Darlington Township, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Acting Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen recently met with staff and residents at the Health Resource Center established by the Shapiro Administration two weeks ago to assist people in the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3.
“As a health care provider myself, I know that it takes time and positive experiences to earn people’s trust, and the Administration is committed to doing just that,” Dr. Bogen said after talking to staff and residents at the Health Resource Center. “We are fortunate to have here at our Center a variety of local resources that the community knows, and trusts.”
Dr. Bogen specifically recognized the team of health care practitioners from the Primary Health Network, Beaver County Behavioral Health Services, along with local pastors from Beaver County Christians United, and volunteers from the State Medical Assistance Team who are assisting with clinical care services.
The Health Resource Center has served more than 500 residents since it opened February 28. In addition to receiving clinical care services, residents can meet with staff from the Pennsylvania Departments of Agriculture and Environmental Protection (DEP) who are on site answering questions about pets, farm animals, and air, soil, and water quality testing, respectively.
The Center is open March 15, from 10:00 AM until 7:00 PM, and Thursday, March 16, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, at the Darlington Township Building, 3590 Darlington Rd., Darlington, PA 16115.
DOH staff is continuing to conduct the Assessment of Chemical Exposure (ACE) survey among residents and first responders living near the derailment. The surveys help residents identify symptoms, experiences, and concerns about the impact of the train derailment on their lives.
PEMA has established an online dashboard where the public can find one-stop-shop information on air and water testing, health resources, cleaning services, how to get in touch with Norfolk Southern, and much more.
MEDIA CONTACT: Mark O'Neill - ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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