Dear Editor,

A milestone event recently occurred on Thursday, Feb. 4, at 11 a.m. with the reopening of the refurbished East Ohio Regional Hospital in Martins Ferry, which had successfully met the health care needs of area residents for well over a century until its most unfortunate closing in the fall of 2019, is now, thankfully, back in business.

Kudos and much gratitude is due to the new owner of East Ohio Regional Hospital, Dr. John Johnson, a very prominent psychiatrist and businessman from the Dayton, Ohio area, who purchased the facility from its former owner Alecto Health Care Services of California in May 2020, and for his investment of a great deal of money in preparation of the hospital’s reopening and renewed service to the community.

In addition, the operation of the facility has been placed in the very capable hands of Mr. Bernie Albertini, who served EORH previously in an administrative capacity, in the position of chief operating officer.

It is also quite encouraging that many former employees have returned to work, and that the hospital will employ approximately 400 people in total.

Many thanks to Dr. Johnson, as well as all those who worked so diligently to affect this significant achievement, including Martins Ferry’s Mayor John Davis, members of his administration, council members, Reverend William Webster, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry, who also serves as chaplain for the hospital, as well as all others who assisted in his laudable endeavor.

Also, I am convinced that the reopening of East Ohio Regional Hospital will lead to even more business coming to Martins Ferry.

Recently, the Martins Ferry business community has grown to include the new facility for the Dollar General Store, as well as new businesses such as Belmont Brewerks, The Dollar Tree, M&C Boutique, the Wishing Well, and the soon-to-be opening, Tokyo Hibachi Restaurant located in the city.

This is, indeed, a great time for the city of Martins Ferry, and I, as a lifelong resident, am encouraged and believe that the future of the city will continue to improve even further.

Many thanks to one and all!

Richard Hord

Martins Ferry