EAST PALESTINE, Ohio – East Liverpool City Hospital will receive $750,000 in state funds to transition its East Palestine primary care clinic to a new location.

The funding will enable the clinic to apply to become a federally certified Rural Health Clinic, which will allow the access of additional revenue streams and help ensure the clinic’s long-term sustainability, a news release from Gov. Mike DeWine’s office states.

“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,” DeWine said. “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 health care resource in their community, even after the cleanup ends.”

The Ohio Department of Health partnered with East Liverpool City Hospital to open a temporary health clinic for East Palestine area residents just days after the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern train derailment in the village.

ODH then supported the hospital as it opened a permanent clinic in April 2023. For nearly two years, the clinic has provided comprehensive primary care services to local residents, including treatment, prescriptions, lab testing and more.

“The additional funding we have provided is another signal of the state’s continued commitment under the leadership of Gov. DeWine to safeguard the health and well-being of East Palestine area residents,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, ODH director. “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.”

Hospital officials are evaluating options for a new location for the clinic but don’t expect to have a site announcement for several months.

“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,” said Stephanie Conn, president and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital. “We strive to provide exceptional health care, 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.”

Pictured at top: The East Palestine primary care clinic.