Update: Commissioners, City Officials Pledge Funds to Save Local Hospitals

WARREN, Ohio – Tom Connelly, a nurse at Trumbull Regional Medical Center, painted an alarming scenario during a meeting to request financial support to prevent the closure of local Steward Health Care hospitals. 

“If you are driving in the car with someone who can’t breathe, and if you have to go past where Trumbull [Regional] was, what a shame,” said Connelly, who is also president of American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2026.

Steward, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May, announced this week that it intends to close Trumbull Regional in Warren and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland, as well as satellite offices affiliated with both hospitals.

As the fight continues to save the hospitals from closure, Connelly was among those at special meetings of the Trumbull County commissioners and Warren City Council on Friday. 

Commissioners unanimously approved spending up to $3 million on the effort, contingent on a couple of conditions: first, that the money can be legally taken from American Rescue Plan Act funds, opioid funds, OhioOne funds or any other legal funds to be determined by legal counsel; second, Commissioner Niki Frenchko insisted that the motion include a plan review and approval by the commissioners.

Another $3 million was approved by all eight City Council members at their meeting, where it was noted the city would lose about $1.4 million to $1.5 million a year in taxes if the hospitals close.

While some council members had concerns about whether the money would be paid back, it was noted that the situation is urgent and details can be ironed out later.

Warren City Hospital, the group leading the charge to save Trumbull Regional, will provide the statements of financial support as it files objections in the bankruptcy court in Houston on Monday.

The group is still seeking funding from individuals, businesses and foundations in the region, with a goal of $30 million to operate for at least 90 days. Donations can be made to the Save Our Hospital Fund through the United Way of Trumbull County’s website. 

“We are also asking those who support this campaign to express their support in Columbus,” said John T. Woods, secretary of Warren City Hospital, said in a statement released late Friday.

“The governor’s office is aware of our efforts, and local government leaders have been encouraging Gov. DeWine to participate,” Woods said. “It’s important for the governor and his team to know now much Trumbull County prioritizes Trumbull Regional Medical Center.”

Meanwhile, JobsOhio has “joined local leaders and partners to help identify options that could continue the viability of the Trumbull Regional Medical Center so the facility and its workers can continue to serve the community,” said Ryan Squire, JobsOhio communications director.

“The news about the Trumbull Regional Medical Center is tragic for the Mahoning Valley. The failure of this essential health care facility is a detriment to all the people of the Mahoning Valley, especially the health care professionals whose mission is to take care of their neighbors,” Squire said.

While those at both meetings Friday pointed out that Steward Health is to blame for the situation, some were critical of efforts underway by “headhunters” and Mercy Health to lure away employees.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy said the area needs both hospitals, and he asked for Mercy Health to refrain from putting flyers on the vehicles of the other hospital’s employees.

“Thank you for what you do. But at this time, back off and don’t be a circling vulture,” Malloy said. 

A spokeswoman Monday denied that anyone from Mercy Health put flyers on vehicles.

City Councilman Todd Johnson said everyone’s situation is different and the employees who consider getting another job are just ensuring their families’ survival.

Pictured at top: Trumbull County Commissioners Mauro Cantalamessa, Niki Frenchko and Denny Malloy approved spending up to $3 million on the effort to save Trumbull Regional Medical Center.

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to add a response from Mercy Health regarding flyers that were put on hospital employees’ vehicles.

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