Date Sent: July 22, 2021

Trumbull County is starting to see an increase in daily COVID-19 case counts. The total number of cases over the last two days equaled our previous seven day case county of 18 cases. The bulk of these cases are occurring in the community and not congregate care settings.

Please be advised that the Delta variant is becoming more prevalent throughout the United States including Ohio. The Delta variant should be concerning for all individuals as it is more contagious than previous variants of the COVID-19 virus. It takes less of the Delta variant to spread from the mouth/nose of an infected person to another, non-infected person. It is a serious threat to those who are unvaccinated and Trumbull County’s vaccination rate still remains under 45%.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to prevent illness. The COVID-19 vaccines offer very high rates of protection against Delta hospitalization and death. While there are potential side effects from vaccination – just like there are for any antibiotic or other medication – those risks are small, indeed, compared to the risks of COVID-19 for people of any age. Remember, it takes up to 2 weeks to be fully protected against COVID-19 after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Therefore, it is important to get vaccinated now to protect yourself as the Delta variant continues to spread and we get closer to returning to indoor environments.

TCCHD continues to offer COVID-19 vaccine clinics at the Eastwood Mall in the former Lane Bryant, Unit #455, near center court next to Pandora and across from Auntie Anne’s on a weekly basis. Clinics will be every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00pm-7:00pm and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays in August from 1:00pm- 4:00pm. For those who receive their first dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at our vaccine clinics will be eligible to receive a $25 Eastwood Mall Gift Card.

The Warren City Health District will offer COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna) clinics at 258 E. Market St. (3rd floor), August 11th, 18th, and 25th. The hours will run both morning and afternoon from 9:00am to 11:00am then 1:00pm to 3:00pm. On August 22, 2021, from 12:00pm-5:00pm, the WCHD will offer COVID-19 vaccine at Perkins Park for a Back-to-School event. For the elderly, the disabled, and non-English speaking persons please dial 211 for Essential Community Services.

We are also encouraging those who are not yet vaccination to continue wearing a mask and practicing good hand hygiene and social distancing as much as possible.

Please continue to check our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/trumbullpublichealth) or Twitter Page (www.twitter.com/trumbull_health) for updated COVID-19 information.

To registered and/or follow the Warren City Health District for upcoming COVID-19 clinics, please visit https://warren.org/covid-19-vaccine-registration-form or search Warren City Health District via Facebook.

Citizens of Warren

Last month I held a press conference seeking authorization from the city council to apply for a 2.5 million dollar cleanup grant from the State of Ohio. The purpose of this grant is for asbestos removal and eventual demolition of a major public safety hazard and eyesore on the city’s Northwest side; the property site of Riverside Square is often referred to as the Former St. Joseph Riverside Hospital.

The purpose of this letter is to thank everyone involved in getting us to this point of finally being able to address this significant challenge, but more importantly, provide historical context on how we got here.

This property, which sits on 13 acres in a residential neighborhood, was originally developed in 1934 with the construction of the first building.  Major additions from 1942 through 1994 grew to the present size of over 271,000 square feet of floor space, plus an additional 3,000 sq. feet of utility space. In 1995 Humility of Mary (HM Health Services) began moving operations to Warren General Hospital. On the city’s East, its present location, now called and known as St. Joseph’s Hospital.

It needs to be made clear and I wish to emphasize that the Humility of Mary Health Services or Mercy Health St. Joseph’s Hospital did not walk away and abandon the facility.  They were the last truly responsible owners of the property.

The fact is that the property was sold in 1997 to Rivreside Square Inc. with the concept of converting the building into a professional office space.  It was then sold by Riverside Square to PKAM LLC in 2003 which in a short time filed for bankruptcy.  The property was then transferred to Fairview Commercial Lending and was subsequently to Euro-American Finance Network in 2010 and left abandoned.  The City of Warren officially condemned the building In 2012 which, ironically, was my first year serving as Mayor and became and still remains a top priority of my tenure in office.

So once again it was not Mercy Health (St. Joseph Hospital) that abandoned the property, which led to its current condition. Quite frankly, having experienced first-hand corporations that have filed bankruptcy and simply walk away from these often dangerous toxic eyesores, for communities to deal with and address, 

I am thankful that when St. Joseph’s Mercy Health decided to move its operations in 1995, they chose to remain in our city and have continued to serve our citizens and the Greater Warren Area ever since.

To date, Mercy Health/St. Joseph’s Hospital remains as one of our top employers and is a valued corporate partner, whom I've had the pleasure of collaborating with on several public health initiatives, including but not limited to the establishment of Eds & Meds corridor within the city and the COVID 19 Pandemic Collaborative and many other initiatives regarding public health.  In fact, they currently have a presence next to the former Hospital with its Urgent Care facility.

As Mayor, I believe it is important to know and understand the true history of this property and acknowledge the facts.  

Through perseverance and with the help of many partners, both public and private we can finally see the light at the end of this tunnel for which I am truly grateful.

(COLUMBUS, OH)—Today, Mayor Doug Franklin of Warren announced that the city will join Power A Clean Future Ohio (PCFO), a nonpartisan coalition and campaign that is dedicated to working with local communities to develop equitable clean energy solutions to benefit the well-being of residents, the environment, and the economy. The mayor plans to sign the pledge and work with city leadership to reduce the city’s carbon emissions by 30% by 2030. 

“We applaud Mayor Franklin and the commitment of the entire community for their leadership in protecting our environment and building a sustainable economy for the next generation of Warren residents. Prioritizing clean energy supports economic growth and the health and well-being of Ohio’s communities,” said Joe Flarida, Executive Director of PCFO. “Warren is the 12th community to join this growing coalition of leading cities across Ohio and we are excited to support the community as they lead the way is building a clean energy future.” 

“Our community is well-positioned to lead the state in innovation through new opportunities available here in Voltage Valley,” said Mayor Franklin. “I’m proud of the leadership our community has shown in recognizing that renewable energy and advanced transportation are critical for our growth. We look forward to working with Power a Clean Future Ohio and other local governments to create a clean energy economy in Ohio, an economy that I know Warren residents are ready to help build.”  

“We support Warren joining this initiative as it brings more opportunities for our startup clients to pilot new energy technologies in our hometown,” said Sara Daugherty, Director of Partnerships at BRITE Energy Innovators, the only energy technology incubator in the state. “The coalition brings best practices for building efficiency, fleet electrification and can allow Warren to become a leader in equitable solutions and job creation.”

In 2019, 114,000 people were employed in clean energy jobs throughout the state, and Ohio auto manufacturers are planning major investments to build more electric vehicles in Ohio in the coming years. In addition, 39 companies that are either headquartered in Ohio or are among the state’s 100 largest employers have dedicated plans to be powered by 100% renewable energy by a specific date. 

Local communities like Warren are joining with these employers in making a commitment to spur the economic growth and development that results from embracing clean technologies and advanced transportation. The jobs of the future are in clean energy and clean transportation. 

Utilizing clean energy sources also improves air quality, a significant issue for the state. Ohio ranks 46th in the nation in asthma rates for children ages 0-17. Poor air quality is a major contributor to asthma rates, particularly in disproportionately impacted communities, which is the leading reason for hospital ER visits in this age group. Developing innovative solutions to harmful air pollution will also serve to protect the health of all Warren residents.

Public Sewer Project Presentation & Discussion

Ed Haller, WPC Directory
AECOM, Sanitary
ECO, Storm

Water Pollution Control

Here’s your chance, gain insight and give input for Warren sewer projects. Seven (7) Virtual Meetings are scheduled, tailored to each Ward in the City of Warren. Meetings are about an hour, all at 3 p.m.

• Ward 1 (Larry Larson) 2/4
• Ward 2 (Al Novak) 2/18 Ward 5 (Ken McPherson) 4/1
• Ward 3 (Greg Greathouse) 3/4 Ward 6 (Cheryl Saffold) 4/15
• Ward 4 (Mark Forte) 3/18 Ward 7 (Ron White) 4/29

By Computer, Tablet, or Smart Phone:

Download the Go To Meeting App: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/238427957

After downloading the App, Attend by Computer Link: https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/238427957

No Computer? Phone Number Option: +1 (786) 535-3211

Access Code: 238-427-957

Questions call (330) 841-2591 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Drive Thru Rapid COVID-19 Testing is Available at the Following Locations:

Steward Urgent Care of Austintown
20 Ohltown Road, Austintown, OH 44515
Testing available: Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
To schedule a testing time, call 330-884-1502.

QuickMed Walk-in Clinic
880 West Liberty Street, Hubbard, OH 44425
Testing available: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
To schedule a testing time, call 330-269-1934. 

Steward Health Center, Elm Road
*Testing available for Steward Medical Group patients only at this location.
2652 Elm Road NE, Building C, Cortland, OH 44410
Your Steward Medical Group provider will schedule your test for you.

For Latest news visit: https://covid-19-trumbull-ema.hub.arcgis.com/ 

Continue

Tier 1A will include those below who choose to be vaccinated: 
(Current Tier)

• Healthcare workers and personnel who are routinely involved in the care of COVID-19 patients.
• Residents and staff in nursing homes.
• Residents and staff in assisted living facilities.
• Patients and staff at state psychiatric hospitals.
• People with developmental disabilities and those with mental health disorders, including substance use disorders, who live in group homes, residential facilities, or centers, and staff at those locations.
• Residents and staff at our two state-run homes for Ohio veterans.
• EMS responders.

Tier 1A Vaccine Registration

At this time, the Trumbull County Combined Health District (TCCHD) and the Warren City Health District (WCHD) are working together to plan the administration of vaccine to Tier 1A-eligible persons. Vaccine is in very limited supply and is expected to stay in limited supply for the near future. As such, TCCHD and WCHD will be scheduling limited small vaccine clinics based on the number of vaccines we have on hand at the time of the clinic. Clinics will be by invitation only http://www.tcchd.org/. 

Tier 1B will specifically include those below who choose to be vaccinated: 
(Next Tier)

• Ohioans, age 65 and up, starting with those 80 years or older.
• Younger people with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders that make them particularly vulnerable – such as cerebral palsy; spina bifida; congenital heart disease; type 1 diabetes; inherited metabolic disorders; severe neurologic disorders including epilepsy; severe genetic disorders including Down Syndrome, Fragile X, Prader Willi Syndrome, Turner Syndrome; severe lung disease including cystic fibrosis and severe asthma; sickle cell anemia; and alpha- and beta-thalassemia. 
• Adults/employees in all schools that want to go back, or to remain, educating in person.

- John May, BS, Deputy Health Commissioner                                                        
01/08/2021

There are several Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks in the City of Warren. Many of which have residents and staff who have contracted the COVID-19 virus.

The Warren City Health District is currently working with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) and their Infectious Disease specialists to stop the spread of COVID-19 within each respective facility. Each facility deemed as having an “outbreak” will have an Infection Control and Response (ICAR) call between the Local Health Department (LHD), the facility’s administration, and members of the Ohio Department of Health to implement strategies on how best to stop the spread of COVID-19 in that facility.

Currently, the Warren City Health District and the ODH have set-up resources for each facility to assist in staffing and other issues, should the situation worsen.

The Warren City Health District will remain in constant communication with each facility identified as having an “outbreak”.

- John May, BS, Deputy Health Commissioner

Department: Water Pollution Control

Position: Plant Operator (2)

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