Campaign under way to stop Forum Health sale of Hillside Rehab hospital

WARREN — Trumbull County community, business and labor leaders have pledged to mount a grass-roots campaign to stop Forum Health from selling Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital in Howland.

The Forum Board of Trustees is scheduled to discuss at its meeting this evening whether to go forward with its plan to sell Hillside, according to Trish Hrina, Forum spokeswoman.

In a statement issued by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Ohio Council 8, the union said it has learned that Forum trustees will vote tonight to approve a “letter of intent” with nursing home operator John DiPizzo allowing him to inspect the facility and offer a bid for its purchase. AFSCME represents employees at the hospital.