Forum turns a profit

YOUNGSTOWN — Forum Health posted a $2.14 million operating profit in April after losing money in the first three months of the year.

Last month’s profit was aided by positive earnings from Forum’s Mahoning County operations, which was the first time they had a profitable month since March 2004.

Western Reserve Care System, which includes Northside Medical Center in Youngstown and Beeghly Medical Park in Boardman, had operating earnings of $286,000 in April. Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren posted operating earnings of $1.78 million.

Dr. Keith Ghezzi, Forum interim president and chief executive, reported the earnings on the company’s Web site in a memo that covered the May 22 board of directors meeting.

Ghezzi said Forum’s $180 million debt “remains a tremendous strain” and added that there has been significant interest from potential investors. Forum has been exploring selling its facilities.

For more on this story, see Thursday's newspaper or www.vindy.com.