EAST PALESTINE –The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB) is invited the public to the grand opening celebration of the East Palestine Resiliency Center on July 15.

The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. with a welcome and remarks from special guests, followed by the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Following the ceremony, tours of the facility will be offered during an open house from 2 to 5 p.m.

Located at 50410 state Route 14 in Unity Township, just outside of East Palestine, the 3,300 square foot facility is a testament to community resilience and collaboration. The Center, housed in a renovated former doctor’s office, aims to provide a centralized location for holistic support and resiliency services to those affected by the February 2023 train derailment.

Project Background

The East Palestine Resiliency Project emerged as a response to the Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that occurred on Feb. 3, 2023. The incident –which affected about 50 of the train’s 150 cars, including 20 carrying hazardous materials –had a significant impact on the local community and environment.

In the wake of this disaster, the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OMHAS) applied for two emergency response grants on behalf of the CCMHRSB through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The first grant of $209,402 provided immediate mental health support, while the second grant of $879,509 was dedicated to establishing long-term services for those impacted by the rail disaster.

When considering the ways to best use the funds, CCMHRSB staff surveyed many of the people impacted — residents who were living at or near ground zero, school personnel, and the health care professionals and first responders who rushed to the front lines. Through these conversations, some common themes emerged — the need for activities and services to promote holistic supports, reduce stress and anxiety, and foster resiliency. “As we started talking about what our response should look like, we realized we needed a centralized place to offer services, so we didn’t have to send people to multiple locations,” said Marcy Patton, Executive Director of the CCMHRSB.

Facility and Funding

The idea of such a facility became a reality when a building was located just outside the village in Unity Township. After contacting Norfolk Southern about the need, they agreed to provide funding for CCMHRSB to purchase and renovate the building, along with local funding. The renovations, which began in late fall 2023, included a new roof by Mike Fisher Roofing and extensive interior work by Witmer’s Construction and its subcontractors. Total cost of the building and renovation project is over $600,000. In addition, furnishings and equipment for the building were included in the SAMHSA grant funding.

Patton acknowledged that the board is very appreciative and grateful for Norfolk Southern’s help with funding for the building but emphasized that all the services being provided at the Resiliency Center are funded through the grant.

Services Offered

The Resiliency Center is offering a wide range of services, all free of charge to eligible individuals while funding permits. These include: –Mental health and substance use disorder treatment, including EMDR

–Individual, family, and group counseling

–Support groups

–Educational sessions

–Meditation, yoga, and tai chi

–Creative arts therapies

–Chair massage

–Pet therapy (including regular visits from Cedric, the therapy dog)

–Culinary art therapy

–Computer stations for vocational and navigator assistance and more.

“Everybody has their own way to heal, which is why we are so excited about the Resiliency Center,” said 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.”

Dianah Fabry, East Palestine Resiliency Project, also stressed that 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.

Eligibility

Services at the Resiliency Center are offered free of charge 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 were a first responder who assisted with the response.

Partnerships

While the CCMHRSB is overseeing the East Palestine Resiliency Center, the entire 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.”

For more information about the East Palestine Resiliency Center or the grand opening celebration, please call The East Palestine Resiliency Center at 330-718-8260 or contact: Lynsi Beagle, Director of Prevention and Outreach, 330-424-0195 x108, lbeagle@ccmhrsb.org

About the Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board:

The Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board (CCMHRSB) has been serving the residents of Columbiana County since 1969. CCMHRSB plans, funds, and monitors a comprehensive system of mental health and substance use services for both children and adults. The Board contracts with service agencies to provide treatment and support for individuals with mental health and substance use challenges. Public accountability is ensured through a diverse governing board composed of professionals, family members, civic leaders, and individuals in recovery.

For more information, visit www.ccmhrsb.org or follow us on Facebook by searching for “Columbiana County Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.”