It took long enough, but last week federal officials announced there are finally plans for long-term study of the possible health outcomes after the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine. The National Institutes of Health is launching a five-year, $10 million research initiative.

In announcing the effort, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. thanked Vice President J.D. Vance for continuing to press the matter.

“You helped drive the first large-scale, coordinated, multi-year federal study dedicated to the long-term health effects of the East Palestine, Ohio disaster,” Kennedy said. “The people of East Palestine have a right to clear, science-backed answers about the impact on their health.”

Once officials have reviewed different types of studies and community activities, research is expected to begin this fall. It’s hard not to wonder how much data has been lost as we are nearly two-and-a-half years out from a Norfolk Southern derailment of cars carrying chemicals including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol and benzene residue. Controlled burns after the derailment raised concerns about the release of hydrogen chloride and phosgene as well.

“NIH is working to ensure that the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities are listened to, cared for, and get the answers they deserve,” NIH Director Jay Bhattacharya said.

It is unsettling to think how many families have had to go this long without believing that was the case.

“This funding will enable the people of East Palestine to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that any potential for long-term health effects will be studied by the scientists at the National Institutes of Health,” said Gov. Mike DeWine.

We must hope that, should that study reveal damage has been done that warrants medical and financial support, there will be some measure in place to ensure affected residents get it. Though it may argue all that has already been settled, Norfolk Southern must remember it made a vow to “make it right in East Palestine.”

All that is to come, however. For now, as research proposals are gathered and the NIH considers next steps, perhaps East Palestine residents are able, at last, to hope better answers and better help are on the way.