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Gov. to explore ways to save Forum jobs
Strickland’s staff has met with union officials regarding Forum Health.
YOUNGSTOWN — Gov. Ted Strickland has pledged to explore all opportunities and avenues to save the jobs at Forum Health.
With the Monday deadline looming for Forum Health and its creditors to decide if the hospital system will go forward with a stand-alone reorganization plan or be sold, local leaders continue to look for last-minute solutions.
The governor will work closely with U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Avon, U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, and Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams to develop a strong federal, state and local effort to assist Forum Health, said Amanda Wurst, his spokeswoman.
Strickland always encourages Ohio communities to work collaboratively to apply for any federal stimulus resources that may be available, and he would be supportive of such efforts, she said.
Local officials have been seeking ways to attract stimulus money to help the hospital system after Williams raised the concept last week during an appearance on C-SPAN cable public affairs network.
The governor’s staff has met with union officials regarding Forum Health, and he looks forward to working closely with the local community to preserve 4,000 Mahoning Valley jobs in the days and weeks ahead, the spokeswoman said.
“From what I understand from one of the governor’s staff, they are working on putting together a task force to see what can be done,” said Eric Williams, president of the Youngstown General Duty Nurse Association/Ohio Nurse Association. The union represents between 450 and 500 registered nurses at Forum’s Northside Medical Center.
“The answer I got is if the governor sees a need, he’d make it happen,” said Williams, who remains hopeful, given the governor’s commitment, that some plan can be put together.
Williams said he has not heard anything about a decision earlier than Monday.
“With the high-level players involved, I don’t think there will be an early decision,” he said.
Forum Health filed March 16 for Chapter 11 protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The health system’s other major facilities are Trumbull Memorial Hospital in Warren and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland.
alcorn@vindy.com