State officials applaud grand opening of East Palestine Resiliency Center
Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director LeeAnne Cornyn Monday joined leadership from the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB) and other federal, state and local officials to celebrate the grand opening of the East Palestine Resiliency Center.
The 3,300-square-foot facility provides a centralized location for holistic support and resiliency services for area residents and first responders affected by the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment.
“From the very beginning, we’ve said the State of Ohio is committed to supporting the people of East Palestine for as long as they need us, and the opening of this new Resiliency Center is another example of how we’re delivering on that promise,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The center will offer mental health supports that we know are crucial for people after experiencing a disaster. It will stand as a beacon of hope and strength, providing the tools and resources needed for this community to recover stronger than ever.”
“Today marks an important step in this community’s path to recovery,” said Director Cornyn. “More than 17 months after the derailment, the people of East Palestine are standing tall. This center is symbolic of the incredible resiliency they’ve shown when faced with adversity, and it will undoubtedly strengthen the spirit of this community for years to come.”
In the wake of the February 2023 disaster, OhioMHAS applied for two emergency response grants totaling more than $1 million from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The first grant ($209,402) provided immediate mental health support, while the second grant ($879,509) was dedicated to establishing long-term services, including mental health and substance use treatment, counseling and other therapeutic approaches.
Norfolk Southern provided funds to CCMHRSB to purchase and renovate the former doctor’s office located at 50410 state Route 14 in Unity Township into the new Resiliency Center. Renovation work began in late fall 2023 and included the addition of a new roof and extensive interior work. The total cost of the building and renovation project exceeded $600,000. In addition, furnishings and equipment for the center were included in the SAMHSA grant funding secured by OhioMHAS.
The Resiliency Center offers a wide array of free services to those who either lived in the affected Ohio ZIP code areas (44413, 44441, 44445 or 44455), were employed in the village at the time of the derailment or who served as a first responder involved with disaster response efforts. In addition to mental health and substance use disorder treatment, the center will offer individual, family, and group counseling; support groups; educational sessions; creative and culinary arts therapies; animal therapy; and meditation, yoga and tai chi, among other services.
“Everybody has their own way to heal, which is why we are so excited about the Resiliency Center,” said CCMHRSB Executive Director Marcy Patton. “Not everyone may want to do talk therapy, but they may find yoga or a chair massage to be really helpful. The center opens up possibilities for different options for dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or trauma.”
All services are confidential and provided by independently licensed practitioners. In addition, a Community Navigator is available to assist individuals who are unsure where to start or need guidance with accessing resources, and a Community Educator provides outreach and education services. Telehealth services and transportation assistance to counseling are also available.
While CCMHRSB will oversee the center, the project is a collaborative effort with many partners. Current partner agencies and programs include: The Counseling Center, Family Recovery Center, Columbiana County OSU Extension Office, East Liverpool City Hospital, the Columbiana County Mobile Crisis Response Team and numerous independent contractors. Additional partners will be added as programs expand.
“The East Palestine Resiliency Center represents our commitment to long-term support and assistance for the community,” said Patton. “Resilience means getting back up when life knocks you down, and we’re here to lend people a helping hand to get them back on their feet.”
While today was about commemorating the creation of a permanent Resiliency Center, more than 3,000 East Palestine community members have already been connected to supports through the emergency response grant secured by OhioMHAS. These dollars have enabled CCMHRSB to meet the needs of local residents by:
• Hiring a Community Navigator to connect individuals with appropriate support, resources, and referrals.
• Hosting numerous community outreach events.
• Establishing Camp Braveheart for first responders and their families to address trauma-related behavioral health concerns.
• Adding a crisis peer supporter within the East Palestine Police Department.
• Expanding a therapeutic community garden where residents grow and harvest fresh produce and learn how to prepare nutritious meals.
“Preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters and traumatic events is essential to the behavioral health of individuals and communities alike,” said Director Cornyn. “We are proud to partner with CCMHRSB to make this center a reality and know it will help individuals and families receive the support they need – when they need it.”
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