athens. They are an accredited facility. They said they are the "Best Kept Secret in Athens County." Many patients who have surgery in larger city facilities come there for the followup treatment. We learned that there are standardized treatment plans for most cancers. You would receive the same care plan at O'Bleness as you would at a larger facility. We learned that they have patient assistance programs to help patients get to appointments and have recently started support groups for both patients and caregivers that are open to anyone not just O'Bleness patients.
Cathy Hart, who was born and raised in Vinton County, and is a cancer survivor came with Deb and Jensyn. Cathy shared the journey of her illness and treatment. Cathy had surgery in a larger city but did all of her subsequent treatment at O'Bleness. She praised the care and caregivers she had at O'Bleness and said she would not hesitate to recommend them.
For many Vinton County Residents O'Bleness is the closest option for cancer care.
Pictured are Deb Riley and Jensyn Cousins.
Deb's email is Deb.Riley@OhioHealth.com
Jensyn's email is Jensyn.Cousins@OhioHealth.com
Both asked that anyone with questions please reach out to their email.
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
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!
Cancer Support Groups for Patients and Care Givers!
Harrison Twp Fire & Rescue Vinton County Fish Fry
Saturday April 19, 2025 2PM-?
53029 Old Rt 50 Londonderry, OH 45647
Carry-outs and dine in. 3 piece Fish Dinner with beans, potato salad and choice of white, wheat or rye bread. Will begin at 2 p.m. - ??
We will also have a Bake Sale.
Heritage Community Care Clinic: Women's Health Clinic
Thursday April 24, 2025 9AM-3PM
Campbells Market
630 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.
2025 McArthur Fire Department Veal Dinner
Sunday April 27, 2025 11AM-3PM
McArthur Fire Department
303 W. High St. McArthur Ohio 45651
Duration: 4 Hr.
The 2025 McArthur Fire Department Veal Dinner will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM @ McArthur Fire Department Station #1 located at 303 West High Street. Our Veal Dinner cost will be $15.00 & Veal Sandwich: $7.00. All proceeds benefit McArthur Volunteer Fire Department. Thank you for
your continued support!
Wild Turkey Festival
Thursday May 1-Sunday May 4, 2025
McArthur Ohio 45651
UPDATED schedule of events!!!!
41st Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival
Schedule of Events
(It's early--subject to change)
Thursday – May 1,2025
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
5:00 p.m. Festival Opens withth performance by VCHS Marching Bandnd and tibbon cutting ceremony
6pm Out of the Box Presents: Karaoke Contests on the Main Stage
Friday – May 2, 2025
11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
11:00 a.m. NEW - Lip Sync Battle
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open
5:00 p.m. Introduction of the 2025 Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival Queen
and Little Miss Contestants on the Main Stage
5:00 p.m. NEW - Sweet Treat Auction
Friday Evening’s Main Stage Entertainment:
Gypsy Kyngs
Recess
Saturday – May 3, 2025
8:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast--McArthur Delta Lodge 207 F&AM (Masonic Lodge,107 N. Market St.)
