Ohio train derailment: Clinic opening tomorrow in East Palestine to give health assessments

EAST PALESTINE — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has announced they will be opening a Health Assessment Clinic in Northeast Ohio for any East Palestine residents who have medical related questions to this month’s train derailment, according to an ODH spokesperson.

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The clinic will open Tuesday at 12 p.m. and ODH will be working in conjunction with the Columbiana County Health Department and U.S. Department of Health.

It will also be available from February 27 to March 4, the spokesperson said.

“Last week, I was in East Palestine and listened as many area residents expressed their concerns and fears,” said ODH Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA. “I heard you, the state heard you, and now the Ohio Department of Health and many of our partner agencies are providing this clinic, where people can come and discuss these vital issues with medical providers.”

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The clinic will be a chance for Northeast Ohio residents to discuss concerns and receive a health assessment, according to ODH.

Referrals will also be made if needed.

“We encourage anyone who has medical concerns or questions to take advantage of this resource,” said Dr. Vanderhoff.

Registered nurses, mental health specialists and a toxicologist will be available.

The clinic will take place at the First Church of Christ in East Palestine and there will also be a mobile unit, an ODH spokesperson said.

The hours of operation are: