Since January 2020, the Borough of Ellwood City and the surrounding communities have been without a hospital—an absence that has created significant challenges for residents who rely on timely, accessible emergency care. When Jeff Foley assumed the role of Borough Manager in late April 2026, he made the restoration of local healthcare services his first priority.
Immediately upon taking office, Foley contacted the offices of Rep. Mike Kelly and Rep. Aaron Bernstine to seek federal and state support. Through multiple meetings and ongoing discussions, momentum began to build. Foley then asked Nick Genova to form a Citizen Committee composed of former Ellwood City Hospital staff, doctors, and community stakeholders dedicated to exploring viable paths forward.
Last week, the newly formed Committee met with representatives from both Rep. Kelly’s and Rep. Bernstine’s offices. The discussion centered on the urgent need for 24/7 emergency care in the region and the critical condition of the former hospital building, which has sat vacant for nearly seven years. Without heat or maintenance, winter weather has increasingly damaged both the interior and exterior of the structure.
“The area is too large not to have this type of care,” Foley emphasized. “We need to do something now.”
The Borough Manager and Citizen Committee will meet at least monthly to ensure steady progress and to demonstrate the community’s commitment to restoring essential medical services. Their goal is clear: to bring emergency care back to Ellwood City and to secure a sustainable future for the former hospital site.
Residents interested in participating or learning more about the Committee’s work are encouraged to email jfoley@ellwoodcityborough.com.
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