Mayor, state rep., call for Forum Health to remain intact

YOUNGSTOWN — It is in the Mahoning Valley’s best interest for Forum Health to emerge from bankruptcy intact, say several of the area’s elected officials.

“We are very concerned that an outside investor might come in and break up the system. We want to send a strong message we are opposed to that,” said Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams.

Williams and others talked about Forum and its value to the area at a press conference this morning in front of Northside Medical Center on Gypsy Lane hosted by state Rep. Robert Hagan.

“We will need Forum Health to provide services when health-care reform becomes a reality; the community needs the 1,400 jobs Northside provides and the $1.5 million in income taxes the city receives annually. We have to make sure Forum’s creditors understand the importance of the jobs and services provided by Forum Health,” said Hagan of Youngstown, D-60th.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com