New first responders' wellness center gains financial support
POLAND TWP., Ohio (WKBN) — Poland Township has partnered with Boardman in support of a new wellness center for Mahoning County first responders.
Poland Township Board of Trustees Chairman Eric Ungaro announced Thursday they've partnered with Boardman Township in providing financial support to the wellness center.
The Clarence R. Smith, Mahoning Valley First Responders Wellness Center will provide a centralized space to support the mental health of police, fire, EMS and dispatch personnel.
'This partnership reflects our deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by first responders and their families,' said Poland Township police Chief Greg Wilson. 'By joining forces with Boardman Township, we are taking a proactive step in ensuring that those who protect and serve our communities receive the support they deserve.'
The center will serve the 58 responder agencies in Mahoning County and, eventually, agencies in Trumbull and Columbiana counties as well. The goal is to have the center up and running by National First Responders Day on Oct. 24.
The financial contribution from Poland Township will help expand the center's services, enhance outreach efforts, and ensure that first responders have access to specialized care. The collaboration sets a precedent for other local governments, fostering a regional commitment to first responder wellness, according to a release from the township.
The center is named after Clarence Smith, who donated the property to the township upon his death.
Abigail Cloutier contributed to this report.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
YSU launches new health management degree
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Youngstown State University is launching a new, fully online Associate of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) degree. The first class will start this fall through the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services and is designed to meet the rising demand for skilled professionals. According to National Labor Data, the field is projected to grow by 8% through 2029. The curriculum will include preparation for varying certifications and a practicum experience. 'This program was developed with a clear purpose: to prepare students for the future of healthcare,' said Sara Michaliszyn, dean of the Bitonte College of Health and Human Services, in a news release. 'We're combining flexible online learning with certification preparation, applied learning and career-aligned pathways. It's a comprehensive approach to supporting the next generation of health information professionals.' Applications are now open for the fall class. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the HIM program page. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Locals walk to find cure for rare autoimmune disease
BOARDMAN, Ohio (WKBN) — Locals took a step toward finding a cure for a rare autoimmune disease on Saturday. About 150 people took part in the 22nd annual Stepping Out to Cure Scleroderma Walk at Boardman Park. The walk is hosted by the Lower Great Lakes Chapter of the National Scleroderma Foundation. It's the chapter's biggest event of the year to raise money and awareness for the disease. 'It's a rare autoimmune disease, and there are many different cases and journeys. Everyone's journey is different, and what it does — there's two different cases. It can attack the internal organs and also your skin as well,' said Dionna Bartos, executive director for the Lower Great Lakes Chapter of the National Scleroderma Foundation. The money raised through the walk will go to advance medical research, promote awareness of scleroderma and provide support for patients and their families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Is your child's life jacket the right one?
(WKBN) – It's that time of year when families are enjoying the summer heat around water. It's a fun time, but it also comes with the potential for danger. Making sure that kids have the right personal flotation device (PFD) around water and on boats is imperative. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the second-leading cause of death in children is drowning, after other unintentional injuries. According to the Coast Guard, for a PFD to work right, it must fit snugly on a child. Any Coast Guard-approved life vest will come with an age range listed on it. Make sure you try it on and buckle all the parts provided. Then, lift the child up by the life jacket around the shoulder area. If the child's shoulders or mouth slip through, it's too big. Make sure to let your child practice wearing the PFD in calm water or a swimming pool. This is a good time to test out the PFD to make sure it's the right design and fit. Some children float best in one style, while others will float better in another. Also, check out your PFD every year to make sure there isn't any wear and tear that could compromise its flotation ability. Arm floats, floaties and other water toys should never replace a PFD. Sometimes, water toys can give parents a false sense of security but these inflatables can restrict movement, give unbalanced support and easily slip off. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
