Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital (OLBH) located in Russell, Ky announced in Jan 2020 it will be closing its doors by Sept 2020 and my community deserves answers!

Founded in 1953 with only 92 beds, OLBH has grown to a 214 bed hospital, complete with Emergency services, surgery, and outreach facilities. While helping our community with its health care needs, OLBH also employs over 1,000 people.

In Sept 2018, OLBH announced finalizing a merger with Mercy Health. In a press release Mercy Health stated “The combined ministry will create opportunities for deepening it’s commitment to the communities it serves and expanding into complementary service areas across the country.” (Ironton Tribune Press Release Sept 2018)

Mercy Health CEO John M Starcher Jr announced closing OLBH by Sept 2020 in Jan. Within 24 hours of making this announcement, the CEO also announced “Mercy Health should top $10 Billion in revenue this year.” (Cincinnati Business Courier Jan 2020)

$10 BILLION IN REVENUE WHILE CRIPPLING MY COMMUNITY WITH THE CLOSURE OF OLBH??

The mayor of Russell, Ky has already announced it will not have Railroad Days this summer, a historical festival for the community with music, food and games, due to the Economic Impact of OLBH closing.

With this petition, I hope to reach Mercy Health CEO John M Starcher Jr, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Kentucky State Representative Thomas Massie, AND/OR Kentucky Junior Senator Rand Paul.

Please come together to resolve this issue. Closing OLBH, losing the health care needed for our community, and losing over 1,000 jobs is not the answer!