Our hospital system has never seen a pandemic of this nature, so our response has to be unlike anything we’ve ever done before. Ohio has pulled resources and experts from multiple perspectives to combat this issue.

Major hospitals and medical systems have put plans in place for expanding their capacity within their own facilities, or have collaborated on facilities. We have also been building a plan to expand health care at alternative sites.

Representatives from health care systems, local governments, county emergency management agencies, state agencies, the @OHNationalGuard, among others, have teamed up in regions of the state to look at buildings that can support large numbers of patients.

After visiting various locations and assessing for things, such as distance to an existing hospital, conditions safe for patients and health care professionals, and space to meet the region’s expected needs, the following sites have been selected:

1. Seagate Convention Center, Lucas Co
2. Case Western University’s Health Education Campus, Cuyahoga Co
3. Dayton Convention Center, Montgomery Co
4. Covelli Convention Ctr, Mahoning Co
5. Duke Energy Convention Ctr, Hamilton Co
6. Greater Columbus Convention Ctr, Franklin Co

Assessments of other sites will continue, as we look for additional space, should it be needed.

Health care regions in southern and southeastern Ohio have determined the existing hospital facilities in their areas will, with additional equipment, be able to handle the surge in patients without going to an off-site location.