Ohio and Pennsylvania residents affected by toxic train derailment offered FREE health checks

All visitors to East Palestine’s health clinic will have their vital signs taken and be medically examined by a doctor, Ohio’s Department of Health (ODH) has announced.

Initially only meant for residents of East Palestine, around 22,000 people from surrounding areas will be now offered free health checks.

The clinic, which only opened yesterday, is fully booked until Friday.

Residents have been reporting a wave of sickness despite officials ruling there were no health hazards detected in the town’s water or air. Some reported burning eyes, loose stool and headaches since the crash.

Donald Trump has visited East Palestine today — 19 days after the catastrophic toxic train derailment. 

A poison-control hotline has also been introduced for East Palestine residents only, which can be accessed on 1-877-603-0170.

Mental health nurses and a toxicologist remain available at the clinic for additional consultation.

Physicians from East Liverpool City Hospital have been drafted in to help the clinic, located inside the First Church of Christ, 20 W. Martin St in East Palestine.

Two assessment rooms inside the church are A mobile unit outside the church, run by the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, will offer more appointments.

Initially meant for East Palestine residents with medical questions or concerns, the clinic expanded its reach shortly after opening, but prioritized those closest to the disaster.  

All those who attend will have their temperature, pulse rate and breathing rate taken as well as a medical examination. Referrals will be made as necessary. 

ODH director Dr Bruce Vanderhoff said: ‘We have been working to bring additional medical resources to the community as quickly as possible.

‘I am pleased we now can offer people a more complete medical evaluation.’

Fifty Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train cars carrying toxic vinyl chloride derailed in Columbiana County at around 9pm on Friday, February 3.

A controlled release of the cancer-causing chemicals was done by the railroad company on Monday February 6 to avert a possible explosion. 

Hundreds of East Palestine residents were evacuated from their homes prior to the release but were told on February 8 it was safe for them to return. Many are doubtful it is given their symptoms.

It later emerged that three other dangerous chemicals — ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene — were also in the rail cars.