HOWLAND TWP., Ohio - The halls of Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital have been empty since March 2025. Now, the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA) is advocating for the nurses who previously worked there.

In a letter addressed to Insight Health and the Trumbull County commissioners, the union called for greater transparency and accountability from both parties.

"If you're having conversations and you're making plans and you're not including us--you're cutting out the most important piece for success. And so we need a seat at the table and a meaningful voice as this all moves forward."  Rick Lucas, President and Executive Director of the ONA said. 

Lucas told 21 News that while the 16 nurses who were employed at the hospital before its closure have found new jobs, they still wish to return to work at the facility. 

"Those nurses have a really strong tie to the community and to that hospital. Like I said, they've spent their entire careers. There are many of them, and so they want to come back to that hospital." Lucas said. 

A spokesperson for Insight stated, "Insight is working diligently to attain the Hillside Medicare provider number as was recently
accomplished for the Trumbull acute care hospital. We will have more information in the coming weeks as we coordinate with the regulatory authorities, union leaders, and government agencies."

Despite that statement Lucas stated that Insight needs to communicate directly with the union so they can move forward successfully. 

Lucas said that Insight must communicate directly with the union to move forward successfully.