May 14, 2025
“The citizens of Mahoning Valley deserve answers, and we must work collectively to ensure that such closures are not allowed to proceed without rigorous scrutiny.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Rep. Dave Joyce (R-Ohio) and Rep. Michael Rulli (R-Ohio) today wrote to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about potential misconduct related to the recent closures of Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital.
The lawmakers alerted Bondi to concerns about the potential misuse of public funds and lack of clear, accurate communications from Steward Health Care to local officials and hospital staff.
“The closures resulted in the loss of Trumbull County’s sole behavioral health provider, which has hindered thousands of Mahoning Valley residents—particularly those living in underserved and rural areas—from accessing this necessary health care. . . . In addition to the loss of access to care, nearly 700 Trumbull County staff were abruptly placed on furlough. The lack of transparency in the decision-making process, and the apparent disregard for community impact, have raised serious concerns that warrant independent scrutiny,” wrote the lawmakers.
“We are deeply troubled by reports indicating that the closures are due to the bankruptcy of the hospitals’ parent company, Steward Health Care, and a subsequent disagreement over a Transition Services Agreement (TSA) with Insight Health Systems, the hospitals’ new owner,” they continued.
“Given your experience and ongoing advocacy for public accountability, we respectfully ask that your office or an appropriate investigative body consider evaluating the legality of the events that led to the subsequent closures,” explained the policymakers.
“If fraud or abuse played any part in this outcome, it is essential that those responsible be held accountable. The citizens of Mahoning Valley deserve answers, and we must work collectively to ensure that such closures are not allowed to proceed without rigorous scrutiny,” they concluded.
The letter copied Ohio Attorney General David Yost.
Background:
On August 21, 2024, Steward Health Care announced the closure of both Trumbull Regional Medical Center and Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital.
The shutdown was paused when Insight Health Systems submitted its intention to purchase the hospitals and become the interim operator in September 2024.
In March 2025, Insight announced the closure of both facilities.
The full letter is here.