COLUMBUS, Ohio — An award of $750,000 will be assisting East Liverpool City Hospital's East Palestine primary care clinic move to a new location and apply to become a Rural Health Clinic (RHC), state officials announced Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • An award of $750,000 will be assisting the East Palestine primary care clinic move to a new location and apply to become a Rural Health Clinic

  • A Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine in 2023, thrusting the small town into the national spotlight
  • A temporary clinic was opened shortly after the derailment and a permanent one in April 2023

In a press release from the governor’s office and Ohio Department of Health, it states that being recognized as a RHC would offer more revenue to the clinic, thus helping sustain it.

“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,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in the release. “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.”

Shortly after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine in 2023—thrusting the small town into the national spotlight as a massive plume of smoke was captured in videos and photos and residents expressed concerns about their health in the aftermath—the department of health set up a temporary clinic in partnership with the East Liverpool City Hospital.

A permanent clinic was later opened in April 2023, according to the release.

“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,” ODH Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff said in the release. “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.”

A location for the clinic has yet to be decided, but the release states hospital officials are looking at options.

Stephanie Conn, the president and CEO of East Liverpool City Hospital, said they are thankful to the department of health for their support of the clinic.

“East Liverpool City Hospital’s commitment to the East Palestine community remains unwavering,” she said. “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.”

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