8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Country Roads Quilt Guild Quilt Show (Herbert Wescoat Memorial Library)
11:00 a.m. Baton Twirling Performance (Main Stage Area)
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open
1:00 p.m. Midway Rides Open
Queen's Luncheon: Central Elementary School (by Invitation)
2:00 p.m. Vinton County Line Dancers’ Performance (Main Stage Area)
4:30 p.m. Introduction of Visiting Fair and Festival Royalty: (Main Stage)
6:00 p.m. Grand Parade: On the streets of McArthur
7:00 p.m. Crowning of the 2025 Vinton County Wild Turkey Festival Queen & Court (Main Stage)
Saturday's Main Stage Entertainment:
Attaboy
Sunday – May 4, 2025
12:00 p.m. Festival Booths Open and Midway Rides Open
1-2pm baby contestt registration, contestt begins at 2:30pm
Following the baby contest- Little Miss Gobblerette & Little Mr. Gobbler Contest Winners Announced—(Main Stage)
Following Gobbler/Gobblerette:
Crowning of the 2025 Little Miss Queen and Court—(Main Stage)
5:00 p.m. Festival Closes
https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=vinton%20county%20wild%20turkey%20festival
Cares For Connie
Saturday May 3, 2025 12PM
Hamden Firefighters Community Buiiding
138 E Railroad St, Hamden, OH 45634-5048
Connie Lambert from Wellston and currently a resident of Hamden Ohio is fighting her fight with cancer. Connie is undergoing cancer treatments for brain, liver, breasts, female organs and her femur leg bone. NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE! We are asking for donations for this benefit. We will need donations for a Chinese Auction, Live Big Auction. The day of benefit if anyone would like to donate a dessert for auction, please bring to Hamden Community building by 12 noon. Any other items can be dropped off at LOCKARD INSURANCE AGENCY, 1 South Ohio Avenue Wellston, Ohio Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or call LORI BAILEY for pickup at 614.589.7539. Tshirts will be on sale for Connie with all proceeds going to Connie. $18.00 a shirt from small to xl - $20 for 2xl - 4xl. Cups $10.00 each. Message Taylor Crittenden on Facebook if interested in getting these. Pre orders will be available the day of the benefit to pick up at the Hamden Firefighters Community Building. We will have food and drinks available. https://www.facebook.com/events/2997685330390567
Mike Hire Heart Transplant Benefit
Saturday May 3, 2025 11AM-3PM
Vinton County High School
63910 US-50, McArthur, OH 45651-1301
McArthur Ohio 45651
Concessions, Chinese Auction, Dessert Auction, Heart for Hire T-Shirt Sale, Cornhole Tournament ($40 per team, bring you own partner, Cash & Prizes determined by amount of entries. Bags fly at noon.) All Proceeds go to the Hire Family.
Questions contact: Andi Shonborn 740-517-7633
Vinton County Farmer's Market
Saturday May 3, 2025 9AM (Repeats Every Saturday until end of season)
Vinton County National Bank parking lot between the Post Office and Booth Insurance
This is not the new bank location!
McArthur Ohio 45651
With lots of discussion the farmers market has decided to set up this year in the bank parking lot between the post office and booth insurance. This is a nice location in town with parking available and steps with a handrail if needed. This will hopefully be a very successful spot for the community and the vendors alike.
Heritage Community Care Clinic
Wednesday May 7, 2025 9AM-3PM
Campbells Market
630 W. Main St. McArthur Ohio 45651
Duration: 6 Hr.
Are you uninsured or underinsured 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.
Quality Free Health Care for Southeast Ohio
Benefit Chinese Auction for Mike Simpson
Saturday May 17, 2025 10AM-2PM
Duration: 4Hrs
West Elementary School 57750 US Highway 50, Allensville , OH 45651
Mike was in a motor vehicle accident in November involving a semi. He sustained serious injuries including fractured vertebrae, broken ribs, sternum, and leg. This caused him to be hospitalized, then later sent to a nursing home for therapy. He now is home but requires ongoing medical treatment and therapy.
The auction is to help pay medical bills, gas for doctor visits, and other related medical expenses. We are asking for donations for the Chinese auction of gently used or new items, baked goods for a silent auction and any large items that we could raffle. All cash donations are to be given to Jeffery Harper III. Thank you all for your support and love during this difficult time.
All proceeds will go to Mike Simpson.
Contact Jeffery Harper III for donation 1(740)637-3224
Peggy Harper or Skya Hamilton via messenger
Southern Ohio Forest Rally
June 12-14, 2025
The full schedule coming in May
Thursday - Chillicothe
Friday - Shawnee Forest
Saturday - Zaleski Forest
With a deep-rooted history, legendary rally roads, and a commitment to growing the sport, the Southern Ohio Forest Rally continues to be a premier event in U.S. rally racing. Whether you're a rally driver, co-driver, or motorsports enthusiast, Ohio’s rally heritage and the SOFR experience are second to none.
Vinton County Junior Fair
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!!!
