East Palestine, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff have announced a $750,000 investment to assist East Liverpool City Hospital in relocating and expanding its primary care clinic in East Palestine. This funding will help the clinic transition into a federally certified Rural Health Clinic, ensuring continued access to essential healthcare services for residents.
Strengthening Healthcare Access for the Community
The financial support is designed to help the clinic secure long-term stability by allowing it to qualify as a Rural Health Clinic. This designation would open new revenue streams and provide higher reimbursement rates compared to traditional fee-for-service models, making it financially sustainable for years to come.
Governor DeWine emphasized the state’s ongoing commitment to the people of East Palestine, stating, “Two years after the train derailment in East Palestine, we are staying true to our word to residents. We will continue to stand by their side as long as it takes. This investment will set up East Palestine’s health clinic for long-term success—ensuring that residents will be able to continue accessing this convenient healthcare resource in their community, even after the cleanup ends.”
A Commitment That Began in 2023
The state has been actively involved in supporting healthcare access for East Palestine residents since the Norfolk Southern train derailment. In February 2023, just days after the incident, the Ohio Department of Health partnered with East Liverpool City Hospital to open a temporary health clinic in the community. By April 2023, the clinic was transitioned into a permanent healthcare facility, offering a wide range of services, including primary care, prescriptions, and lab testing.
“The additional funding we have provided is another signal of the state’s continued commitment under the leadership of Governor DeWine to safeguard the health and well-being of East Palestine area residents,” said ODH Director Vanderhoff. “From the beginning, we said we would remain involved in the community, and this new iteration of the health clinic should allow it to better serve residents for years to come.”
The Future of the Clinic
As the transition to a Rural Health Clinic moves forward, hospital officials are assessing potential new locations for the facility. While the exact site has yet to be determined, the move is expected to enhance healthcare access and provide greater stability for the clinic’s operations.
Stephanie Conn, President and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital, expressed her appreciation for the state’s continued support. “We are incredibly grateful to the Ohio Department of Health for their generous support of our primary care clinic, which provides high-quality care to the residents in East Palestine. East Liverpool City Hospital’s commitment to the East Palestine community remains unwavering. We strive to provide exceptional healthcare, improve health outcomes, support the well-being of those we serve, and are dedicated to being a trusted partner in this journey for years to come.”
Continued Investment in Health and Well-Being
This funding represents the latest effort under Governor DeWine’s administration to support both physical and mental health initiatives in East Palestine following the derailment. In July 2024, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services opened the East Palestine Resiliency Center, which has already served over 3,500 individuals. Managed by the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, the center provides mental health counseling, substance use disorder treatment, and family support services to those affected by the derailment.
With the continued backing of state resources, East Palestine’s healthcare infrastructure is being strengthened to ensure long-term stability for residents in need.
