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Forum Health to launch new campaign
‘I can’t think of a better investment for the community than Forum Health,’ said Walter J. Pishkur, president and CEO.
YOUNGSTOWN — Forum Health is launching a major campaign Monday in an effort to secure help in formulating and financing its plan for survival.
“We’re trying to make sure people understand the magnitude of this organization, and the impact locally on health care and the economy its closing would have,” said Walter J. “Buzz” Pishkur, Forum president and chief executive officer.
Forum Health filed Monday for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Youngstown. The company said it owes its creditors $139 million.
Forum has between 3,700 and 3,800 employees, which Pishkur said makes the hospital system the second-largest employer in the Mahoning Valley, and key to the local economy.
He said Forum has a $170 million annual payroll and pays $55 million a year in local, state and federal taxes.
“I’m going to ask for their ideas and their help,” he said of the officials invited to Monday’s meeting. “I’m going to make our case.”
Invitees who have confirmed they will attend Monday’s meeting are: U.S. Rep. Timothy Ryan of Niles, D-17th or his representative; Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams; Warren Mayor Michael O’Brien; state Sens. Capri Cafaro of Liberty, D-32nd, and Joseph Sciovani of Canfield, D-33rd, ; state Reps. Thomas Letson of Warren, D-64th, and Sandra Stabile Harwood of Niles, D-65th; Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George; Kenneth Carano, Gov. Ted Strickland’s regional director for the Mahoning Valley; and Arnie Clebone, regional economic development director.
“Of all the money that is being spent, I can’t think of a better investment for the community than Forum Health. Those are our tax dollars. If you are looking for a worthy impact, try to think of one that is more important to this community than Forum Health,” Pishkur said.
“Now is the time we need help. In fact, if we get the cost-cutting agreements with employees I think we can, and can get somebody to step up and give us a loan or back a loan, this can be turned around in a New York minute,” he said.
Monday’s meeting is the first in a series of meetings planned by Forum, at which it wants to engage elected and civic leaders, as well as the general public, in supporting the system’s business plan for future economic vitality, Pishkur said.
These meetings will also serve to remind the community of Forum’s nationally recognized medical/clinical excellence, and to open up Forum’s communication process to all, he said.
The first two sessions will include public officials, followed by three sessions for the general public, the dates for which will be announced once scheduling details are finalized, hospital officials said.
alcorn@vindy.com