EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and Columbiana County Health Department are opening a "Health Assessment Clinic" this week for any East Palestine residents affected by the train derailment.
The clinic began at noon on Tuesday and will continue through at least March 4. According to ODH officials, the clinic is an opportunity for local residents to discuss medical concerns and receive a medical evaluation.
"If someone does not have a doctor, they can come in ... there's a whole series of questions that they're going to be asked, and they're going to be given some guidance and information about where they need to go from here," Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters.
The clinic will be held at the First Church of Christ (20 West Martin Street) in East Palestine. Additional rooms will be available to accommodate the number of appointments via a "mobile unit" run by the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County.
The mobile units will be parked outside of the church. Appointments can be scheduled by calling (234) 564-7755 or (234) 564-7888.
"Last week, I was in East Palestine and listened as many area residents expressed their concerns and fears," said Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff. "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. We encourage anyone who has medical concerns or questions to take advantage of this resource."
If there are any long-term health affects among residents, DeWine says the Norfolk Southern Railway will foot the medical bills.
"The railroad needs to pay for anything that they caused, anything that they did," the governor declared. "So, if someone ends up at the clinic and they do not have insurance, the railroad needs to be made to pay."
According to the ODH, registered nurses and mental health specialists will be available on-site. Toxicologists will also be available on-site or by phone.
Hours from Feb. 21-25:
Church assessment rooms
- Tuesday 12-6 p.m.
- Wednesday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Closed Sunday
Mobile unit
- Tuesday 12-6 p.m.
- Thursday-Friday: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Hours from February 27 to March 4:
Church assessment rooms
- Monday to Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Mobile unit
- Tuesday-Thursday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.