Saving the Services of Forum Health

[Chris Flak]

I am hopeful that our community will continue to rally together, just as in the recent 4/4 meeting, to find a better solution to closing Northside Hospital. The message gained from the meeting at New Bethel Church was that citizens, workers, and patients can no longer tolerate bureaucratic decisions that have arisen from poor planning, wastefulness and secrecy. The current consultants influencing these bureaucratic decisions are from an out-of-town corporation that has no idea of how a potential closing will affect our area. Why are the higher ups at Northside so willing to accept this? And at what price?

[jay]

There are strong indications that Forum Health will be restructured and may possibly close the north unit and build another hospital in southern Mahoning County.

I suggest that the government and citizens of Youngstown look into ways to provide some public financial support to keep these health services located within the city of Youngstown.   In addition, the city should have a seat on Forum's governing board in order to represent the health interests of its citizens.