WARREN, Ohio - Mercy Health may relocate Warren’s St. Joseph Hospital from Downtown Warren as part of its plans to establish a health care facility on an expanded Kent State University Trumbull Campus in Champion.

The health care facilities would be built on 63 acres adjacent to the Trumbull Campus which Mercy says it intends to acquire from Kent State University, which bought the property last month.

The new health care campus may include the relocation of St. Joseph Warren Hospital as its current location remains landlocked and not able to support the expansion necessary to enhance care within Trumbull County, according to a statement from Kent State and  Mercy Health.

Mercy says the land purchase and partnership will add courses Kent State nursing students take at Mercy Health’s Trumbull County facilities, to include new practicum and clinical and internship opportunities for students pursuing associate degrees in radiologic and imaging sciences technology, physical therapy assistant technology, occupational therapy assistant technology, respiratory therapy technology, and mammography certification.

“Our focus has always been and continues to be on our patients and their families,” said John Luellen, M.D., market president, Mercy Health – Youngstown. “Collaboration remains a cornerstone in fostering community development and we are grateful to work with another local organization to further provide care within Trumbull County.”

Kent State President Todd Diacon, Ph.D., said part of the university’s mission is to serve as an engaged community partner to enhance the quality of life in Northeast Ohio and beyond.

“Our mission is carried out by forming strong community partnerships with institutions and organizations to help create opportunities for learning for Kent State students and to provide a well-trained workforce for the region we serve,” Diacon said. “We enjoy strong partnerships with several health care institutions across the region. This partnership with Mercy Health provides a stellar opportunity for Kent State to offer expanded learning experiences for our students in nursing and various allied health programs.”

Mercy Health said the land purchase was based on several criteria including infrastructure, environmental, and community impact.